The Las Tunas University of Medical Sciences (UCM) celebrated its 45th graduation ceremony on Wednesday, awarding degrees to 447 new professionals, including 221 physicians, 10 dentists, 93 nursing graduates, and 47 technologists in various health science specialties.
Las Tunas, Cuba.– Additionally, 76 students completed short-cycle Higher Technical programs, adding to the ranks of the medical profession. Of all the graduates, more than 130 received the Gold Title, a recognition of academic merit and professional excellence.
The rector, Dr. Enelys Reyes Reyes, emphasized in her remarks the social and ethical commitment of the graduates, who were trained according to the principles of Cuban medicine, which combines science and a vocation for service. “Today we are sending out into society young people of great character, prepared to responsibly assume their role in the health of the people of our country and our sister nations,” he expressed.
During the ceremony, emotion was palpable in the words of Lianabel González Albuernes, recognized as a Vanguard of Excellence for the Faculty of Medical Sciences. In her address, the outstanding student expressed her pride in representing her career and her graduating class, comprised —in her words— of talented young people.
"These years are unforgettable, a unique experience that allowed me to interact with all branches of medicine. It is an honor to be selected from among so many excellent students," she affirmed.
Since its first graduating class in 1984, Las Tunas University of Medical Sciences has trained over 23,400 students. With this new graduation, the institution reaffirms its educational mission, guided by values such as humanism and the pursuit of excellence in care despite material limitations.
The event, corresponding to the 2024-2025 academic year, was marked by significant anniversaries, including the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the Dr. Zoilo Marinello Vidaurreta Faculty and the 17th anniversary of the University.
Presiding over the ceremony were Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, First Secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC); Yelenys Tornet Menéndez, Governor; and Dr. Yaumara Acosta García, Acting Director-General of Health.
