8 Best Medical Schools in Cuba!
If you wish to study medicine in a Cuban medical school accredited by the American Medical Association in 2023, continue reading.
Cuba has become one of the leading medical education locations in the world. The nation continues to draw international students from all around the world, particularly those attending universities with free tuition.
Cuba’s inexpensive tuition and medical colleges have helped generate a large number of doctors. Cuba now has the largest number of physicians per population (67 per 10,000). Despite Cuba’s GDP and shortage of pharmaceuticals and equipment, these professionals contribute to the country’s thriving healthcare system.
Now, let’s examine the list of the Best Medical Schools in Cuba and the admission requirements for international students.
List of the Best Medical Schools in Cuba
The following is a list of the Best Medical Schools in Cuba:
1. Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM)
Since 1999, ELAM, also known as the Latin American School of Medicine, has been a government-run institution catering to international students. It is located in Havana and is believed to be one of the largest medical schools in the world, with applicants from over a hundred nations.
This Best Medical Schools in Cuba accepts international students but gives precedence to those from disadvantaged communities. Full tuition, housing, meals, Spanish textbooks, uniform, and a $4 monthly stipend are provided by ELAM scholarships (100 Cuban pesos).
The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), the World Health Organization, and the California Medical Board all recognize ELAM. It is regarded as one of Best Medical Schools in Cuba.
2. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana
The Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana was founded in 1976 and is located in the Cuban capital. This Best Medical Schools in Cuba provides a variety of health-related degrees, including a 6-year Medicine program.
The name of the curriculum is PENSUM. It aims to produce physicians with extensive knowledge and abilities. Internships are available in the departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Surgery. In addition to specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, its graduates are also well-versed in disease prevention, rehabilitation, and research.
Additionally, the Medical University of Havana provides postgraduate education in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Public Health, Gynecology, Surgery, and Diagnostics.
The Medical University of Havana is approved by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (Ministry of Public Health).
3. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín – Mariana Grajales Coello
The Mariana Grajales Coello University of Medical Sciences was established in 1965. It was formally created in 1973, but its first 20 physicians who rotated through Hospital Vladimir I. Lenin graduated in 1967. Early teachers at the institution included physicians from the defunct USSR and Cuba.
Students can major in subjects such as epidemiology, gastroenterology, genetics, gerontology, geriatrics, pathology, critical care, and natural medicine through the Health Technology Center and University Polyclinic initiatives.This is also another Best Medical Schools in Cuba.
4. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara
The University of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara began as the Provincial Surgical Hospital when it was founded in 1966. Today, the institution is among the Best Medical Schools in Cuba.
Beginning with courses in Pathology, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory, and Parasitology, the institution’s 6-year curriculum is currently comprehensive and of the highest caliber.
Villa Clara students are taught Research, Community Medicine, Genetics, Morphophysiology, Health Promotion/Prevention, Psychology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology as part of the PENSUM curriculum.
5. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba
This Best Medical Schools in Cuba was established in February 1962 as the Medical School of the University of the Orient. The school was finally inaugurated and moved to its new structure in 1964, along with Avenida de Las Americas. 1979 saw the establishment of a second medical faculty, which attracted students from Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and around the world.
Today, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba trains its students in approximately 24 medical specializations. Hundreds of students from Haiti, Djibouti, Mali, and other nations are currently enrolled at the institution as a result of the 1998 Health Program’s expansion with the assistance of more Caribbean medical professors.
Also check: 7 Best Medical Schools in Chicago
6. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila
The 1978-founded, Moron-based Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego is a public institution. It is situated on a 120,000-square-meter site and is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education.
In 2009, its Faculty of Medical Science was officially acknowledged as a Medical University, having become one of the top medical schools in Cuba. Currently, it is the academic arm of the medical tourism program in Ciego de Avila. This is also among the Best Medical Schools in Cuba.
7. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo
The University of Medical Sciences of Guantanamo was founded in 1979 and is located in the municipality of Guantanamo, a hilly territory in the country’s eastern region.
This Best Medical Schools in Cuba is authorized by the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education and focuses in Medicine. As one of the most reputable institutions in the region, it teaches physicians in over 53 medical specialties.
In addition to its prestigious medical school, the university provides courses in Stomatology and Nursing.
8. Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de Cienfuegos
Founded in 1979, Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de Cienfuegos has been a sanctuary for many international students. Currently, there are thousands of international students from 52 nations. This attractive school remains faithful to its purpose of educating world-class physicians despite its large multicultural student body.
A rotational internship in the departments of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pediatrics concludes medical school.
This Best Medical Schools in Cuba is linked with the Provincial General Hospital of Dr. Gustavo Alderegun Lima and is recognized by the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education.
FAQs On Best Medical Schools in Cuba
Are the medical schools in Cuba good?
If you are interested in studying medicine, Cuba is an excellent place to do so. It has the largest medical school in Latin America and one of the best in the world- making it a top study destination for international students who want to earn their degrees abroad.
How long is med school in Cuba?
The training for Doctor of Medicine in Cuba takes 6 years plus a one-year Spanish training for non-Spanish speakers. A bachelor degree in medicine prepares students for medical profession that is cherished beyond the Caribbean island.
Can Cuban doctors practice in the US?
To practice in the United States, doctors trained in Cuba must pass a series of examinations, as well as their colleagues trained in American schools. They must also complete a medical residency program in the United States.
Is it hard to become a doctor in Cuba?
The program is modeled after the European medical schools. This means it would take a student six years to become a medical doctor in Cuba as opposed to 4 years of training in the US and Canada. In terms of knowledge, this means two extra years of clinical rotations under the supervision of medical professors.
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