Dr. Mónica Serrano, a Cuban physician, captured the hearts of social media users worldwide this week with her emotional response to passing Brazil's National Revalidation Exam. This exam is the sole official pathway for foreign-trained doctors to legally practice medicine in the country.
In a video shared on her Instagram account @dra.monica.serrano, Serrano can be seen bursting with joy and gratitude as she reads her passing result. "I passed, my love, I passed!" she exclaims excitedly.
Her post's caption reads: "I can officially thank God for this opportunity to practice medicine after passing the National Revalidation Exam in Brazil."
The Journey of a Dedicated Doctor
Mónica, originally from Holguín, graduated from medical school in Cuba in 2018. She has been married for seven years and is a mother. Two years ago, she moved to Brazil with her family.
Dr. Serrano asserts that a physician can prepare for this crucial exam in under a year. She now runs an academy aimed at helping other Cuban doctors overcome this challenging hurdle.
Understanding the Revalidation Challenge
Administered by Brazil's National Institute of Educational Studies and Research, the Revalida consists of a written knowledge test and a practical assessment of clinical skills. Known for its stringent standards, the exam has seen less than half of its candidates pass the first phase between 2011 and 2023, with a mere 5.27% overall pass rate in 2017—a historical low.
For Cuban doctors, the path is particularly demanding. A study by the University of São Paulo's Faculty of Medicine and the Brazilian Medical Association revealed that 90.7% of Cuban-trained doctors failed the first phase in a cohort of 300 candidates. Despite these odds, from 2011 to 2018, over 2,000 Cubans passed, ranking third by nationality in absolute numbers, with an average pass rate of 28.8%, aligning closely with the general exam average.
A Legacy of Cuban Physicians in Brazil
The presence of Cuban doctors in Brazil dates back to the 2013 Mais Médicos program, which brought thousands from the island to serve in remote areas. When Cuba withdrew its doctors from the program in 2018, many chose to stay and pursue revalidation independently.
As of August 2025, approximately 1,064 Cuban doctors had obtained professional registration after passing the Revalida, while around 2,660 remained active in the Mais Médicos initiative.
Celebrating Triumph Over Adversity
Comments on Dr. Serrano's video highlight the collective achievement she represents. "That was exactly my reaction in 2021 when I revalidated; I was in shock for an hour," one user shared.
Another sent congratulations "from a Cuban doctor in Switzerland," while someone summarized a common sentiment: "Cubans always succeed abroad; the dictatorship stifles our potential at home."
Dr. Serrano's story is part of a broader trend of Cuban doctors abroad celebrating their credentials' recognition on social media, with similar stories emerging from Spain, Uruguay, and Mexico.
Behind each video lies years of study and personal sacrifice to reclaim the right to practice a profession that in Cuba paid minimal wages and offered limited freedoms.
"Congratulations, here you'll be compensated as you deserve," wrote another follower, capturing the essence of what crossing that line signifies for many Cuban professionals.
The Revalidation Exam: Key Questions and Insights
What is the Revalida exam?
The Revalida is Brazil's official exam that allows foreign-trained doctors to legally practice in the country, consisting of a written and a practical component.
Why is the Revalida challenging for Cuban doctors?
Cuban doctors face a particularly tough path due to high failure rates, especially in the first phase, and the political and economic challenges they face in their home country.
How has the Mais Médicos program impacted Cuban doctors in Brazil?
The Mais Médicos program brought many Cuban doctors to Brazil to work in underserved areas, and after its dissolution, many sought to stay and revalidate their credentials independently.