Sam Sabater, a young Cuban doctor, deeply moved social media followers by sharing the emotional moment he learned his medical degree had finally been recognized in Spain after a long wait of over three years.
In a heartfelt video on his TikTok account, Sam is visibly emotional, tears streaming down his face as he checks his status on the Spanish Ministry of Universities' online portal. “After 3 years, you wake up to a notification about your process to recognize your medical degree in Spain,” he captioned the initial frames of the clip.
The screenshot indicated that the processing had concluded, and a resolution proposal would be issued by the relevant authority. The news unleashed a torrent of emotions that Sam shared with his followers: “You realize all the sacrifices and efforts were worth it,” “every moment of desperation and anguish wasn't in vain,” “and it wasn’t a mistake to pack a suitcase and leave everything behind.”
With a blend of joy, relief, and hope, he also expressed, “I’m counting the days to wear a lab coat again and contribute my bit,” and concluded, “My life begins anew TODAY.”
Support, Pride, and Debate on Social Media
The video has garnered over 45,000 likes and thousands of comments, many congratulating the young Cuban and sharing similar experiences. “I don’t know you, but congratulations; they say the best doctors come from Cuba,” one user wrote. Another commented, “My primary doctor is Cuban, and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else; he’s the best I’ve ever had by far.”
Voices also chimed in on the preparation of Latin American professionals: “You should know that South American doctors are better prepared than the doctors here... it’s called vocation,” one user opined. There were also criticisms of the system: “The bureaucratic system in Spain is shameful, like a banana republic,” lamented another person.
Sam humbly and gratefully responded to many comments, revealing he would be practicing in Málaga, a city he will soon join to integrate into the healthcare system.
A Slow Process Full of Obstacles
Sam Sabater's story is not isolated. Recently, other Cuban doctors have shared their journeys after achieving the long-awaited recognition. Dr. @wlenda.5, for instance, described her first day as a family doctor in Spain as an “organizational shock,” where “you have 10 minutes per patient,” and everything is managed digitally.
A month prior, the same doctor celebrated her recognition after two and a half years of waiting, calling it “the best end-of-year gift.”
Although the law sets a maximum six-month period to resolve applications, in practice, the process can take years. In October 2024, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a migration reform aimed at speeding up the recognition of university degrees for foreign professionals already residing in the country, as outlined at the time.
That same month, the Madrid Medical Association allowed Cuban doctors to register without the need to present a non-disqualification certificate, a document the island's authorities are not issuing, marking a key advancement amidst administrative hurdles.
Hope and Vocation
Stories like Sam's reflect not only the bureaucratic journey many emigrated doctors face but also their steadfast determination to practice their vocation under more dignified conditions. His testimony resonates deeply because it embodies the sacrifice, resilience, and hope of thousands of Cubans dreaming of validating their profession far from home.
“My life begins anew today,” he wrote. And with him, many feel represented.
Understanding the Recognition of Foreign Medical Degrees in Spain
What does it mean to have a medical degree recognized in Spain?
Having a medical degree recognized in Spain means that the degree is validated by Spanish authorities, allowing the holder to legally practice medicine within the country.
How long does the recognition process usually take in Spain?
While the law states a maximum period of six months, in practice, the process can extend over several years due to bureaucratic delays.
What recent changes have been made to the recognition process in Spain?
Recently, a migration reform was announced to expedite the recognition of university degrees for foreign professionals residing in Spain. Additionally, the Madrid Medical Association now allows Cuban doctors to register without a non-disqualification certificate.