Revolutionizing Medical Education in Mexico
Facing significant health challenges, the Faculty of Medicine at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) plans a substantial transformation in medical education, being the most prestigious source of healthcare professionals in the country. I had the opportunity to interview Carolina Sepúlveda, the first female dean in nearly 450 years of UNAM’s history, who shared insights on the proposed new curriculum based on a revised graduate profile for general practitioners, aligned with current and future healthcare needs in Mexico.
Scope of the New Curriculum
The new curriculum will affect not only medicine but also other programs such as nutrition, neurosciences, physiotherapy, forensic science, and biomedical research. This is not merely a fine-tuning; the aim is to prepare doctors for today’s and tomorrow’s realities by connecting education with economic aspects like reducing public and private healthcare costs and emphasizing prevention over treatment.
Key Changes in the New Curriculum
The new curriculum, set to take effect in August 2026, is currently under consultation with the university community, hospitals, physicians, authorities, and other external actors interacting with FacMed graduates. The major shift will be away from a disease-diagnosis and treatment focus towards prevention, with optional subjects in administration or health management. Crucial aspects such as gender equality, ethics, digital health, migration-related diseases, and chronic conditions will be integrated without being fixed components of the current program.
Additional Components
Alongside the primary major, minor areas will offer micro-credentials in 13 fields such as research, teaching, administration, health economics, or digital aspects. This allows graduates to specialize further in their respective fields while earning their degree. Moreover, bioethics hours will double, and there will be a stronger emphasis on public health to promote healthy lifestyles and prioritize prevention.
Addressing Market Demands
Considering labor market needs, the new program aims to shape doctors interested in administration and economics, enabling them to pursue these areas within the medical curriculum itself.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the challenges faced by UNAM in terms of student capacity? The dean acknowledges that the faculty admits as many students as their resources and teaching staff allow. Currently, classes are full with 80 first-year groups and complete schedules. While more seats would be ideal, it requires investment.
- How does UNAM address the uneven distribution of doctors across Mexico? The dean clarifies that this issue falls under the purview of the Health Secretariat, not UNAM. She emphasizes the urgent need for a national needs assessment led by health authorities, with academic institutions’ participation. UNAM’s observatory could contribute to balancing supply and demand, preventing oversaturation in specialized fields.
- What initiatives does UNAM promote for research? Programs like AFINES (Student Research Support and Encouragement) and PECEM (Combined Studies Plan) are encouraged to engage students in research early on. However, many talented researchers leave the country due to insufficient support in Mexico.
- How does UNAM prioritize mental health among its students? The dean highlights the PROSAM (Health Program) implemented to address mental health, which includes destigmatization, wellness courses (mindfulness), prevention strategies (“Peace Culture” and “Health Mental Guardians”), and timely diagnosis via EMA exams. The faculty also introduced a new self-care course and stress management skills workshops.
- What role does UNAM play in addressing hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance? Infectology classes are taught, preparing students for future pandemics. However, the dean stresses the need for better regulation in this area.
UNAM’s Ranked Hospitals in Latin America (2025)
The ranking of the best hospitals and clinics in Latin America for 2025, conducted by IntelLat consultancy, is approaching. Nine Mexican hospitals have been shortlisted among the 80 institutions evaluated in the region. Among the top 20, three are Mexican: Centro Médico ABC in Mexico City; Hospital Zambrano Hellion -Tec Salud in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León; and Christus Muguerza Hospital Alta Especialidad in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Other notable Mexican hospitals include Hospital Infantil Teletón de Oncología in Querétaro; Galenia Hospital in Cancún, Quintana Roo; and Doctors Hospital AUNA, Hospital Clínica Nova, OCA Hospital AUNA, and Doctors Hospital East AUNA, all located in Monterrey, Nuevo León.
Current Situation in Cofepris
Amidst challenges faced by the health regulator Cofepris, particularly in expediting extensive permit processes hindering various crucial regulated industries, rumors circulate about the potential resignation of its director, Dr. Armida Zúñiga. Though these remain unconfirmed, they generate unease within the regulated sector. Sources suggest concerns over alleged corrupt practices linked to matters involving the FDA, potentially leading to the departure of Cofepris’ head of office, Cristina Viruega.
