Just a year ago, Rachely Carmenates Sánchez celebrated one of the happiest moments of her life: completing six rigorous years of medical school and achieving a perfect score on her state exam. Today, this young Cuban doctor reveals that she's not practicing the profession she dreamt of because her salary doesn't even cover the most basic necessities.
In a heartfelt video on Instagram, Carmenates reminisces about the day she finished her university studies and heard her examiner's words: "Congratulations, you did a wonderful exam, you have a hundred points."
"For me, it was one of the greatest achievements of my entire life. I still think about that day and get goosebumps because it not only symbolized the end of six years of study, but it was also the realization of the biggest dream I've ever had," she expressed.
"Being a doctor in Cuba became a shattered dream for me. Although my mom hoped to see me become an independent professional, today my salary as a doctor isn't enough to buy a bottle of oil and a pack of chicken together," she lamented.
In her post's description, Carmenates also mentioned her daughter: "I love my profession, but love won't put food on my daughter's plate, and now, she's the most important thing."
The doctor, who worked as a pediatric intensive care resident in Havana, had previously shared other accounts reflecting both her dedication and the challenges of practicing medicine in Cuba.
In March, she recounted attending a 24-hour hospital shift after enduring a 30-hour power outage.
At that time, she asserted: "Medicine gives me life, and I don't mind the 30-hour blackout if these children who need me are waiting."
A month later, she showed how she spent her salary of 10,250 Cuban pesos in one shopping trip, leaving her with no money for other daily expenses.
Now, the young doctor acknowledges that her professional dreams are on hold, although she insists she hasn't lost hope of returning to practice.
"Today, I am a doctor, yes, no one can take that away from me. The knowledge is with me, the years of study are with me, and above all, the desire to save lives and care for others is with me and remains intact," she affirmed.
Her story aligns with those of other Cuban professionals who have left medicine due to low wages. In May, Dr. Liliana Salazar Villariño shared that she stopped practicing because her income couldn't feed her child.
According to the 2024 Health Statistics Yearbook from the Ministry of Public Health, Cuba saw a reduction from 106,131 registered doctors in 2021 to 75,364 in 2024, a decrease of 30,767 professionals in just three years.
Despite her current situation, Carmenates holds onto the hope of one day returning to hospitals.
"I dream of wearing my white coat again, I dream of practicing the profession I love, I dream of caring for my sick children and someday feeling that everything I fought for was worth it," she expressed.
She concluded with a message directed at other Cuban professionals who have also seen their aspirations thwarted:
"I hope with all my heart that you and I can return someday."
The Challenges of Practicing Medicine in Cuba
Why did Rachely Carmenates Sánchez stop practicing medicine?
Rachely Carmenates Sánchez stopped practicing medicine because her salary as a doctor in Cuba was insufficient to cover even basic living expenses.
What was the impact of the low salaries on Cuban doctors?
Low salaries have driven many Cuban doctors to abandon their medical careers, as they struggle to meet their financial needs and provide for their families.