The Medicine program at Alma Mater Caucana celebrates 75 years of training doctors with vocation and commitment to the health and well-being of society. In this anniversary, those who make it possible have decided not only to honor its legacy but also to open the doors to a new stage of innovation and growth. If this topic interests you, read this article where we share part of the program’s history and extend a very special invitation.

Created through Agreement Number 203 in May 1950, issued by the University’s Board of Directors, the Medicine program has gone through two major phases. History takes us back to the first Faculty of Medicine, which began its activities in August 1835 but closed in 1890 due to political instability, an educational system crisis, wars, and the State’s financial difficulties. However, in May 1950, it was reborn with the creation of the second Faculty of Medicine—one that has remained open uninterruptedly since then and, in 1956, graduated its first seven doctors, marking the beginning of a legacy now approaching eight decades.

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This distinguished program, after years of commitment to academic excellence and strengthening its training processes, obtained its first High-Quality Accreditation through Resolution 465 on February 20, 2004, granted by the National Ministry of Education, recognizing its trajectory and contribution to the training of health professionals. Later, through Resolution No. 23018 on November 30, 2021, the Medicine program renewed this distinction for six more years, once again standing out for the strength of its curriculum, the quality of its faculty, and the impact of its graduates in society.

Thus, in order to continue enhancing the quality and relevance of its education, our program has begun a curriculum reform process aimed at adapting to the current needs of healthcare, technology, and societal expectations. This process, approved by the Program Committee and supported by a thorough self-assessment and analysis of the changes required by both the national and international contexts, seeks to provide comprehensive training for competent, ethical doctors prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century.

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"The reform will not only update the academic content but also strengthen the humanistic approach, improve the integration of basic and clinical knowledge, and incorporate new pedagogical and technological strategies," expressed Carlos Alberto Muñoz Ardila, coordinator of the Medicine program, with enthusiasm. He also added that this reform will allow for greater flexibility, enabling students to personalize their education by choosing areas that align with their interests and strengths.

As is natural in collective challenges of this kind, this transformation process requires the active participation of the entire academic community, as only through the exchange of opinions, the construction of suggestions, and joint commitment can this curriculum reform be enriched and strengthened. More than just a change in documents, the goal is a true improvement in educational quality that responds to the present and future needs of medical practice.

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In this regard, the Medicine program at Universidad del Cauca extends a special invitation to be part of this effort by sharing ideas and contributions that will help build a stronger, more innovative program aligned with the demands of the contemporary world. To facilitate participation, the email coordpmedicina@unicauca.edu.co has been made available to receive comments and suggestions.

Unicaucano(a), every voice counts, and every suggestion contributes to shaping the future of our career. Now is the time to join forces to strengthen the quality of our education and, above all, to improve the impact of our work in the communities we serve. Your participation is key to the success of this process, guided by the hands that care!

 

Written by: Communications Management Center