[History of Cañadilla School of Medicine]

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Architectural History

Context:

• The Cañadilla School of Medicine of the University of Chile was inaugurated during President Jose Manuel Balmaceda Fernández's administration (1886-1891).
• The school was situated north of the San Vicente de Paul Hospital's men's section.
• This significant institution educated sixty generations of physicians.

Purpose:

• To document the history and significance of the Cañadilla School of Medicine building.
• To record the architectural features and legacy of the medical school.
• To mark the transition from the old faculty building to the new one.

Summary:

• The Cañadilla School of Medicine, a landmark institution, was inaugurated between 1886-1891.
• The building, known for its Doric columns, served as a vital center for medical education for decades.
• A devastating fire on December 2, 1948, led to the destruction of the original building.

Impact:

• The fire marked the end of an era for the University of Chile's medical faculty.
• The event paved the way for the establishment of a new Faculty of Medicine.
• The resilience of the institution is highlighted by its emergence from the ashes of the fire.