Last Tuesday, April 14, the 5th Girona Research Day for Residents was held at the Girona Conference Centre. This event brings together healthcare professionals in residency from different healthcare centers across the province of Girona. This year’s edition focused on the importance of research to improve service quality and the role of young talent as future professionals and experts in the sector.
The event, promoted by the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (Idibgi), was organized in collaboration with Hospital Trueta, the Institute of Healthcare Assistance, Primary Care of the Catalan Health Institute in Girona, the Empordà Health Foundation, the Integrated Health Services of Baix Empordà, the Health Corporation of Maresme and La Selva, the Olot and Garrotxa Regional Hospital Foundation, Girona City Council, and the Auditorium–Conference Centre.
Data protection and AI focusing on research
The event featured the participation of Míriam Méndez, Head of Research at the Health Data Protection Officer’s Office, who highlighted key considerations for the use of AI-based tools in research, such as using institutional environments or verifying results. Emphasis was placed on the importance of not including personal data, in line with the current regulatory framework on AI.
This contribution took place within the round table “AI in research: tool, copilot or substitute?”, a discussion moderated by Dr. Alberto Zamora, with contributions from Mariona Vilar, a primary care nurse specialized in family and community nursing with training in artificial intelligence, and Albert Sabater, Serra Húnter Professor of Sociology, director of the Chair-Observatory of Ethics in Artificial Intelligence of Catalonia, and rector’s delegate for responsible AI at the University of Girona.
Méndez’s participation highlighted not only the challenges and legal aspects associated with the use of artificial intelligence, but also the opportunities and perspectives for change. These reflections were reinforced by the intervention of Idibgi director Marga Nadal, who emphasized the key role of research in healthcare and stressed the importance of healthcare professionals formulating hypotheses aimed at improving diagnoses and enhancing preventive care for patients.
