Being a doctor is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. The noblest of all is attending one of the best Latin America medical schools. Every aspiring medical student should be able to pursue their dreams with no problems. The 2021 Best Latin America Medical rankings highlight some of the most prestigious universities where one can get the best medical study experience. These schools were selected based on criteria that are in tandem with the World University Rankings. The medical profession is one of society’s most valuable assets, so it comes as no surprise that medical degrees are long, all-consuming and possibly one of the most challenging careers possible. Join us to explore the medical schools in Latin America that will make your medical degrees worthy of note, from data collected by the World University Rankings.

What is a Medical Degree?

A medical degree is an academic degree a student can earn for fields in the healthcare or medical industry. There are various types of medical degrees, although the most common are M.D. (Doctor of Medicine), R.N.(Registered Nurse), and N.P. (Nurse Practitioner). All of these degrees take several years of college, clinical education, and internships.

How Many Countries Are In Latin America?

Latin America includes all the Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking nations located in the south of the United States. The countries share significant similarities because they were colonized either by Spain or Portugal. Below are the countries that are found in Latin America:

Which Latin American Country Has The Best Medical School?

With Brazil being the largest country in Latin America and the fifth largest country in the world. It dominates the ranking of having the best medical school in Latin America. The country has 15 representative schools in total.

How Long Does It Take to Get A Medical Degree?

Becoming a doctor requires years of education and training. The path to becoming a doctor generally consists of four parts: undergraduate studies, medical school, residency, and fellowships.

Undergraduate studies – After graduating from high school, the aspiring doctor just complete a four-year undergraduate program. Medical School – Students usually spend four years in medical school, although some schools offer programs that combine medical school with the undergraduate program. Residency – The residency enables the doctor to gain experience working in hospitals or clinics and assisting in diagnosing and treating patients. Depending on the area of specialization, the residency can take from three to eight years, according to the American Medical Association.Fellowship – Although not a requirement, many doctors choose to go to fellowships. Fellowships, which can take one to three years of training, are generally used if a doctor is working towards a specialized field.

How Much Does A Doctor In Latin America Earn?

According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, doctors wage in Latin America is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year or $100.00 per hour. However, there are pay variations according to medical specialization. As a medical practitioner, you can engage in more than one job at a time so you can earn more.

What are the Rankings of the Best Medical Schools in Latin America?

The World Medical School Rankings are based on some factors, which will include: academic reputation, employer reputation, acceptance rate.

#1 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Established in the year 1888, by the then archbishop of Santiago; receiving the blessing of Pope Leo XIII a year later, UC is one of six private Catholic institutions in the country. It ranks the best university in Latin America and also one of the best universities in South America(Chile). Santiago is relatively safe, has the second biggest metro system in Latin America – with more than 100 stations – and is a relatively affordable place compared to most capital cities in Europe and North America.

#2 University of São Paulo

Established in 1934, the University of São Paulo came about through a collaboration of existing schools. The University of São Paulo is the largest Brazilian public university and is considered one of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions. The university also houses five affiliated hospitals, 24 museums, and galleries – with half a million visitors per year – two theatres, a cinema, and its own TV channel run by students. The university has a remarkable 70 libraries installed across the various campuses for students to use and enjoy.

#3 University of Campinas

Established in 1966, the university produces a high amount of patent material, outstripping other larger institutions and companies.
A major breakthrough was achieved in 2003 when scientists from UniCamp licensed a patent for genetic death detection, and in more recent years, scientists at UniCamp have developed a test for detection of the Zika virus

#4 Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)

Established in 1941, PUC-Rio is a research institution that focuses primarily on the development of science and innovation. It is also a private non-profit Catholic university. It has about 1,500 faculty members and researchers, and 26 departments organized in four academic centers: Theology and Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, and Biomedical Sciences.  PUC-Rio offers programs for undergraduate and graduates international students: exchange and short-term programs and double degree programs, among others. Its campus includes computer centers and free internet access; libraries; restaurants; a bookstore; and cultural and community service projects.

#5 Monterrey Institute of Technology

Tecnológico de Monterrey is a private university system founded in 1943 in México. It is a comprehensive university offering Ph.D., master, undergraduate, and high-school programs in Medicine.  All its academic programs are accredited by international accreditation agencies such as SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ABET – Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, among others. 94% of the graduates are employed with 12 months of graduations and some of Tecnológico de Monterrey’s alumni are now directors in successful companies in Mexico and Latin America, while the presence of its graduates in key government and public administration positions is constantly growing.

#6 Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP)

The Federal University of São Paulo, known in Portuguese as the Universidade Federal De São Paulo or UNIFESP, is a public university in Brazil. From its beginning until 2005, UNIFESP was a health science specialist university. Its mission was to develop students into health professionals and contribute to medical research. The original core of the university was the Paulista School of Medicine, dating back to 1933. In 1994, the school was transformed from a private institution into a federal one.

#7 University of Chile

The University of Chile, based in the capital city of Santiago, is the oldest in the country, and one of the most prestigious in the region. One of the first astronomy observatories in Latin America – The National Astronomy Observatory founded in 1852 – belongs to the university. The health facilities include a clinical hospital and research laboratories, serving the public as well as pioneering medical research and providing opportunities for students.

#8 Federal University of Minas Gerais

The university offers 75 undergraduate courses, 78 graduate programs, and 68 continuing education programs, in all fields of knowledge, with more than 40,000 students enrolled. The University is a public institution that is recognized as an outstanding center of excellence in Brazil. Altogether, UFMG has 20 academic units, three special units, three administrative units, two hospitals, and 25 libraries. As one of Brazil’s largest research universities, UFMG is committed to striking a balance between the high quality of its courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, the expanding impact of its research and the growing social relevance of its academic activities. The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile ranks the best university in Latin America. Making a decision of going to a medical school is probably the most important (and most expensive) decision you will make in your life. So, it is best interest you choose right. It is a determining factor on whether you get to stay in medical school or if you would be asked to transfer. However, class ranking is not the be-all end-all of your medical career.

Conclusion

The above listed medical schools in Latin America meet the World University and Latin American schools standards. They were carefully compiled to meet the basic requirements of new Meds. It is our hope that the information provided here will enable you to make informed choices on what med school is best for you.Good luck to being the best doctor there is!!

References

Times Higher EducationWorld University RankingUS Bureau of Labor Statistics

Writer’s Recommendation

Michigan State University Global Voices Essay ContestLatin American Education Foundation