DOCTOR IN MEDICINE

Summary of the Doctor in Medicine Degree

Background

The Medicine degree at the Royal and Pontifical University of University of Medical Sciences of Havana is one of Cuba’s oldest educational traditions, established in January 1728. For 234 years, the only School of Medicine in Cuba was located in the capital city. However, in 1962, in response to the increasing healthcare needs of the Cuban population and to provide medical aid in solidarity with other nations, Cuba began expanding higher medical education across the country.

Today, Cuba boasts 21 Faculties of Medical Sciences and the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). The University of Medical Sciences of Havana serves as the leading center for medical education in the country. ELAM was established in 1999, following a request by Commander Fidel Castro, as a response to the devastating Hurricane Mitch in 1998. This natural disaster caused significant human and material losses in Central America, exacerbating the health conditions of the affected populations.

Modern Medical Education in Cuba

Cuba’s healthcare system is renowned for its high standards, comparable to those of first-world countries. It provides comprehensive medical care to the entire population, free of charge, with universal coverage and accessibility at all levels of care. From community health centers to a network of hospitals and specialized secondary and tertiary services, Cuba ensures that quality healthcare is available to everyone.

Highlights

• Historical Legacy: The Medicine degree dates back to 1728, reflecting a long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education.
• Expansion and Accessibility: Since 1962, Cuba has expanded its medical education system to meet growing healthcare needs and to support international solidarity efforts.
• Leading Institutions: The University of Medical Sciences of Havana and ELAM are central to Cuba’s medical education, training both local and international students.
• Global Solidarity: ELAM was created to support nations in need, exemplifying Cuba’s commitment to global health.
• Universal Healthcare: Cuba’s healthcare system is free, universally accessible, and highly effective, offering top-tier medical care comparable to first-world standards.

Cuba’s medical education system not only trains proficient medical professionals but also stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to health, education, and international solidarity. Whether you’re a prospective student or an observer of global health trends, Cuba’s medical education model offers a unique and inspiring example of how to achieve excellence in healthcare.

Mandatory Spanish Proficiency Course

Non-Spanish speaking students must take a Spanish proficiency course unless they demonstrate proficiency through an oral and written test (75.00 USD). This course aims to provide deep knowledge of Spanish, especially biomedical vocabulary, and prepares students for the teaching process, including evaluations.

Overview

The Medicine degree curriculum is standardized across the entire higher medical education system, offering flexibility to accommodate varying backgrounds, entry levels, and health statuses.

Program Details

Program Name: Doctor in Medicine
Curriculum Structure: Semester-based, with a one-year internship
Program Length: Six years; five years divided into ten academic semesters, followed by a one-year rotating internship
Admission Requirements: Senior high school completion or equivalent
Number of Curricular Units: 66
Academic Degree: Medical Doctor
Accreditation: Title of Medical Doctor

Professional Profile

The curriculum is designed to produce graduates with the professional profile of a general practitioner. Graduates are equipped with solid knowledge and a scientific approach, ready to provide comprehensive medical care to all age groups and perform various administrative, educational, research, and environmental health care tasks.

Core Competencies

Graduates will develop competencies in:

• Comprehensive Medical Care: Providing holistic care through health promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation in physical, psychological, and social spheres.
• Education: Engaging in self-educational and educational activities.
• Research: Conducting scientific research to advance medical knowledge.
• Administration: Managing healthcare settings and operations.
• Specialty: Gaining specialized skills for advanced medical practice.

Curriculum Highlights

• Health Problems and Skills: The program defines 220 health problems to be identified and solved, and 224 skills to be developed.
• Active Learning: Emphasizes active learning methods, cognitive independence, and balancing theory with practice. Group activities and student participation in healthcare processes are prioritized.
• Independent Study: Students engage in 4 hours of independent study per day during the first 2 years, increasing significantly from the 3rd year onwards. Self-study time averages 15 to 30 hours per week.
• Night and Day Shifts: Mandatory shifts from the 3rd year onwards, with 6 to 8 hours per week, including longer schedules on weekends.
• Extracurricular Activities: Includes student scientific activities, knowledge meetings, award exams, student assistantship movement, and cultural, sports, and recreational activities.
• Graduation Requirements: Students must pass a National External State Examination (practical and theoretical) and complete 5 rotations of the Internship.

Curriculum Organization

• Total Hours: 10,840 hours, including 2,784 hours for the internship.
• Learning Approach: Prioritizes active, hands-on learning and practical experience over traditional lectures. Encourages professional performance in healthcare activities through education at work.

Students will undergo the following trainings:

First Year

* Contents of cell, prenatal development and basic tissues.

** Contents of integumentary system and osteomyoarticular system

*** Contents of the nervous system

**** Contents of endocrine regulation

Note: The subject Medical Informatics can be taken in the first or second semester of the first year.

Second Year

* Contents of blood, hemolymphopoietic system and cardiovascular system.

** Contents of the respiratory, renal and digestive systems.

Note: The subject Research Methodology and Statistics can be taken in the first or second semester of this academic year.

Third Year

Fourth Year

Fifth Year

Rotating Internship

Non-Spanish speaking Student:

The program’s duration is 6 and a half years. It includes a 6-months course of Spanish language training, in addition to the standard 6-year degree program. Total cost of the program, including premedical and Spanish language courses, is 66,950.00 USD and is divided as follows:

* Accommodation at the CubaHeal students’ residence, along with transportation to and from school, is included in the Spanish language program.

The Doctor of Medicine program’s tuition includes the following:

• Enrollment
• Right of attendance to all practical and theoretical teaching activities
• Right to all the exams including the final state examination.
• Marks certification.
• Title duly legalized by the University of Medical Sciences where the student has attended studies at the end of the program.
• Use of library services during studies.
• Access to sport and cultural areas of the University of Medical Sciences
• Participation in its various manifestations and scientific advisory for research works.

The Doctor of Medicine program’s tuition does not include the following:

• Accommodation for year 1^st – 6^th year
• Meals
• Learning materials
• National or international transportation
• Telephone services and/or internet services
• Books
• Printing
• Immigration procedures in Cuba
• Change of migratory status
• Identity document for year 1^st – 6^th year
• Translations and legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassies
• Health insurance or medical care
• Paperwork and transfer of the deceased in case of death.

Prior to the Student’s Arrival:

1. Arrange airport pickup.

1. Ensure adequate accommodation.
2. Provide transportation to and from school
3. Maintain constant communication with the university’s administration to confirm seat reservation.

Upon the Student’s Arrival:

1. Provide airport pickup.
2. Conduct an orientation session to familiarize the student with:
   • CubaHeal team.
   • Local transportation.
   • Other city facilities and relevant immigration and legal laws in the Republic of Cuba.
3. Assist in establishing a bank account.
4. Serve as a permanent point of reference for the student in case of any needs.
5. Act as a permanent point of contact for the student’s relatives overseas if needed.

• Upon submitting your application, it will be recorded in a database and is only valid for the academic year in which it was requested. Otherwise, if you do not attend in that period, you must make a new formal request.
• All non-Spanish speaking students are required to enroll in a 6-months program intended to deepen students’ knowledge of the Spanish language related to Biomedical Sciences
• CubaHeal will carry an independent tutoring programs in areas related to the medical programs such as biology and medical sciences in order to prepare the students for his first year of Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Dear Student,

the program’s duration is 6-years long. For students interested in this program, kindly visit CHMT LA, our sister company by clicking on the link below:

Doctor En Medicina

Estimado estudiante,

La duración del programa es de 6 años. Para los visitantes de habla hispana interesados en este programa, por favor visiten nuestra empresa hermana CHMT LA haciendo clic en el enlace a continuación:

Doctor En Medicina

Prospective students for the Doctor of Medicine program must complete the ” APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO A CUBAN UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAM” form and submit an initial deposit of $200 CAD to secure university admittance.