{"id":107702,"date":"2026-04-23T19:26:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T19:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uss.cl\/noticias\/alumni-uss-doctorado-oxford\/"},"modified":"2026-06-18T19:38:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T19:38:54","slug":"uss-graduate-oxford","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.uss.cl\/en\/noticias\/uss-graduate-oxford\/","title":{"rendered":"USS Graduate Admitted to PhD Program at the University of Oxford"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez, a graduate of Universidad San Sebasti\u00e1n and specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been admitted to the PhD in Women\u2019s and Reproductive Health program at the University of Oxford, where he will conduct research on maternal health from a public health and health economics perspective.<\/h3>\n

\"Alumni<\/p>\n

Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez,<\/strong> a graduate of Universidad San Sebasti\u00e1n\u00a0<\/a> (USS) and specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/strong>, has been admitted to the PhD in Women\u2019s and Reproductive Health<\/a> program at the University of Oxford<\/a>. Beginning in September 2026, he will conduct research on maternal health from a public health and health economics perspective.<\/p>\n

A significant academic milestone, Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez, a graduate of the USS School of Medicine, will begin his doctoral studies at the University of Oxford in September 2026 through the Nuffield Department of Women\u2019s & Reproductive Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In recognition of this achievement, Fern\u00e1ndez recently visited the Ciudad Universitaria Campus, where he met with USS Board Chair Dr. Carlos Vio, Director of International Affairs Dr. Ana Luz Dur\u00e1n, and General Director of Student Affairs Ronny Bravo. During the meeting, he shared his academic journey and discussed his future research plans.<\/p>\n

\u201cNicol\u00e1s\u2019s academic trajectory reflects the potential of our graduates to contribute to the future development of the university, particularly in strategic areas such as public health and chronic disease research,\u201d said Dr. Carlos Vio.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt USS, we have an accredited PhD program in Chronic Diseases that addresses major health challenges, including sex- and gender-related differences in disease and their public health implications. We are creating the conditions that will allow talented graduates such as Nicol\u00e1s to return and contribute through research, innovation, and academic training,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Research Focus and Future Academic Development<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Beginning in October 2026, Fern\u00e1ndez will conduct research on maternal obesity, examining the issue through epidemiological and health economics approaches.<\/p>\n

His work will seek to estimate the burden of maternal obesity and evaluate cost-effective interventions for pregnant populations using Chilean data. The goal is to generate evidence that contributes to reducing maternal obesity and preventing its intergenerational transmission.<\/p>\n

His admission to the University of Oxford represents an important opportunity to advance research on maternal health and public policy in a field of growing national and international relevance.<\/p>\n

The project builds upon his master\u2019s thesis in Epidemiology, where he first explored the relationship between maternal obesity and its transmission across generations. His doctoral research will expand this work by incorporating analytical tools and public health perspectives into an increasingly important area of global research.<\/p>\n

Bridging Clinical Practice and Public Health<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Throughout his professional career, Fern\u00e1ndez has combined clinical practice with teaching and research, developing a strong interest in maternal health, health inequities, and evidence-based public policy.<\/p>\n

His growing interest in the connection between clinical care and population-level decision-making led him to specialize in data analysis and health intervention evaluation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI realized that the impact of patient-by-patient care, while meaningful, is more limited than the potential impact of research and public policy. Through this work, I hope to contribute to improving health outcomes at a population level,\u201d Fern\u00e1ndez explained.<\/p>\n

He also emphasized the importance of building a consistent academic trajectory and participating in extracurricular and international experiences, both of which are essential when applying to highly competitive postgraduate programs.<\/p>\n

International Experience and Future Perspectives<\/strong><\/h4>\n

During his studies at USS, Fern\u00e1ndez participated in programs offered by Fundaci\u00f3n Bot\u00edn, an experience that expanded his international outlook and connected him with global academic networks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bot\u00edn Scholarship opens doors to countless international opportunities. It also connects you with a network of people pursuing postgraduate studies at institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, and Yale, which motivates you to pursue similar goals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

These experiences played an important role in shaping his academic development and strengthening his interest in research with a direct impact on public health and policymaking.<\/p>\n

Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez\u2019s academic journey reflects a path that combines clinical training, research excellence, and international experience. His admission to one of the world\u2019s leading universities highlights the potential of USS graduates to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of solutions to today\u2019s most pressing health challenges.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"cuatro<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez, a graduate of Universidad San Sebasti\u00e1n and specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been admitted to the PhD in Women\u2019s and Reproductive Health program at the University of Oxford, where he will conduct research on maternal health from a public health and health economics perspective. Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez, a graduate of Universidad San Sebasti\u00e1n\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","headquarters":[13],"faculty":[232],"other_categories":[185,74,110,147],"class_list":["post-107702","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry","headquarters-santiago","faculty-medicina","other_categories-direccion-de-internacionalizacion","other_categories-egresados","other_categories-noticias-2","other_categories-relaciones-internacionales"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nUSS Graduate Admitted to PhD Program at the University of Oxford<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez has been admitted to the University of Oxford\u2019s PhD program in Women\u2019s and Reproductive Health.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uss.cl\/en\/noticias\/uss-graduate-oxford\/\" 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