Today’s Latest News is good but, not so fast. It’s not over, until it’s over.
Seems there’s no profit in it. No matter which way I turn, securing CME credits without U.S. Pharma in the mix, during the enforcement of the current Embargo, which among other things includes Pharma, Medical Devices and Hospital Supplies, is nearly impossible.
My mind has been fixed on this goal for the last two years, but when I look around, I notice that even the esteemed and all powerful University of Miami has decided to wait until next year to start the CME process - and they’ve been working with Cuba for over 10 years on this.
Although I was willing to pay out of pocket, once I faced the established protocol, paperwork and follow- up involved, it was clear that acquiring CME CREDITS is a time consuming big business. I’ve conceded to leave it to the pros. We’ve discussed providing CME credits to include my travelers next year, but we are always open to working with all providers.
Because of all the time we devoted to this, my mission, over the last few years, we have produced one of the most imaginative Medical Programs ever in Cuba for U.S. Citizens. This unique trip requires special permissions, so you won’t find anything like it, for example, places I wanted to visit and blogged about, “CIM” the Center of Molecular Immunology:
cme-abroad.com/#!Cancer-cures-in-Cuba/csia/550b54930cf292acc4c2c11f
You will be welcomed at the University of Havana, and Elam, as well as Community Clinics and Birthing Centers. I found this very informative link about birthing centers yesterday: scielosp.org/pdf/medicc/v13n3/04.pdf
In addition, you won’t miss memorable tourist Landmarks, like the Hemingway Estate, and the nearby fishing village of Cojimar, Hemingway’s inspiration for “The Old Man and the Sea”.
THE CONFERENCE
At the invitation of University of Matanzas, Cuba, the Medical Conference, "Community Medicine and its Impact on the Quality of Life in the Population" you will have a personal introduction into Healthcare in Cuba, and days of opportunities to network with your Cuban Associates. Although not exactly a consolation prize, you will receive certified Cuban CME credits a certificate of completion for your office wall. But you will take home, a new point of view about a lot of things, like life, as well as healthcare.
Here is the link to the Conference: *
promociondeeventos.sld.cu/comumed2016en
If you have plans to visit Cuba, this is the time to commit to what could be a life changing experience in your medical career.
Please respond directly if you are still interested in joining us on the tour and this Cuban Conference, without CCME credits this year, (2016).
Our tour is on the table in Cuba. Cost, including the Conference, is awaiting approval, but should be available and posted next week. Keep in mind, prices are rising every day, and will make a major 30% jump in October.
*Not so Fast - Tuesday’s announcement about easing travel to Cuba - Although travel is a bit simper than last year at this time, meaning, now you don’t need to book through an official OFAC (U.S. Treasury) approved provider. When requesting a Visa, you can fill out the paperwork and pay directly, instead of paying the OFAC agency, who until recently would currier cash to D.C. to pay for the Visa applications. Here’s the latest hot link: usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2016-03-16/questions-answers-on-new-rules-for-americans-visiting-cuba
ps: Obama visits Cuba next week. My hopes are that commercial flights may begin flying before the projected start in the fall, and the hot-fix to the hold-up with accepting U.S. credit cards, just like anywhere else in the world. However, my crystal ball sees no end to the Cuban embargo, anytime soon.
As sorry as I am to disappoint you about the U.S. CME issue, I'm certain that the conference program, and the in-house itinerary we’ve created preceding the conference in Varadero, will more than meet your expectations.
