Latin American School of Medicine

ElAM

The Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM, Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina) is an international medical school in Havana, Cuba. It was established in 1999 by the Cuban government under the administration of Fidel Castro with the aim of providing free medical education to students from around the world, particularly from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

History

The Latin American School of Medicine was founded in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which severely affected several countries in Central America. The Cuban government offered to train doctors from these countries to help rebuild their healthcare systems. The first class of students began their studies in 1999.

Admission

Admission to ELAM is highly competitive and is based on academic performance, commitment to serving underserved communities, and a demonstrated interest in primary care. The school offers full scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and a small stipend for living expenses. Students are required to return to their home countries to practice medicine after graduation.

Curriculum

The curriculum at ELAM is designed to train students in primary care and community medicine. The program lasts six years and includes two years of basic sciences, three years of clinical sciences, and one year of internship. The training emphasizes preventive medicine, public health, and the social determinants of health.

Impact

Since its inception, ELAM has graduated thousands of doctors who have gone on to work in underserved areas around the world. The school has been praised for its commitment to social justice and its role in addressing global health disparities. Graduates of ELAM have played significant roles in responding to health crises, such as the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Criticism

Despite its successes, ELAM has faced criticism. Some critics argue that the quality of education may not be on par with that of medical schools in more developed countries. Others have raised concerns about the political motivations behind the program and the conditions under which students live and study.

Notable Alumni

• Jorge Pérez (physician)
• Salvador Allende (physician)

See Also

• Cuban medical internationalism
• Healthcare in Cuba
• Medical education in Cuba