Orientation Fall 2006

During the opening ceremony of the orientation activities for entering students Antonio Leaño del Castillo, Financial Vice President, stated,  “To follow the Career of Medicine is one of the highest callings an individual can attain, but to pursue a career in medicine in a foreign country has a responsibility of remarkable magnitude”.

While speaking on behalf of the university authorities, Mr. Leaño del Castillo told the foreign students originating from the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, that they are on the verge of beginning one of the most rewarding careers . . . Medicine. 

“Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara provides the opportunity to learn a new language, to experience a new culture and to reach your goal to become doctors. You are welcome to the UAG, to Guadalajara and to Mexico.  It is my sincere hope that you all feel welcomed. Thank you very much for allowing us to be part of your lives”, said Leaño del Castillo.

The ceremony took place in the Auditorium of the Main Campus where parents and families of the students were also present, along with the main authorities of the  School of Medicine.  The Deans and professors presented a summary of the courses, clinical practices, examinations, social services and the commitment through which the students will have to pass in order to receive the title that allows them to practice as doctors.

Dr. Ricardo Leon Bórquez, Dean of the School of Medicine, stated that  UAG graduates distinguish themselves by their behavior, the way they dress and the way in which they approach and treat their patients. “In this School of Medicine, we will  continue to develop an attitude of service to others. We want to ensure that when you see a patient, you don’t treat them like a mere file or number rather more like a person who has feelings, who speaks and conveys their concerns and who needs to be well taken care of. They are going to be in contact with patients from the first semester and it is very important that they show understanding.”

The Dean of the School of Medicine stated that Hispanics have become the number one minority in the United States and those students’ mastery of Spanish will be a great advantage, when they look for a residency.

At another interval, Dr. Francisco Martinez Sandoval, Associate Dean of the International Program, described the way this program developed.  In 1983, it began as a bilingual system.  From 1989 to the present, it has been transformed into the International Program which offers development of clinical abilities from the first semesters, has the support of visiting professors from the United States and provides a relevance to the medical ethics and the humane treatment of the patient.