BEYOND BORDERS
of charge to everyone , regardless of geographical location , unlike in Italy . However , similarities exist , such as a strong emphasis on preventive care and a co-location model , where physicians and nurses are assigned to specific communities , fostering long-term relationships . Also , in contrast to Italy , Cuba has significant limitations on medical technology . My class and I were limited in what facilities we could view . Although I was unable to explore areas of the hospital beyond the waiting room and some limited clinics , I did have the opportunity to visit a senior community center , a community physician ’ s office , and a clinic focused on safe sex education . I also visited a medical school where tuition is free for admitted students , with the expectation that graduates will serve in the Cuban public health care system . I do want to mention that the freedom to explore offered in the Italian health care system was not afforded to me in Cuba . We were always accompanied as we toured and engaged with the Cuban health care system , noting its limitations .
( clockwise ) El Malecon in Havana , Cuba - a long seawall / promenade that I ran on every morning !; In Cuba , well-preserved cars have exteriors that shine with chrome and new paint jobs , while the worse-off autos are held together with odd parts and scrap metal . This is one of my favorites !; Plaza de la Revolución in Havana , Cuba ; A sign in the hospital we visited in Cuba .
This experience has been , and will continue to be , one of the most impactful health care experiences of my life . As a primary care provider , I observed that both Cuba and Italy place a strong emphasis on preventive care and its benefits , despite the vast differences in their GDPs . Italy had far more resources compared to Cuba , yet Cuba demonstrated remarkable innovation in its efforts to compensate for these limitations .
I realize that the time spent was short and many questions remain pertaining to outcomes , costs , specific models of care , patient populations and satisfaction of patients and clinicians . I do feel that the opportunity to learn about another health care system is invaluable in attempting to be a change leader in our health care model . The more we experience a global exchange of ideas , the more advanced health care we can provide for our patients . Learning unique approaches to diagnosis , treatment and improving patient outcomes , as well as understanding how another country manages a pandemic , can provide valuable insights to enhance health care in the U . S .
Dr . Purcell currently serves as the District IV Chair for the American Academy of Pediatrics and is the GLMS Board Chair .
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