Faculty of Medicine (UNAM)

School of Medicine (UNAM)

Seal of the UNAM's School of Medicine
Type	Faculty
Established	1553
Dean	Germán Fajardo Dolci, MD
Undergraduates	8,205
Postgraduates	~10,000
Location	Mexico City,  Mexico
Colors	Blue & Gold
Website	[1]

UNAM's School of Medicine (Spanish:Facultad de Medicina de la UNAM) is the medical school of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), located at the University's main campus of Ciudad Universitaria. Established in 1553 as part of the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, it is one of the oldest medical schools in the Americas. The school has undergraduate and graduate studies departments. It does joint teaching with some other schools, e.g., the School of Science. It also has many grants involving UNAM's Engineering School, in areas such as smart and connected health. It is one of the most recognized schools in the University and in Mexico. The latest three rectors of the University, including the current one, are former deans from this school.

The origin of the School of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, known by the acronym UNAM) dates back to the 16th century, with the foundation of the The Royal and Pontifical Mexico University (Spanish: Real y Pontificia Universidad de México). In fact, the first decree that authorizes their creation was promulgated by Philip II in 1547 and endorsed in 1551. Nevertheless, the compliance of procedures and the liberation of the corresponding funds postponed the start of their activities until January 1553. By some years, in the area of the medicine, the University was limited to offer incorporation of degrees of other universities that needed it.

The first degree of doctor in medicine was offered August 10, 1553 to Juan Blanco Alcázar.

The first course of medicine given in the The Royal and Pontifical Mexico University initiated its activities January 7, 1579.

The program of studies was adjusted to the one used in the University of Salamanca, just like the remainder of the regulatory activities of the The Royal and Pontifical Mexico University. Such program consisted of four years of studies. Subsequently, the students carried out a practice of two years next to a recognized doctor and only after finishing this requirement they would be able to opt for the degrees of licentiate, master and doctor.