A Cuban doctor residing in Uruguay has stirred up social media by sharing her experiences of practicing medicine outside the island. Known on TikTok as @edenny30, the doctor, who graduated seven years ago and has been practicing in the Uruguayan system for two years, offered a reflective account of the most striking differences she encountered in her new professional environment.
In the initial segment of her story, she revealed that in Cuba, she never treated pediatric patients as she was specialized in Internal Medicine. Upon starting her practice in Uruguay, she had to study pediatrics from scratch. “After graduating, I never saw children, so when I began working in Uruguay, I had to learn pediatrics from the ground up,” she recounted. Another noteworthy difference she highlighted was the on-call system. While specialists in Cuban hospitals are physically present on call, in Uruguay, they are available by phone, requiring general practitioners to initially handle complex cases. “A patient with a heart attack or an open fracture in Cuba would go straight to a specialist; here, you see them first.”
Additionally, she spoke about the mobile emergency system. In Cuba, although SIUM exists, it doesn’t operate as it does in Uruguay, where doctors may be assigned to ambulances or conduct home visits, sometimes without nursing support. “You go alone, with a kit, to diagnose, set up IVs, and administer medication,” she explained.
The video quickly went viral, sparking a flood of comments. Many applauded her honesty, while others reacted with irritation, accusing her of downplaying the Uruguayan system or idealizing the Cuban one. Responses ranged from gratitude—“Thank you for sharing this, it’s useful for those of us validating credentials”—to outright rejection—“Why don’t you go back to Cuba if it’s better there?” Some even questioned her professional training: “I don’t understand how you graduate if there are no materials there.”
In response to the backlash, the doctor clarified that her intent was not to compare which country is better, but to share her personal experiences. “They didn’t understand the video. I’m not criticizing. I’m happy working in Uruguay. I’m just stating what was different for me,” she commented.
Challenges and Realities of Practicing Medicine in Uruguay
In the second part of her testimony, published shortly after, she discussed aspects such as the existence of electronic medical records—“something that helps us a lot”—and the abundance of medical supplies. However, she also touched on the employment situation many doctors face in Uruguay. She explained that most work as self-employed, without a steady salary, bonuses, or vacation. “If you get sick and can’t work for ten days, those days aren’t paid.” She mentioned that many professionals live in uncertainty, relying on whether they secure shifts that month and having to work in multiple locations to achieve stable income.
She noted that salaries vary depending on shifts and locations, with hourly pay ranging from 380 to over 1,000 Uruguayan pesos. Another difference that caught her attention was the absence of the traditional Cuban white coat, as medical staff wear scrubs, which are more practical but less symbolic. “It’s very comfortable, but I miss my tunic.”
The second post continued to fuel the debate. Several Uruguayan doctors agreed with her description of the system and emphasized that obtaining a permanent position is a long and challenging process. “We dream of having a stable position, but it takes years. You’ll get there,” a colleague wrote. Another commented: “Yes, we’re self-employed, but that also gives you independence. Everything has its pros and cons.”
There were also those who staunchly defended the Uruguayan system. “Here, we practice well. There are many options and resources. It’s just a matter of getting used to it.” Some users pointed out that the model of doctors as businesses has been widespread in Uruguay for years and is not exclusive to foreigners. “This happens to everyone, no matter where you’re from,” one person noted.
Despite the praise and criticism, the doctor reiterated her gratitude and remained steadfast in her stance. “There are resources here. I feel safe working. But I’m not saying Uruguay is better or worse. I’m just sharing what was different for me.”
With her posts, this Cuban has joined a growing wave of emigrants sharing on social media how it is to start over outside the island. In previous posts, she had detailed the challenges of finding employment in Uruguay and the initial costs faced by migrants. Now, with her critical yet appreciative outlook, she has brought to public conversation a reality that remains invisible to many: the foreign doctor who, amid variable shifts, new medications, and unstable contracts, strives to rebuild their professional life far from home.
FAQs on Practicing Medicine in Uruguay
What challenges do foreign doctors face in Uruguay?
Foreign doctors in Uruguay often deal with variable work schedules, lack of stable contracts, and the need to adapt to a different healthcare system. Many work as self-employed without fixed salaries or benefits, and must secure shifts to ensure a stable income.
How does the emergency system in Uruguay differ from Cuba's?
In Uruguay, doctors can be assigned to ambulances or perform home visits alone, which is different from Cuba where the emergency system does not operate in this manner. Cuban doctors are typically not required to conduct home visits without additional support.