Medical electives in Cuba
ELECTIVE PROGRAMME 2010-11
The IISC elective programme is now being administered by the Centre for Caribbean and Latin American Research and Conusltancy (CLARC) at London Metropolitan University.
Applications for 2011 are now being welcomed. All the information and how to apply is now located on the Centre website:
Further information and application forms are available from Dr Stephen Wilkinson
Why go to Cuba?
Cuba is a poor country with an excellent healthcare system. Politically and socially it is unique. An elective in Cuba is an opportunity to see Cuba as tourists don’t see it.
Brief introduction to health and healthcare in Cuba
Cuba achieves life expectancy and infant mortality rates as good as or better than developed countries for a fraction of the cost. Health care is free. Cuba long ago controlled infectious disease. With a healthy and aging population, Cuba is now focusing on management of chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease.
Cubans are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their health, with the support of their family doctor. Each family doctor works with a nurse from a small health centre or ‘consultorio’, and they have responsibility for the health of around 240 families. Their role is somewhat similar to that of UK GPs. Groups of family doctors are attached to polyclinics where further investigations and treatments are provided for ambulatory patients. Hospitals provide surgery and more specialised investigation and treatment and manage all but a few highly specialised problems.
Medical training in Cuba
Cuba trains medical students from all over the world. Medical education is well-organised and of a high standard. Many aspects will be familiar to UK students. There is an emphasis on the social responsibilities of health care professionals. Students are trained to make a triple diagnosis: physical, psychological and social, and to devise management plans on that basis.
Electives in Cuba
People can feel strongly about Cuba, both for and against the regime. An elective is an opportunity to see what tourists don’t see, and to make up your own mind.
UK students have found Cuban staff welcoming and have praised the teaching they received, and they have been able to get lots of hands-on experience. Elective students are generally integrated with local students.
All specialties are available in most hospitals. Students can also take advantage of the opportunity to experience the key to Cuba’s healthcare system, its family doctor service, and we encourage all students to spend a part of their time in Cuba attached to primary care doctors, especially those who are thinking of becoming a GP or going into public health.
Teaching is normally in Spanish. Many Cuban doctors speak some English but patients don’t, and visitors who don’t know at least intermediate Spanish will miss out on a lot.
Off duty in Cuba
Cuba has some beautiful scenery with trekking opportunities in wild mountain areas. There are stunning beaches. Many of the towns have beautiful colonial architecture. Baseball is Cuba’s national sport. The good humour and joie de vivre of Cubans is very real, and Cuba is generally a safe and welcoming society. And the music and dancing are second to none!
Our elective programme in 2009 is in the Southern city of Cienfuegos. Learn more and find an application questionnaire by clicking here.
For more information about healthcare in Cuba go to Healthcare in Cuba - finding out more.
