The María Cano University Foundation, Cali campus, participated in the National Mental Health Symposium organized by the University Psychiatric Departmental Hospital of Valle. The purpose of this participation was to strengthen research and address the mental health challenges faced by professionals and students in the healthcare sector. This in-person event brought together prominent psychiatrists, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students, with the goal of connecting research to current and relevant mental health issues, providing a space for reflection, analysis, and the development of consensus to improve mental health care in the country.

A wide variety of topics were discussed at the symposium, including key aspects for the wellbeing of the community. The central theme was: Neuropsychiatry in general medical and psychiatric practice.

In this important academic event, eighth-semester physiotherapy students who are completing their clinical practice at the University Psychiatric Departmental Hospital of Valle participated. Professors Wilmer Arley Criollo López and Héctor Yezid Jiménez Moreno accompanied them. Additionally, the Departmental Secretary of Health, María Cristina Lesmes Duque, was present, delivering the opening speech and offering important reflections and contributions on mental health.

The students were motivated and expressed satisfaction with their participation in the National Mental Health Symposium, where they had the opportunity to learn about highly relevant topics for their profession, which will help them enrich their knowledge and skills for treating patients with mental disorders.