Welcome to New Mexico best medical schools. Our rankings are based on alumni reviews, research scores received, peer institution assessment and admissions statistics including averaged MCAT scores, undergraduate GPA as well as acceptance rates. Below we list top medical schools in New Mexico that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in New Mexico
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 85 | University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) Acceptance rate: 13.6% MCAT composite score: 8.9 Tuition: Full-time: $16,170 (in-state), Full-time: $46,347 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.59 Total medical school enrollment: 341 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 2.3:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $60.2  |
All Medical Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to a single, yet highly reputable, medical school that serves the entire state. The University of New Mexico School of Medicine (UNM SOM) is well-regarded for its focus on addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities. The school emphasizes training in primary care and family medicine, reflecting the needs of the region.
1. University of New Mexico School of Medicine (UNM SOM)
Overview
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, located in Albuquerque, is the only medical school in the state. Established in 1961, the school has a strong commitment to improving healthcare in New Mexico, with a focus on serving rural and underserved populations. UNM SOM is known for its innovative curriculum, community-based education, and strong emphasis on primary care. It is consistently ranked highly for its rural medicine program and its efforts to address healthcare disparities in the region.
UNM SOM is affiliated with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, which includes a major academic hospital, specialized clinics, and centers for medical research. These resources provide students with diverse and extensive clinical training opportunities, particularly in the areas of primary care, family medicine, and public health.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at UNM SOM integrates basic science with early clinical experience, providing students with a strong foundation in medical knowledge and hands-on patient care. The curriculum is designed to train physicians who are committed to practicing in rural and underserved communities.
- MD/PhD Program: This dual-degree program is designed for students interested in careers as physician-scientists. The program combines medical education with advanced research training, preparing graduates for careers in academic medicine and biomedical research.
- MD/MPH Program: A joint degree that allows students to earn both an MD and a Master of Public Health (MPH). This program is ideal for students interested in public health leadership and policy, with a focus on population health, health disparities, and preventive medicine.
- Rural and Primary Care Programs: UNM SOM offers specialized tracks in rural and primary care medicine, designed to train students to meet the specific healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations. These programs provide additional clinical experience in rural areas of New Mexico.
- Residency and Fellowship Programs: UNM SOM offers a variety of residency and fellowship programs in primary care, family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, and more. These programs are focused on preparing graduates to meet the healthcare demands of the state, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Admission Requirements
MCAT:
- The average MCAT score for accepted students is 505. While this is the average, the admissions process at UNM SOM is holistic, and they consider various factors beyond MCAT scores.
GPA:
- The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.6. However, like the MCAT, UNM SOM looks at the entire application, including personal experiences, commitment to community service, and clinical exposure.
Prerequisite Courses:
Applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses to be eligible for admission:
- General Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
- English or Writing-intensive courses
Clinical Experience:
- UNM SOM places a strong emphasis on clinical experience, particularly in underserved or rural settings. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated exposure to patient care through activities such as shadowing physicians, working in clinical environments, or volunteering in healthcare settings.
Community Service and Rural Health Experience:
- Given the school’s focus on rural and underserved populations, applicants with experience in community service, rural health, and working with disadvantaged populations are highly valued. Volunteering in healthcare-related settings, particularly in rural areas, is an asset.
Research Experience:
- While research experience is not a strict requirement for admission, it is highly encouraged, especially for students interested in the MD/PhD program. Participation in research helps demonstrate an applicant’s commitment to scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills.
Letters of Recommendation:
- UNM SOM requires three to five letters of recommendation. These letters should come from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, clinical experience, and personal qualities. One letter must be from a science professor, and at least one should be from a healthcare provider or supervisor in a clinical setting.
Interview Process:
- The interview process at UNM SOM includes traditional interviews and Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMIs). The MMI format allows the admissions committee to assess applicants on a range of skills, including communication, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving in healthcare scenarios.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine are well-prepared for careers in primary care, family medicine, and other medical specialties. The starting salaries for UNM SOM graduates vary depending on the specialty and location of practice:
- Primary Care Physicians (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics): $190,000 to $240,000
- Specialists (e.g., Cardiology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology): $250,000 to $350,000, depending on the specialty
- Surgeons (General, Orthopedic, Cardiothoracic): $350,000 to $500,000, depending on the surgical specialty
Curriculum at UNM SOM
The curriculum at UNM SOM is designed to prepare students for the diverse challenges of practicing medicine, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The school’s innovative approach integrates basic medical science with clinical training, starting in the first year. The curriculum is organized into three main phases: Foundations of Medicine, Clinical Clerkships, and Advanced Clerkships and Electives.
