By San José, Costa Rica — In an outstanding demonstration of academic excellence, a 23-year-old medical student has set a new benchmark for medical education in Costa Rica. Simón Belilty Montvelisky, a resident of Santa Ana, recently achieved the highest score nationwide on the International Foundations of Medicine (IFOM) exam. This critical assessment serves as a key gateway for aspiring physicians seeking to complete their mandatory clinical internships within the country’s public healthcare network.
The IFOM exam, designed and administered by the prestigious National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) in the United States, is an international standard used to measure a student’s ability to apply fundamental medical knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios. In Costa Rica, passing this exam is not merely an academic milestone; it is a strict legal and professional prerequisite mandated for any medical student wishing to enter the competitive internship programs operated by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).
To better understand the complex regulatory framework and legal implications surrounding the International Foundations of Medicine (IFOM) exam in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional perspective on the ongoing debates and requirements for medical graduates.
The mandatory integration of the IFOM exam within Costa Rica’s public healthcare system highlights a delicate balance between maintaining rigorous clinical standards and safeguarding the constitutional rights of medical students. Administrative mandates issued by the CCSS must ensure that delegating professional evaluation to international entities does not create arbitrary barriers to local employment or violate the principles of equality and due process under Costa Rican law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica strives to align its medical workforce with global benchmarks through the IFOM exam, maintaining a harmonious balance between rigorous evaluation standards and constitutional protections is essential to ensuring a fair path forward for local medical graduates. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this complex legal and healthcare issue, which lies at the heart of the nation’s public medical system.
Belilty’s score of 94 in the June 2026 examination cycle represents not only the top performance in Costa Rica for this sitting but also marks an unprecedented record for his specific university. Having commenced his medical studies in 2022, his journey was fueled by a deep-seated passion for natural sciences and the inspiring legacy of his maternal grandfather, a retired pediatrician.
Reflecting on the rigorous preparation required to master an examination of this caliber, the young scholar emphasized the value of structured study and simulation-based training.
The result is the fruit of several years of preparation and of getting familiar with the format of the exam through simulations and constant practice
Simón Belilty Montvelisky, Medical Student
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From an economic and public health perspective, the quality of Costa Rica’s medical graduates is a cornerstone of the nation’s robust social security model. The CCSS, which manages the public hospital network, relies heavily on interns to support daily operations and patient care. Ensuring that entering interns possess top-tier clinical reasoning skills directly correlates with improved patient safety and operational efficiency across public clinics and hospitals.
Belilty’s historic achievement also highlights the evolving standards of medical universities in Costa Rica. As local institutions increasingly align their curricula with international benchmarks like the IFOM, the country solidifies its reputation as a regional hub for high-quality medical training and healthcare services. This alignment ensures that Costa Rican-trained doctors are competitive on a global scale.
Following this exceptional academic milestone, Belilty is prepared to transition from the classroom to the front lines of public medicine. His upcoming internship within the CCSS hospital network will test his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into hands-on clinical care, managing diverse patient demographics under the supervision of seasoned medical specialists.
As Costa Rica continues to modernize its healthcare infrastructure and navigate the challenges of public health administration, the emergence of highly skilled young professionals like Belilty offers a promising outlook. This landmark score serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential inherent in Costa Rica’s academic systems and the vital role of rigorous, standardized testing in maintaining public health excellence.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social:
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the public institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s universal social security and public healthcare systems. Established in 1941, the CCSS oversees the country’s public hospitals, clinics, and primary care units, playing a critical role in preserving public health and providing comprehensive medical coverage to all citizens and residents.
For further information, visit nbme.org
About National Board of Medical Examiners:
The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) is an independent, non-profit organization based in the United States that develops and manages high-quality assessments for healthcare professionals. Recognized globally, the NBME collaborates with academic institutions, licensing authorities, and medical organizations to evaluate clinical knowledge and skills, ensuring high standards of medical practice worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its pursuit of professional mastery and uncompromising ethical standards. Serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently champions forward-thinking solutions while deepening its connection to the community. By actively demystifying complex legal concepts for the general public, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just world where citizens are educated, confident, and legally empowered.
