Officials from the Universidad del Valle de Mexico visited the University of Arizona to sign a partnership agreement to launch a dual degree program with the Zuckerman College of Public Health that will expand opportunities for students from Mexico and build cross-border collaboration in health education.
Corporate Director of Academic Services at UVM Raúl Caraballo Guevara and UArizona President Robert C. Robbins
To advance international collaboration in higher education, the University of Arizona (UArizona) and the Universidad del Valle de Mexico (UVM) have formalized an agreement to partner on educational programs and research to benefit both universities and countries. University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins and Corporate Director of Academic Services at UVM Raúl Caraballo Guevara, jointly signed a global location agreement and a program addendum, symbolizing the commitment of both institutions to foster a collaborative partnership that transcends borders and enriches the educational landscape for our students and communities.
This pioneering collaboration, rooted in a commitment by both institutions to elevate international education, establishes a dual degree program where students will pursue Medicine at UVM and Public Health (BS) at the UArizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH). The dual degree program will equip graduates with a comprehensive skill set, blending medical expertise with a deep understanding of public health, setting the stage for impactful contributions to healthcare services and community health in Mexico.
This innovative partnership was led, from the UArizona side, by Dr. Gabriela Valdez, Director of Global Education at the Global Health Institute in the Zuckerman College of Public Health, and Justin Dutram, Assistant Vice President for Latin America and Mexico for Arizona International. The UVM delegation, including Raúl Caraballo Guevara, Mary Anne Colin Gascón, Director of Internationalization, and Dr. Blanca Aurora Hernández Cruz, National Director of Medicine and Odontology, were welcomed by Dr. Iman Hakim, Dean of MEZCOPH, along with the Global Health Institute team, and the Arizona International team, led by Dr. Jenny Lee, Vice President for Arizona International and Dean of International Education. Discussions focused on details for the planned dual degree program and explored additional collaborative opportunities that will enrich the academic experience for students from both institutions.
The collaboration is further enriched by the Global Health Institute's ongoing partnership with Pascua Yaqui Health Services Division, led by Dr. Adalberto Renteria. This multi-faceted alliance reflects a commitment to community-based health initiatives, emphasizing the importance of learning from the communities we serve to address healthcare disparities in underserved populations. The collaboration will provide select dual degree students to participate in an educational applied practice experience with Pascua Yaqui Health Services.
With the signed partnership agreement, both institutions express their dedication to fostering international cooperation and preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to global health.
"In a world interconnected by health challenges, this partnership is not just an agreement, it is a shared commitment to addressing global health disparities,” said Dean Hakim, “Through education and collaboration, we aim to make a lasting impact on the health of communities worldwide."
