MAY 2010

Higher Institute of Medical Sciences
Hospital Dr. Salvador Allende
Havana, Cuba

Cubans are humble human beings. The majority of the population in Cuba uses public transportation to move around in the city. It does not matter if you are a surgeon, a neurosurgeon or a pathologist; almost everyone uses public transportation to reach their destination.
In the US, almost everyone drives a car soon after they turn sixteen years of age. In Cuba, very few people have the privilege to drive a car during their life time. How can this be possible, I thought when I first arrived to Cuba? Well, it is possible. I have lived in Cuba for three years and I have learned to use public transportation just like everyone else.
My professor, Dr. Guillermo H. Mojena, is one of the few exceptions. He does not use public transportation to go to the hospital. Dr. Mojena prefers to use his old bicycle. One sees him early in the morning carrying a plastic bag with his belonging and riding his 30-year old bicycle through the medical school campus. Aside from helping the environment by not polluting, Dr. Mojena gets his morning exercise by riding his bicycle to work every day. His bicycle never fails because he is at the hospital every morning before 7:30 AM. It touches my heart to see him riding his bicycle to work everyday. Nonetheless, thanks to his bicycle he stays active and healthy even now that he is in his mid-60s. He is a very knowledgeable and humble human being.

In Cuba I have learned that a good physician is not that with the best stethoscope, the best clothes, or the best car. I have had privilege to meet some of the best physicians in Cuba and they are exceptionally humble human beings. My professor is a vivid example of the Cuban physician. He doesn’t have a car but he has a bicycle and that makes him happy. He once told me that he plans to practice medicine until the day of his death. In order words, he plans to ride his bicycle to work for many years to come. My greatest hope is to be able to donate him a newer bicycle before I complete my studies in Cuba. Donating him a new bicycle would make him happy and seeing him happy would be the best reward for me.

Sincerely,
Alejandro Bernal

My page at Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP): www.pnhpwesternwashington.org

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