Dr. Ricardo León Bórquez, Graduate and Leader in Medical Education

Dr. Ricardo León Bórquez, originally from Sonora, is the current President of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), with over 30 years of experience, and a graduate from the Medical Surgeon program at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG).

Recently, he shared with us his extensive professional journey, as well as the challenges of leading the WFME, his hobbies, and a bit about his beloved family.

Furthermore, he reminisced about his years at the university, offered advice to students, and expressed gratitude to the Universidad Autónoma for the significant opportunity it provided him to establish himself professionally.

"The main challenge in my current position is communicating with all the educational authorities worldwide, particularly with ministers of education and heads of teaching worldwide, trying to resolve the existing issues in medical education," highlighted the Doctor.

Early Professional Steps
After graduating, Dr. Ricardo León Bórquez joined the basic area in Physiology at the Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB) of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.

He later became a Physiology professor and progressed within the Department of Physiology to become the Coordinator of Laboratories and the Academic Secretary, gaining administrative experience and interaction with students.

Later, he became one of the initiators and the first Director of Project Group 4 (now known as the International Medicine Program UAG) with students from the United States and Puerto Rico, initiated by Lic. Antonio Leaño Álvarez del Castillo.

Later, he became one of the initiators and the first Director of Project Group 4 (now known as the International Medicine Program UAG) with students from the United States and Puerto Rico, initiated by Lic. Antonio Leaño Álvarez del Castillo.

In his tenure at the UAG, he served as the Director of the School of Medicine, which allowed him to join the Mexican Association of Faculties and Schools of Medicine (AMFEM), eventually becoming its President.

He also oversaw Health Sciences and established the Schools of Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and reinforced Nursing.

Simultaneously, he was involved in the Pan-American Federation of Associations of Faculties and Schools of Medicine (FEPAFEM / PAFAMS), which was a significant bridge leading him to leadership in the WFME.

These professional achievements have garnered numerous recognitions and awards for Dr. León Bórquez, such as the University Merit awarded by the UAG.

Family
The UAG graduate is a family man, committed to principles, and considers himself fortunate to have found his life partner while still a student.

Today, they remain closer than ever alongside their children Elizabeth, Claudia Lorena, and Ricardo, and their 8 grandchildren.

Hobbies
The leader in global medical education enjoys reading, watching television, traveling to experience cultures, cuisines, and places, as well as spending quality time with his family.

University Life at UAG
Dr. Ricardo León Bórquez arrived at the UAG based on recommendations from peers and was surprised by the international atmosphere, where he interacted with North American, Central American, and South American students.

"Studying Medicine is definitely a vocation, it's the opportunity to help people, to do things right for patients, and to receive their sincere gratitude," he shared.

Finally, he invited the student community to enjoy their studies, to seek out all elements that enrich their lives, to engage with their peers, to approach their professors, and to enjoy their lives, stating, "There are moments for studying and for fun."