The history of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia is closely linked to the development of medicine, science research in Peru. Its foundation, in 1961, originated when an important group of professors with extensive experience in the teaching of medicine of the University of more prestige until then in the country, had the vision to create a college with high academic demands, contributing to the research in health and life sciences in the country and the world. These doctors visionaries, created the Medical Union of Teachers Cayetano Heredia on 25 July 1961, to begin to operate in the premises of the National Academy of Medicine.

From these initial steps, it was apparent that the support that the international community and the local gave to the founders, in the formation of a new study center for health sciences. The support of the local community is made tangible with the creation of an Economic Board of Trustees chaired by Mr. Enrique Ayulo Pardo. Two months after arduous and incessant work of members of the Union, the Peruvian Government, dated 22 September 1961, formalized the creation of the University of Medical and Biological Sciences, a name that would change after by the current.

In April 1961 he took a first review of income that would serve as a model for other universities in the country. A total of 585 applicants competed for 65 vacant; the entrants, together with those who moved from other universities in Peru and abroad, made it possible to begin classes in May of 1962. The official opening of the new university was held on 18 June 1962, under the management of doctors Honorio Delgado and Alberto Hurtado.

The creation of the National Hospital Cayetano Heredia in 1967 institutionalized the ongoing collaboration between the upch and the Ministry of Health, thus allowing the development of the community medicine by students and professors of the University in an area of influence from the Rimac district up to the province of Canta, in Lima.

The Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia has more than half a century of existence. In these more than five decades we have been able, an important prestige as an institution forming the best professionals in the health sciences, life, the environment and education, and the leadership in research initiatives and transformation in various fields of knowledge, both at the national and international level, of course, the improvement of the context in which we are born: our Peru.

Not satisfied with these achievements, we are permanently in a process of continuous improvement, infrastructure, academic curricula, teaching and teaching methodology, which has given us becoming the first Peruvian university accredited internationally, including teaching, research and management. In addition, in recent years, we have focused on the consolidation of a unit especially designed for the accompaniment of our graduates and its greater transcendence as professionals of our 19 races.

In our various campus, in La Molina, Miraflores, San Martin de Porres, San Isidro and, in the future, Santa Maria, are distributed research and development laboratories in the country, the virtual library on health and life sciences, most up-to-date of South America, four medical, dental clinics, and graduate students and Veterinary Medicine; but in addition we encourage our students' contact with the world through more than 200 international conventions with the best universities and institutes

at the national level, the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia has managed to publish the largest number of scientific papers in the last 12 years, and has received countless awards and recognition through their teachers and Students.

With over 31, 000 “Heredians” (Cayetano Heredia students), including both students and graduates, as well as over 1, 200 highly qualified teachers, we are acknowledged as Peru’s most important university institution offering training and research in the health and life sciences and in education. More than 54 years’ experience in Peru and countless acknowledgments, both domestically and abroad, back up this assertion and enable us to offer our students important agreements with renowned national and international institutions, many of which are strategic allies in our quest for new knowledge.  

Our Research

INSTITUTES ARE:

"Alexander von Humboldt " Institute of Tropical Medicine

Recognized as a worldwide reference in tropical medicine thanks to its contributions in research of tropical and communicable diseases, as well as due to the Gorgas Courses, which are held on a yearly basis, and gather psysicians from all over the world striving to enhance their knowiedge in this medical fields.

Altitude Research Institute

Its main function is to research the influence of altitude on both human and animal populations living or visiting such areas. The institute performs both teaching and training activities in the areas of its competence.

Institute of Gerontology

It promotes research in geriatrics and gerontology, developing innovative and representative multiciplinary scientific lines in the study of our national reality. Moreover, its performs activities related to teaching, services, social projection training and evaluation.

The University has 8 faculties:

Faculty of Medicine

Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy

Faculty of Stomatology

Faculty of Nursing

Faculty of Public Health and Administration

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Psychology

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry