Medical training curricula is a constantly evolving field. The objective of the present study is to analyze the changes the field has undergone. Our sources of information include demographic and health surveys, surveys carried out with students and faculty members and medical school guidelines from prestigious teaching centers. We compared medical curricula offered in Mexico as well as international trends. We analyzed context requirements, current status and future trends in biological, sociomedical and clinical disciplines; research and teaching methods; adequate academic programs. We describe the state of affairs in medical teaching in Mexico and the challenges that academic programs are currently facing. We propose a curricula with horizontal and vertical planning according to skills and competences that focus on health problems to foster scientific reasoning. Teaching strategies that are student-focused and foster significant/long-lasting learning. We suggest the need to include early clinical activities, communication skills and training in technological resources. Finally, there is a need to define a teaching profile that is consistent with training programs, to include experts in technology and modern teaching methods in order to establish permanent monitoring mechanisms, and to offer incentives to academics and administrative personnel.