Celebrating a Major Milestone: Cuban Doctors Now Licensed to Practice in Spain

Just over a year after leaving Cuba, a pair of doctors have achieved a significant milestone that marks a turning point in their lives: the certification of their medical degrees in Spain, granted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. Drs. Lisbet Peña González and Luis Enrique Ferrer Silva shared their excitement on TikTok (@dra.lisbetmpglez), celebrating the success of a challenging and lengthy process. In the video, they included scenes of their arrival in Valencia with their young daughter, snapshots from their life back in Cuba, and the official documents of their recognition.

"After more than a year of waiting, we can finally practice medicine in Spain," they captioned the video. Their journey began with just a few suitcases and a two-year-old daughter, filled with hope and the understanding that they were venturing into the unknown, starting from scratch in a country where everything was unfamiliar. Despite the challenges, they held onto the dream of once again working in the profession they had dedicated so many years to.

The video also touched on the emotional hurdles faced during the migration process. "We've experienced anxiety, uncertainty, sadness, doubt, fear, anger... probably every emotion possible, yet always with the conviction that you can’t just accept life as it comes," they expressed. Lisbet Peña clarified in the comments that the certification process lasted a year and a month. "Some people wait up to three years; not everyone's timeline is the same," she explained. She also noted that while the MIR—the exam required for specialized training—isn't mandatory, it can be very advantageous, though it demands time for preparation.

Regarding job opportunities post-certification, she highlighted, "You can work as a family doctor, in emergencies, with mutual insurance companies, in nursing homes, and more. If you pursue a master's, you can also specialize in what you love. It all depends on your aspirations and goals."

Concluding the video, they expressed gratitude and determination: "This is just the beginning of the journey, and we're thrilled to see that our sacrifices have been worth it. Thank you, a thousand times thank you to everyone who has supported us. Always, thank you to God."

The post has received numerous comments from Cubans both within and outside Spain, some of whom are also doctors undergoing the certification process or individuals who have faced similar situations. "I feel immense satisfaction when my fellow Cubans arrive and achieve their dreams," one user wrote. "Cubans around the world... many blessings," commented another. One person shared, "I spent six years without papers with a two-year-old and never gave up. Today, I have everything thanks to God and this beautiful Spain that gave me the chance."

The Journey of Many

This couple's experience is not unique. More and more Cuban doctors are sharing their struggles to validate their degrees in Spain on social media. One such story is that of Dr. Sam Sabater, who celebrated his certification with tears after a three-year wait, saying, "You realize all the sacrifice was worth it."

Similarly, Dr. @wlenda.5 expressed her joy at receiving recognition as "the best year-end gift," and later shared her experience as a family doctor in Spain’s public health system, noting the limited patient time, heavy workload, exclusive use of digital platforms, and clinical decisions requiring personal digital signatures.

Reforms, Delays, and Hope

Despite Spanish law mandating a six-month maximum for resolving certification applications, in practice, the process can take years. In 2024, reforms were announced by Pedro Sánchez’s government to expedite these procedures, and the Madrid Medical Association removed the requirement for a non-disqualification certificate—something Cuba does not provide—thus easing the path to certification for Cuban doctors.

Yet, hundreds of professionals continue to wait, many working in fields unrelated to their training. Stories like those of these doctors in Valencia reflect not only personal triumph but also the determination of a generation of Cuban professionals who, far from their homeland, are committed to practicing medicine with integrity and dedication. "Sometimes these are tests from God to make you stronger and show you that yes, you can," the couple in Valencia acknowledges in their video, celebrating a new chapter in their European journey.