Key Features of the Curriculum
- Foundations of Medicine (Years 1-2):
- The first two years of the curriculum focus on foundational medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Students also begin developing their clinical skills through simulated patient interactions, case-based learning, and early exposure to clinical environments. This phase integrates problem-based learning and team-based approaches, preparing students for more advanced clinical experiences.
- Clinical Clerkships (Year 3):
- During the third year, students participate in core clinical clerkships in areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and obstetrics and gynecology. These clerkships take place in a variety of healthcare settings, including rural clinics, urban hospitals, and community health centers.
- Advanced Clerkships and Electives (Year 4):
- In the final year, students have the opportunity to choose electives that align with their career interests, such as specialties or subspecialties. This phase also includes advanced clinical training, with a focus on preparing students for residency. Many students choose to participate in rural health rotations during this time.
- Rural Health and Primary Care Focus:
- UNM SOM places a strong emphasis on rural health and primary care throughout the curriculum. Students can choose to participate in specialized tracks or elective rotations in rural areas, gaining valuable experience in addressing the unique challenges of providing healthcare in underserved regions.
- Community-Based Learning:
- A key component of the UNM SOM curriculum is community-based learning. Students engage with local communities through service-learning projects, public health initiatives, and clinical care. This hands-on approach helps students understand the social determinants of health and prepares them to work with diverse populations.
- Research Opportunities:
- UNM SOM encourages students to participate in research throughout their medical education. The school offers opportunities for research in areas such as rural health, health disparities, public health, and biomedical sciences. Students can work with faculty mentors on projects that align with their interests.
Research Opportunities at UNM SOM
Research is an integral part of the educational experience at UNM SOM, and students are encouraged to engage in research projects that address the healthcare needs of New Mexico’s diverse population. The school offers a variety of research opportunities in both basic and clinical sciences, with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.
Major Research Areas
- Rural and Underserved Health:
- UNM SOM is a national leader in rural health research. The school’s research efforts focus on improving healthcare delivery, access, and outcomes in rural and underserved areas. Students can participate in projects that address issues such as telemedicine, rural healthcare infrastructure, and chronic disease management in rural populations.
- Public Health and Epidemiology:
- UNM SOM has a strong emphasis on public health research, particularly in areas such as infectious disease prevention, health policy, and health disparities. Students in the MD/MPH program often engage in public health research aimed at improving population health and reducing health disparities.
- Biomedical Research:
- The school offers research opportunities in basic biomedical sciences, including studies in molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Students interested in biomedical research can collaborate with faculty on projects that explore the mechanisms of disease and potential treatments.
- Native American Health Research:
- New Mexico has a significant Native American population, and UNM SOM is committed to addressing the unique health challenges faced by Native American communities. Research in this area focuses on reducing health disparities, improving access to care, and promoting culturally appropriate healthcare.
Research Opportunities for Students
- Summer Research Program:
- The Summer Research Program allows medical students to work on research projects between their first and second years of medical school. Students are paired with faculty mentors and gain valuable experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing research studies.
- MD/PhD Research:
- Students in the MD/PhD program conduct in-depth research in their chosen field, working alongside faculty members on projects that advance scientific understanding and clinical care.
Commitment to Rural and Underserved Communities
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine has a strong commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations. This mission is reflected in the school’s curriculum, clinical training opportunities, and community outreach initiatives.
Key Programs and Initiatives
- Rural Health Rotation:
- All medical students at UNM SOM have the opportunity to participate in rural health rotations. These rotations provide hands-on experience in rural clinics and hospitals, where students learn to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural populations.
- Primary Care and Family Medicine Focus:
- UNM SOM is known for its strong focus on primary care and family medicine. The school offers specialized tracks and elective rotations in primary care, with the goal of preparing students to meet the healthcare needs of underserved communities.
- Native American Health Partnerships:
- The school has developed partnerships with Native American communities throughout New Mexico. These partnerships involve collaborative efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Native American populations, and students have the opportunity to participate in clinical care and research projects within these communities.