School Information

The Centro Latinoamericano de Economía Humana (CLAEH) Facultad de Medicina is the first private medical school in Uruguay, founded in 1997. Located in Maldonado, it provides an alternative to public medical education, with a focus on community-based training and human-centered medicine.

Key Features

• Location: Maldonado, near the coastal city of Punta del Este.
• Teaching Model: A mix of traditional medical training and community healthcare initiatives.
• International Recognition: Recognized within Latin America and some international institutions.
• Research & Community Engagement: Strong emphasis on social responsibility and healthcare development.

2. Admission Procedure

Admission to CLAEH Facultad de Medicina is competitive, with a limited number of seats available each year.

Eligibility Criteria

• High school diploma (Bachillerato or equivalent).
• Strong academic background in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• Spanish proficiency (required for international students).

Application Process

1. Online application through the university portal.
2. Submission of required documents (academic records, ID/passport).
3. Entrance exam covering science subjects and logical reasoning.
4. Personal interview to evaluate motivation and suitability.
5. Admission decision and enrollment confirmation.

Tuition Fees

• Approximately USD 10,000 – 12,000 per year.
• Scholarships and financial aid options are available for eligible students.

3. Courses Taught

The General Medicine program at CLAEH is a six-year course leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The curriculum is structured as follows:

Preclinical Years (Years 1-2)

• Human Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Histology
• Medical Ethics and Communication

Clinical Years (Years 3-6)

• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Emergency Medicine

The final year consists of a rotational internship in hospitals and clinics, allowing students to gain hands-on medical experience.

Prospects After Graduation

Graduates of CLAEH Facultad de Medicina have promising career opportunities in Uruguay and abroad.

Licensing & Residency

• After graduation, students must pass a national licensing exam to practice in Uruguay.
• Residency training is required for specialization in fields such as cardiology, neurology, and surgery.

Career Options

• Public & Private Hospitals: Doctors can work in Uruguay’s public healthcare system or private clinics.
• Research & Academia: Opportunities exist for those interested in medical research and teaching.
• International Opportunities: Graduates can pursue further training or practice in other Latin American countries, Spain, and some US institutions.

5. Life as a Doctor in Uruguay

Uruguay offers a stable healthcare system, with universal healthcare coverage through both public and private sectors.

Medical Residency in Uruguay

• Residency training typically lasts 3-5 years, depending on the specialty.
• Monthly salary during residency: USD 1,200 – 2,000.

Work-Life Balance

• Uruguay provides a high quality of life with affordable living costs compared to the US and Europe.
• Doctors in public hospitals earn USD 2,500 – 4,000/month, while specialists in private practice earn more.

Opportunities for Foreign Doctors

• Non-Uruguayan graduates must validate their degree through the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC).
• Some foreign-trained doctors pursue additional training in Uruguay before receiving full licensing.

Conclusion

The CLAEH Facultad de Medicina is an excellent option for students looking for a high-quality medical education in Uruguay. With a strong emphasis on human-centered care, community health, and clinical training, graduates are well-prepared for medical careers in Uruguay and internationally.

For more details, visit the official website: https://www.claeh.edu.uy.