The recent decision allows Argentine doctors to work globally without the need for recertification of their degrees, following a measure adopted by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). The Confederation of the Republic (COMRA) provided details regarding the implications of this new guideline. The Ministry of Human Capital clarified that the National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEAU) has granted the “Recognition Status,” which certifies that the processes for approving medical education meet international quality standards. This recognition was formally communicated to both educational authorities and the evaluative body itself.
The vice president of COMRA, Jorge Coronel, explained that this situation has both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it allows all professionals graduating from universities, including those accredited by CONEAU, to work internationally. On the other hand, it may promote emigration. “The problem we have in some provinces, I am from Salta,” said Coronel on Radio Mitre, “is that sometimes there are difficulties in filling positions in the deeper interior, and if human resources policies do not entice them to stay, many will seek to migrate. In other words, our universities train these professionals to migrate to places where they are better compensated.”
He further noted that this trend is also observed in regions such as Mendoza, where professionals may move to Chile, or Misiones, where they may work in Paraguay or Brazil, due to better remuneration. For instance, he pointed out that in Chile, there is a high demand for pediatricians and neonatologists, who are paid significantly more than in Argentina.
There exists a “shortage of doctors” in numerous countries, particularly in developing nations, where the training capacity of Argentine professionals is well received. It was clarified that this benefit applies to those who have graduated from “accredited universities,” meaning all medical faculties that have received this accreditation. It was also noted that those wishing to practice abroad should ensure they meet the necessary requirements.
Regarding the procedures they will need to follow, Coronel considered that it would be quite straightforward. “I don’t think it will be very difficult,” he stated. This news is recent, and the operational details are still unknown. “We will surely request an interview next week to inform the entire medical community,” he added.
Thus, the issued degrees will be accepted internationally without additional recertification. This represents a significant change for healthcare professionals seeking job opportunities outside the country, as it removes the bureaucratic obstacles that previously limited their international mobility. This initiative was managed by the Undersecretariat for University Policies of the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with CONEAU. Both institutions worked together to demonstrate the quality of Argentine medical education, an effort that has finally been validated by the WFME.
Authorities explained that “this recognizes our accreditation as valid, meaning that our degrees comply with international standards.” Argentina now joins a select group in the region, being one of only two countries in Latin America, alongside Colombia, to have achieved this status. This positions Argentina as one of the few countries on the continent that guarantees the international validity of its doctors, which could enhance their competitiveness in the global market. This development not only benefits foreign countries but also strengthens the reputation of Argentine institutions in attracting students interested in receiving high-quality education. Furthermore, it encourages those who have been trained in Argentina to apply their knowledge in other countries.
