Experiences of United States Graduates at the Latin American Medical School in Cuba: A Road Less Traveled

摘要

Objectives. Determine if United States graduates of the Latin American Medical School in Cuba: 1) provide primary health care to disadvantaged populations; 2) complete licensing exams and obtain residencies; and 3) accrue additional debt during their medical education. Methods. A Qualtrics secure web-based survey was provided to 158 graduates via email, completed anonymously. Responses were compiled and descriptive statistics generated. Results. Fifty-six valid surveys were returned, for a response rate of 35.4. Chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant differences between survey respondents and the sampling frame. Most graduates are people of color; 68 work in clinical medicine; of these, 90 are in primary care, with 100 serving disadvantaged populations. Most accrued no further educational loan debt. Conclusions. United States graduates of the Latin American Medical School work in primary care with disadvantaged populations. Graduates accrue little additional student loan debt.