MATER Corporation awarded scholarships in recognition of volunteers from the Chilean Society of Pediatric Surgery

The work of volunteer doctors is at the heart of Corporación MATER, because it allows us to fulfill our purpose of providing timely, quality healthcare, shortening the wait times for hundreds of children throughout Chile, as well as demonstrating the impact that collaboration can achieve.

That is why, during the meeting of the Chilean Society of Pediatric Surgery, we were delighted to award two scholarships in recognition of surgeons who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to children and to timely access to healthcare.

These scholarships seek to highlight the work of those who actively participate in the Crecer Sin Espera program, and this year they were awarded to Dr. Hugo Urrutia, a pediatric surgeon, and Dr. Enzo Cordonier, a pediatric surgery fellow. These scholarships will allow them to attend a course or conference of their choice in 2026, contributing to their professional development and strengthening pediatric care in Chile.

Dr. Renato Gana has been associated with Corporación Mater since its inception. As a pediatric urologist, he participated in the first surgical campaigns and has been part of an initiative that aims to provide specialized surgery to children living in regions where treating certain conditions can be much more difficult.

More than 50 children were able to undergo surgery thanks to new medical campaigns organized by Corporación MATER in collaboration with local health services and various partner institutions.

The MATER Children's Kidney Foundation brought together those who helped it take its first steps to thank them for three decades of support, solidarity, and work on behalf of children throughout Chile.

Dr. José Manuel Escala is the founder and president of Corporación Mater. As the organization marks its 30th anniversary, we sat down with him to discuss its origins, its major achievements, and the need to carry this work forward—a conversation in which he also acknowledges and thanks those who have played a vital role along the way.

For the past four years, Constanza Olivares has been the coordinator of highly complex surgical operations carried out by the MATER Corporation throughout Chile. A nurse and midwife by profession, she speaks of her work with conviction and gratitude: "The Corporation has allowed me to develop not only professionally, but also to provide more care to patients. And that, for me, is tremendously satisfying."

Anesthesiologist Virginia Montecinos has just completed ten operations as a volunteer at Corporación Mater. This number speaks to her perseverance, but above all, her conviction. We spoke with her to find out what motivated her to join, what she has learned along the way, and why, in her opinion, volunteering not only transforms the lives of children and their families, but also those who participate in it.

MATER Corporation awarded scholarships in recognition of volunteers from the Chilean Society of Pediatric Surgery

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