The enactment of law SB7016 by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has opened new opportunities for Cuban doctors and other foreign-trained healthcare professionals, allowing them to practice in the United States without the need to complete a residency period.
The legislation, which represents a radical shift in revalidation exam policies, aims to address the growing shortage of doctors and nurses in Florida.
To facilitate the implementation of this law, the organizations Solidaridad Sin Fronteras and Green Cross Miami have formed an alliance with a law firm in Tallahassee that will provide legal counsel.
The official presentation of this program will take place this Wednesday.
"Many Cuban doctors are attending the Solidarity Without Borders event to gather more information that will allow them to validate their degrees and work in Florida. Excellent work by Dr. Julio César Alfonso," tweeted journalist Mario J. Pentón today, who shared a photo of a long line of individuals interested in the event.
Solidarity Without Borders, along with Green Cross Miami, will offer advisory services to professionals interested in benefiting from this law.
The president of Green Cross Miami, Taimy Venereo, expressed optimism about the impact of the law.
"The only thing I can tell you is that there are quite a few of us who will benefit from this new law," Venereo stated in remarks to Telemundo 51.
"We will reach out directly to these professionals via Zoom so they understand step by step what they need to do," he added.
Dr. Julio César Alfonso, president of Solidaridad Sin Fronteras, explained that the law eliminates the residency requirement for those who can demonstrate that they graduated from a recognized medical school.
Dr. Alfonso emphasized the urgency of the measure, noting that nearly 34% of specialists in the state are over 60 years old, and there are increasingly fewer educational programs producing new doctors.
"This includes, for example, the medical universities of Cuba. Professionals will need to demonstrate that they have remained active in medical service for the past four years to qualify," stated Alfonso.
"More demand and fewer doctors equals a crisis. That's why the government has to take measures like this," the doctor added.
Dr. Alfonso clarified that Family Nurse Practitioners and others who have had patient practice roles may qualify, as well as those who have worked in international programs in other countries.
Anyone who needs more information can contact Solidaridad Sin Fronteras at the phone number 305-884-4110.
In March, the organizations Solidaridad Sin Fronteras and La Cruz Verde had already introduced another international medical assistance program for doctors in Miami, aimed at replacing the exploitative labor of Cuban physicians abroad.
It was reported that Cuban medical professionals, whether defectors or not from medical missions, will be able to offer their services and expertise in Latin American countries. It is estimated that the program could ultimately benefit thousands of Cuban doctors and those from other countries who reside in the United States but have been unable to validate their degrees there and wish to practice.
Filed under:
