ASCLS Past President Barbara Snyderman is leading an ASCLS Delegation to Cuba, October 9-14, 2017 working with partner Professionals Abroad.  The purpose of the delegation is to meet with laboratory counterparts in Cuba to learn about the challenges and advances in healthcare delivery at all levels in Cuba. 

The goals of the delegation and initial topics of discussion for the meetings and site visits have been preliminarily identified as the following:

  • Development of Health Care in Cuba
  • Approach to trauma – what is Cuba’s position? Trauma System development in the US
  • