Unique, more than a word is a way of life, MD/PhD program in Mexico

Abstract

This manuscript describes the organization, progress of the students and results of the Mexican MD/PhD program, explained as a case study. PECEM is the acronym for the Program of Combined Studies in Medicine that began in 2011 at the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). PECEM is developed as a unique program, as an MD/PhD that includes a Bachelor’s and a Doctor of Medicine degree in a single curriculum in a period of eight years (16 semesters). Along with medical bachelor studies, PECEM students undertake seven research stays, with a duration of six months each, in several areas and with different advisers. After internship, the year of social service and five more semesters, they complete their doctoral thesis and graduate. Eleven students have already graduated (five from the first generation and six from the second generation); of these, 10 received their degree with honors and were already accepted in high quality institutions in different countries to continue their training as researchers or as specialized clinicians.