Low-income students can go to medical school

Today as the cost of a medical education escalates into the “far blue yonder,” it’s hard to even imagine an educational facility that not only provides such education free but is also especially interested in attracting low-income people of color. But it does exist. All classes and living expenses are provided free at the 12-year-old Latin American School of Medicine, ELAM, located in Santa Fe, Playa, Cuba. It’s no luxury facility; running water is available only at certain hours and toilets have to be flushed with a bucket; the cafeteria food is not great, and there is no air-conditioning. However, the school is fully accredited.

ELAM opened in 1999 with students from Latin America, Africa and the United States. By 2008 the number of countries with students at ELAM had grown to 40. The course of study is determined by the individual students’ needs: whether they have had sufficient science courses; whether they are from Latin or non-Latin cultures, and whether they are fluent in Spanish (not a requirement).

Application is through the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO). A fundamental requirement is that students demonstrate a commitment to working in distressed communities. Another requirement is being able to document a history of commitment to social justice. While ELAM has 500 positions slotted for U.S. students, only 117 were filled as of April 2010.

Want to go to medical school but don’t have the money? Here’s an opportunity. Google IFCO for application information.

Betsy Bhizibahdi