Experience of Extension Curricularization in the Medical Program of the National University of Río Negro

Abstract

University outreach, as a core function of higher education alongside teaching and research, has gained increas
ing relevance in recent years. In particular, its formal integration into the curricula of Health Sciences programs—
known as extension curricularization—poses a strategic and pedagogical challenge with high transformative po
tential. This study analyzes the implementation of this strategy in the recently created Medicine program at the
Andean Campus of the National University of Río Negro, in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, using a mixed-meth
ods design. Institutional documents were examined and surveys were administered to students to assess their
perception of the contribution of the Fieldwork course to the learning process. The results show a positive eval
uation, with an average agreement level of 78.4%, reinforcing the effectiveness of the territorial approach as a
training tool. However, variations between cohorts and curricular units were observed, indicating the need for a
situated pedagogical review. It is concluded that the curricularization of extension supports the comprehensive
education of future health professionals by articulating academic knowledge with the social issues of the territory.