The Health Department of Antioquia, Colombia, in consultation with the University of Antioquia School of Medicine and the Harvard School of Public Health established a 25-bed hospital in Apartado, far from any urban center, in 1969. This was in response to an influx of population stimulated by an inflow of agricultural and manufacturing enterprises. In addition to its important role as a center for public health programs and for acute care it has proved invaluable as a training ground for young doctors in their rural year, for interns, and for nurses and nurse's aides.