Eight years after departing from Cuba, a Cuban pediatric surgeon now residing in the United States has opened up about the profound experience of leaving her homeland, family, and the career she passionately pursued, to embark on a new life without abandoning her dream of practicing medicine.
Known on TikTok as CubanitaVIP (@maraivisromero323), she shared a heartfelt video reflecting on the day she emigrated and the myriad sacrifices, challenges, and opportunities she has encountered while being away from her native land.
"Today marks eight years since I left Cuba, leaving behind my country, family, friends, and the place where I learned to do what you see here," she begins, showing her hands—the same ones with which she performed countless surgeries on the island.
For her, emigrating was not merely about changing countries. It involved confronting a new language, adapting to different regulations, and the daunting task of rebuilding a hard-earned professional career from scratch.
"I left a country where I achieved one of my greatest dreams, becoming a surgeon, and emigrating meant starting anew in another country, with a different language, different rules, but the same hands and the same passion," she shares.
Despite the hurdles, she affirms that eight years on, she still feels the same thrill every time she steps into an operating room. Although there are still professional goals she wishes to achieve, her passion for progress remains undiminished.
In response to comments on her post, she clarified how she has managed to stay connected to the surgical field in the U.S. while continuing her professional development.
"Let me explain, here we can obtain the license of Surgical First Assistant and work as a surgeon. I still have exams to pass. Thank you for your comment," she replied to a user.
The role of a Surgical First Assistant involves providing direct assistance to the surgeon during operations, a position distinct from a fully licensed surgeon in the United States, where foreign degrees do not automatically qualify one to practice medicine.
Professional reintegration poses a significant challenge for many Cuban doctors who have emigrated. In May 2026, CiberCuba reported on about 300 Cuban doctors facing obstacles in advancing their professional certification processes due to immigration issues.
Additionally, in Florida, measures were approved in 2024 to facilitate the practice of foreign-trained doctors through alternative pathways subject to specific requirements.
Other Cuban professionals have also made strides in this journey. Among them are doctors with Form I-220A who have managed to rebuild their careers in the U.S., despite the challenges they face.
Ultimately, beyond exams and bureaucratic hurdles, the message of this Cuban surgeon is a testament to her unwavering love for the profession she chose and her refusal to give it up.
"Life taught me that even when we have to start from scratch, what we truly love finds a way to accompany us," she reflects.
She concludes her message with words dedicated to the hands that symbolize her vocation and everything she has overcome since leaving Cuba:
"Today, I look at them and give thanks for all I've experienced, for the people who have helped me along the way, and for every opportunity that has allowed me to remain in the operating room."
Understanding the Challenges for Cuban Doctors in the U.S.
What is a Surgical First Assistant?
A Surgical First Assistant is a professional who provides direct assistance to the surgeon during surgical procedures. They play a crucial role in the operating room but are distinct from licensed surgeons, especially in the U.S. where foreign medical degrees require additional certification.
Why do Cuban doctors face challenges in the U.S.?
Cuban doctors often face challenges in the U.S. due to the need for recertification and adaptation to new medical regulations and language barriers. Their foreign medical degrees do not automatically permit them to practice medicine without additional qualifications.