Formation of Scientific Thinking in Students: Impact of the High Academic Demand Program at the Faculty of Medicine, UNAM

Introduction: Promoting research in undergraduate training is crucial for preparing human resources in the health field. In particular, the Highly Academically Demanding Program (PAEA) of the UNAM School of Medicine has been a pioneer in this initiative. It begins in the fifth semester, when students have acquired basic methodological tools through courses such as research methodology and statistics. General Objective: Formation of Clinical professionals with a research-oriented perspective. Materials and methods: During five annual events, 408 students were with a principal investigator in their laboratories and/or work locations, participating in their research projects so that at the end of the school year they could present their work. Results: 256 research papers were presented in basic, clinical, and sociomedical areas. Two of the conferences were held in person, and three were held virtually due to the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic. This is what the medicine of the future holds for us. Conclusions: This type of academic activity has been very positive for both tutors and students, as both receive valuable instruction and feedback, thereby fulfilling the instructors' human resources training and sparking students' interest in research, thereby meeting their expectations. Furthermore, some students have published their work, underscoring the value of this experience for their academic and professional development.