This state-of-the-art facility transforms medical education, positioning students at the forefront of healthcare training with cutting-edge methodologies and technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.
This state-of-the-art facility transforms medical education, positioning students at the forefront of healthcare training with cutting-edge methodologies and technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.
As part of its 90th Anniversary celebration, the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara (UAG) has inaugurated the future of medical education: the Immersive Health Education Center (CIES). Located within the Institute of Biological Sciences at UAG, this new facility underscores the institution's commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to transform healthcare education.
The CIES is the first of its kind in Mexico, offering a multifunctional space that integrates state-of-the-art technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, alongside a variety of educational methodologies and tools designed to enhance the learning experience. It is particularly focused on subjects related to human structure, function, and biological foundations, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to medical education.
The inauguration ceremony was led by UAG's President, Antonio Leano Reyes, alongside university officials, faculty members, students, and distinguished guests from the public and private sectors, as well as experts in healthcare, innovation, and education.
During the event, Dr. Alfonso Petersen Farah, Vice President of Academic and Health Sciences at UAG, highlighted the institution’s significant advancements in medical education, emphasizing the integration of cutting-edge technology in healthcare training.
"The incorporation of the Immersive Health Education Center enables a more comprehensive learning experience for our students by combining theoretical knowledge with advanced technological tools, such as Artificial Intelligence. This evolution aims to enhance education, equipping future physicians with both scientific knowledge and practical skills to navigate the challenges of modern medical practice," he stated.
Dr. Petersen also emphasized UAG’s dedication to utilizing technology, faculty expertise, and scientific rigor to strengthen medical training.
Dr. Kashif Ahmad, Dean of the International Program at UAG School of Medicine, emphasized the transformative impact of the CIES on international medical students.
"For our international students, the CIES offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and an immersive learning environment that closely simulates real-world medical practice. This center will provide them with hands-on experience using virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and advanced simulation tools, ensuring they graduate with the skills and confidence needed to excel in global medical settings," he stated.
Artificial Intelligence and Medical Education
During the ceremony, Horacio Fernandez Castillo, Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology for the State of Jalisco, praised UAG for its longstanding commitment to academic excellence and technological advancement in healthcare education.
"The advent of Artificial Intelligence marks a new era in education, allowing students to engage with knowledge in an interactive, practical, and immersive manner. This innovation opens new possibilities for exploring complex biological concepts in groundbreaking ways," he stated.
He also highlighted the role of centers like the CIES in promoting scientific and technological advancements, reinforcing UAG’s position as a key contributor to healthcare education and research in Jalisco and beyond.
Dr. Hector Raul Perez Gomez, Secretary of Health for the State of Jalisco, emphasized the university's impact on national and international healthcare education over the past 90 years.
"Previous generations faced many challenges in their medical training, from long hours of study to limited access to educational resources. Today, with advanced technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence and immersive digital environments, learning has become more efficient and dynamic," he said.
Despite these technological advancements, he stressed that UAG remains committed to comprehensive education, prioritizing not only scientific and technological knowledge but also ethical and humanistic values.
The new Immersive Health Education Center represents a major step forward in medical education, benefiting students, faculty, and ultimately, patients. He congratulated the university on this achievement, emphasizing its global impact in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The event also included the participation of UAG’s Vice President Antonio Leano del Castillo; Vice President of Administration, Juan Carlos Leano del Castillo; and Secretary General, Dr. Ricardo Beltran Rojas.
Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees toured the new facilities and observed students and faculty engaged in the first immersive learning sessions.
Cutting-Edge Technology at the CIES
UAG’s Immersive Health Education Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offering methodologies and equipment such as:
Every session at the CIES is designed to be dynamic and collaborative, ensuring that students not only acquire solid theoretical knowledge but also develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
This new facility complements UAG’s extensive network of laboratories and simulation centers available to students in the International Program at the School of Medicine.
Simulation-based learning at the CIES is further enhanced by key initiatives such as the Community Medicine Program (PMC), the Patient Study Unit, CSD Program and Integrated Clinical Training Centers (INTECOS). Additionally, UAG maintains partnerships with both public and private healthcare institutions, allowing students to gain hands-on clinical experience under expert supervision.
With a strong tradition in medical education since its founding in 1935, UAG continues to be a leader in training future physicians, combining academic excellence with technological innovation to provide a world-class medical education.
The UAG School of Medicine International Program proudly welcomed Michael Hermosa, Chief Unity Agent of Project IMG, and Board Member Zuly Gómez to campus for the launch of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing medical students’ residency applications.
At UAG School of Medicine, hands-on learning is at the core of medical education. This week, members of the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) took part in an engaging and immersive Neuro Exam Workshop for Infants, led by the distinguished Dr. Álvarez at the Center for Simulated Patient Care on our International Campus.