2025 News
Surgical insights
Appointment of Dr. Manuel Pera as a full member of the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Catalonia.
On the past June 15th, our honorary president, Dr. Manuel Pera, was appointed as a full member of the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Catalonia, one of the highest recognitions of professional excellence and scientific contribution in the field of medicine.
From the Gimbernat Surgical Association, we are deeply proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Dr. Pera’s career has outstanded due to his tireless dedication to surgery, medical research, and, especially, the training of new generations of physicians. His commitment to Pompeu Fabra University and his constant promotion of surgical education have left an indelible mark on our academic and professional community.
We had the honor of joining him at this significant event, which represents not only a personal milestone in his career but also a source of pride for all of us who have learned from and been inspired by his leadership.
On behalf of all the members of the Gimbernat Surgical Association, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Pera for his dedication, his example, and his contribution to the development of surgery and medical education in our country. We wish him every success in this new chapter as a full member of the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Catalonia, and we are sure that he will continue to contribute his knowledge, experience, and vocation to the service of medicine and society.
Electives talk
On October 15, we had the opportunity to enjoy an insightful talk on the Erasmus-Elective mobility programs, led by Berta Roda and Alexia Jiménez, who shared their firsthand experiences in hospitals in Guildford and Edinburgh.
During the session, they described their clinical and research placements, the surgical and personal learning opportunities they encountered, and offered practical advice for future students interested in taking part in such programs.
We also had the special presence of the Honorary President of the AQG, Manuel Pera, who highlighted the importance of international experiences in medical training and the professional growth of young surgeons.
It was a warm, enriching, and highly inspiring session for all attendees.
XXVII Dr. lino torre memorial
On May 23 at 12 p.m., the Sala Josep Marull hosted the XXVII Dr. Lino Torre Memorial, an event that combined tribute, science, and recognition of excellence in surgical research. As part of the program, the XXVII Dr. Lino Torre Award for Surgical Research was presented, highlighting outstanding contributions and achievements in the field.
The guest of honor was Prof. Pierre-Alain Clavien, an internationally renowned surgeon and scientist, widely recognized as a leader in liver transplantation and a pioneer in developing innovative surgical techniques. During the event, he delivered the lecture “History and development of the CD classification over the years”, offering a comprehensive overview of the evolution of one of the most influential classification systems in modern surgery.
Over the years, the Dr. Lino Torre Memorial has become a key meeting point in the medical and surgical community, providing a space for reflection on scientific advances and clinical practice. The event was accredited by the Consell Català de Formació Continuada de les Professions Sanitàries (CCFCPS) and offered an official attendance certificate with training hours, making it not only an opportunity for scientific exchange but also for recognized professional development.
Prior registration was required to attend the event, ensuring both reserved seating and access to the official attendance certificate.
les bates blanques
On November 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. in room 228, a very special event took place: the presentation of Les bates blanques (The White Coats), a book written by Xavier Giribés i Sala. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009 at the age of 50, Xavier faced the disease with determination, despite doctors giving him only two years to live. He fought for more than seven years and, during that time, decided to record his journey with a double purpose: to share an honest testimony of courage and hope, and to contribute to medical research.
Les bates blanques recounted what it means to live with cancer: the shock of the diagnosis, adapting to a new reality shaped by treatments and surgeries, and the strength to keep going. As Xavier himself wrote: “This book is meant to share my experience with anyone who wants to understand what it’s like to live with cancer.”
The project was entirely charitable. Through a crowdfunding campaign on Verkami, 500 copies of the book were printed. All contributions went toward publishing the book and supporting research on colorectal cancer at the Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol – Can Ruti. The proceeds from sales were dedicated to further advancing this research and supporting new medical initiatives.
The presentation was a meaningful moment — not only because of Xavier’s powerful personal story, but also because of how he transformed his private experience into a legacy of solidarity and hope.
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SCALPEL VI
13/02/2025-14/02/2025
On February 13–14, 2025, the Gimbernat Surgical Society hosted SCALPEL VI: Spain’s only international surgical congress for students by students. The event brought together over 200 attendees from more than 20 countries, establishing itself as a must-attend gathering for future surgeons.
Building on the success of previous editions, SCALPEL VI expanded its reach and strengthened its global presence, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn, exchange knowledge, and connect with experts in the surgical field. With a dynamic and enriching program, this edition became the most exciting and impactful one yet.
A glimpse into the Future of Neurosurgery!
This past Wednesday, March 26th, we had the honor of attending a fascinating talk by Dr. Alberto Di Somma at the Campus del Mar, organized by the Gimbernat Surgical Association (AQG).
Titled “New Approaches in Neurosurgery: Concepts and Overview of the Mini-Invasive Routes”, Dr. Di Somma introduced us to the latest advances in minimally invasive neurosurgery, such as endoscopic transorbital surgery—an innovative technique that allows access to the skull base through the orbit, significantly improving patient recovery and reducing aesthetic impact.
He also shared his impressive career path, from his international training and experience to his current role as a senior neurosurgeon at Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and associate professor at the University of Barcelona. A key figure in neurosurgical research and education around the world.
The following day, Dr. Di Somma generously offered our students the opportunity to attend a neuroanatomy lab session at the Hospital Clínic, where a hands-on anatomy class was held especially for them.
At the Gimbernat Surgical Association, we are truly excited to learn and grow alongside professionals with such a remarkable background and passion as Dr. Di Somma.
Thank you for the inspiration, passion, and shared knowledge!
Soft Tissue Infections
20/0172025
On January 20, Dr. Ana María González Castillo (FEBS, EmSurg) led an engaging session on the surgical management of serious soft tissue infections, focusing on Fournier’s Gangrene. She highlighted the infection’s clinical relevance, particularly in the context of patients treated at Hospital del Mar, due to its rapid progression and severity.
The session covered the incidence and pathogenesis of these infections, emphasizing the conditions that predispose their development. Dr. González detailed the surgical approach, including extensive debridement, controlling affected tissue margins, and the critical importance of timely intervention. She also briefly touched on reconstruction options for post-treatment recovery.
Students from all courses attended, creating a multidisciplinary learning environment. For many, it was their first exposure to handling a critical medical emergency, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in a hospital setting.