HUNDREDS FLOCKED TO MDC FOR AN ORIENTATION ON NEW PROGRAM
DESIGNED FOR FOREIGN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
FOREIGN TRAINED PHYSICIANS SEEKING LICENSURE IN THE U.S. AND OTHER FOREIGN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ATTEND SESSION
Miami, Oct. 4, 2007 – It was standing-room-only for latecomers at the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus Chapman Conference Center on Tuesday, Oct. 2, when more than a thousand gathered to learn about the new Foreign Physician Alternative Certification Program aimed at addressing the shortage of health care professionals in the region and nation.
The innovative initiative will have two important tracks. One provides foreign trained physicians the opportunity to train and study for licensure in the U.S. so they may continue their careers as practicing medical doctors. The other track aims at retraining foreign health care professionals to obtain degrees in in-demand medical careers such as in nursing, medical lab technology, respiratory care, diagnostic medical sonography, teaching and others. Length of programs varies depending on the individual’s English language level.
Juan Osvaldo Garcia, who attended the event, said he wants nothing more than to return to his vocation. Shortly after coming to Miami six years ago, the Cuban doctor enrolled in MDC’s physician’s assistant program, but had to drop out to work two jobs. This time around, he’s determined to become a certified physician in the U.S.
“This is an excellent opportunity,” said Garcia. “My intention is to apply, work hard and try to pass the [medical] board,” said Garcia, who practiced Internal Medicine in his native country.
One major obstacle for those seeking re-certification is proficiency in the English language. To facilitate the transition, the MDC School of Nursing, the School of Allied Health, and the School of Education have joined forces with MDC’s REVEST program, which provides English and vocational training classes for refugees and immigrants. Three hundred Cuban doctors are currently enrolled in English classes and more than 500 health care professionals have expressed interest in the new initiative.
MDC President Eduardo Padrón has appointed an Advisory Committee of prominent physicians, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. The program has also received the support of the Cuban-American National Foundation, Solidarity Without Borders and the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba.
“MDC is committed to addressing the health care worker shortage while at the same time providing training for health care professionals from other countries, so they can start working in their chosen field in the United States,” said Dr. Padrón.
At the orientation session, guest doctors provided practical advice and inspired the eager audience with their success stories.
“The most important thing is to keep moving forward,” said Dr. José Joaquin Centurion, a renowned cardiologist and chair of the advisory committee. “I want to thank Miami Dade College for taking the first step to help these doctors reach their goals.”
Media-only contacts: Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu; Beverly C. Rodrigues, MDC media relations director, 305-237-3949, brodrigu@mdc.edu or Juan Mendieta, MDC communications director, 305-237-7611. Other MDC news releases are available on the web at www.mdc.edu.