Yadira, a Cuban doctor now residing in Denia, Alicante, recently posted a video addressing a critical comment she received. The comment questioned why she complained about her circumstances when she earns significantly more in Spain than she did in Cuba. The remark read, "In Cuba, you earned €200 a month, while in Spain you make €12 an hour. What's the complaint? You know what to do if you're not satisfied."
In her response, Yadira emphasized the importance of working with integrity and not paying attention to detractors. "Work with honor and disregard the naysayers. If someone tells you to leave, work even harder. Focus on what drives you to do your best. Don't turn back; keep moving forward, and you'll get closer to your goal every day," she wrote. She clarified that her decision to emigrate was out of necessity, not desire, and that her actual earnings in Cuba were around €15 a month, equivalent to 5,500 Cuban pesos, her salary as a doctor before leaving.
Yadira arrived in Spain a month ago and expressed gratitude for her current job cleaning villas. "Perhaps you might be the next one vacationing here in Denia," she noted, adding she is not ashamed of her current employment: "I would do whatever necessary to feed my family, and I won’t be returning." She urged fellow migrants not to succumb to criticism: "There will always be critics, but successful people don't waste time criticizing those who are just starting. Those who criticize often have too much time on their hands, and they will never be achievers. Stay focused on your goal and remember what motivated you to make that decision."
The post has garnered supportive messages such as "Welcome to Spain, your work is honorable," and "Your dreams will come true, you have the opportunity to validate your degree and achieve your goals." It also prompted testimonials from other migrants affirming that "working is never a shame" and that Spain has offered them "more than their home country."
The comment that sparked Yadira's response appeared under a previous post where she participated in a viral challenge among Cuban emigrants, set to the song "No ha sido fácil" by Pablo Milanés. Titled "What I Was in Cuba vs. What I Am in Spain: From Doctor to House Cleaner but Honest," she wrote, "I join the challenge of what I was in my country vs. what I am in Spain. Incredibly, I live better here, with peace, food, freedom, and security. And if one day God allows it, I will be a doctor again."
The post features two images: the first, with her in a white coat in a clinic labeled "In Cuba: Doctor. Clothing seller. Made sweets. Whatever business came up to earn a bit more." The second image shows her in casual clothes with cleaning supplies, accompanied by the text: "In Spain: Cleaning houses and whatever it takes to get ahead."
Her story has attracted numerous comments. One user stated, "You are an example to follow; soon you'll wear your white coat again." Another asserted, "Whatever work you do, as long as it's dignified, is honorable." Many suggested she start the process of validating her medical degree, assuring her that in Spain, "the effort of doctors is appreciated."
The Struggle to Practice Medicine
Yadira's experience is not unique. Many Cuban doctors in Spain face lengthy processes to validate their credentials, often taking years. Some, like Lisbet Peña González and Luis Enrique Ferrer Silva, recently celebrated the opportunity to practice after over a year of waiting, while others, like Sam Sabater, waited more than three years.
Besides the bureaucratic delays, some professionals are hindered by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health's refusal to issue the "non-disqualification" certificate, required for medical licensing. According to doctors and associations, this policy aims to punish those who emigrate without authorization, leaving them in precarious jobs despite their qualifications.
In this challenging environment, Yadira remains committed to her decision. She vows to continue working "honestly" until she achieves her goal of practicing medicine again in Spain.
Challenges and Opportunities for Cuban Doctors in Spain
What challenges do Cuban doctors face in Spain?
Cuban doctors in Spain often face lengthy and complex processes to validate their medical degrees, which can take years. They also encounter bureaucratic obstacles, such as the refusal of the Cuban government to provide necessary documentation.
How can Cuban doctors validate their degrees in Spain?
To validate their degrees, Cuban doctors must undergo a credential recognition process, which includes submitting documentation, passing exams, and sometimes additional training. They may also need to obtain a "non-disqualification" certificate from the Cuban government.
What support is available for Cuban emigrants in Spain?
Support for Cuban emigrants in Spain includes community groups, online forums, and organizations that offer guidance on legal, educational, and employment opportunities. These resources can help navigate the challenges of settling in a new country.