History and projection of university extension at the Medical University of Villa Clara

Abstract

Background: It is a social responsibility of universities to materialize, through its programs of university extension, the preservation, development and promotion of culture as expression of its three substantive functions: teaching, research and university extension in dialectical interrelation. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study about university extension in the Medical University of Villa Clara was conducted with the aim of describing its historical evolution and current projections. Theoretical and empirical methods were used, among the latter: documentary analysis of programs, methodological guidelines, labor agreements, minutes and reports of department meetings and papers on the history of the institution. In addition, interviews with founder teachers and heads of department were conducted. Results: As a result of this investigative process, the achievements of university extension are shown, as well as the current program, which contains general elements suggested by the Ministry of Higher Education as a starting point for its preparation, but in correspondence with the strategic planning of this university. Conclusions: The university extension work at Medical University of Villa Clara is carried out through projects and community actions with the aim of solving social problems, and has achieved satisfactory and encouraging results in all its actions.