Itziar Vergara, an Irundarra with a distinguished career in medicine and research, expresses a mix of excitement and nervousness ahead of the recognition she will receive from all the residents of Irun. Vergara spoke to NOTICIAS DE GIPUZKOA just hours before ascending to the Town Hall balcony to deliver the speech that will open the festivities, a tribute to a lifetime dedicated to medicine.
Vergara admits to feeling "a bit of a scare" and "a great impact" at this moment, but simultaneously "an enormous honor" from the city and its representatives, along with "immense emotion" for it being a very special day for Irun. She has received "tons of expressions of joy and affection" since her selection was announced, making her feel that "the party has already begun for me."
Regarding the recognition of her work in a field "as essential to society as medicine," Vergara emphasizes that "research is what allows us to advance." She highlights the importance of a society that "commits to research, trains people, supports them, and provides infrastructure," as "a society that researches advances, generates knowledge, and improves everything it can achieve." Citizens in societies with strong research, she adds, "have a different sensitivity and a greater critical sense."
When her research career is described as "highly prestigious," Vergara considers it "very relative" and asserts that "there are certainly much more prestigious scientific careers than mine in Irun, one hundred percent." She feels fortunate to have focused on a line of research concerning "aging in primary care," which is "easily understood in terms of its contribution to people's lives," thus granting her "visibility and some recognition." What brings the most satisfaction is feeling that they have made "modest contributions to that field of knowledge."
In her view, medicine "is about people." Understanding the functioning of the human body individually is "very fascinating," and the practice of medicine "is entirely about people," as diseases are suffered by individuals who face the challenges. She has also been interested from the outset in "health from a population and community perspective," to understand "why communities and groups of people experience diseases in one way or another, and how we respond to them."
As the director of Biogipuzkoa, she explains that the institute "is not conceived as a single-topic center." They develop "research lines that align with our best researchers." Oncology and neuroscience are "two key areas of work," but she also highlights the "research in aging" area, promoted by the previous director, which fosters "collaboration among many groups" from diverse fields, constituting a "peculiarity" of the institute.
Regarding rare diseases, Vergara would not use the term "neglect," but rather that "institutions, health systems, and research are very aware" of them and that they represent "a significant health challenge." She notes that while diseases affecting many people "attract more attention" and are "easier to fund," rare diseases have "particularities, and many challenges and needs."
She assesses the current state of medicine as "very promising," with "great challenges and great opportunities." She points to "demographic transformation" as a fundamental challenge, as "fortunately, we are living longer," leading to the accumulation of diseases. The prepared "support staff" and available "technology" are seen as significant opportunities.
Regarding investment, she acknowledges that "resources are limited" and needs "can be infinite." "Political leaders must make decisions about where to invest and how to prioritize that investment," and she calls for "responsibility" in the proper use of available resources.
Healthy lifestyles "depend on many factors," and one cannot "blame someone for not leading a sufficiently healthy life," especially with "difficult working conditions" or "family responsibilities." The "responsibility" lies with the "lifestyle model." However, she views younger generations with "great enthusiasm," as they understand the importance of healthy habits and mental health, and she believes things "will improve."
She addresses the "histrionics" and "alarmist news" surrounding health, emphasizing the "enormous responsibility" of journalists. "Avoiding the temptation of sensationalism" is crucial, as it "can cause great harm." The "importance of science" and a "citizenry adequately equipped to understand the value of science" make people "much less vulnerable to believing hoaxes or exaggerations."
The "History and Science" cycle in Irun was created with the aim of "bringing science closer to citizens," a responsibility of the institute. Mixing history and science is considered a "lovely and interesting mechanism," and she praises Irun's "extraordinary museum" and the collaboration of its director, Aizpea Goenaga.
She has not yet prepared her speech but has "some very clear ideas." She wants to "make good use of this opportunity to say what I believe is important." She needs to "take a couple of long walks to organize it well," as "these kinds of things get organized in my head while walking."
She never imagined "reaching this moment" and "still can't quite believe it." The surprise, the shock, the emotion, and the honor are mixed with the excitement of continuing the work of the associations for the elderly and Ezezagunok, groups that represent "part of the life of Irun" and whose values she deeply admires.
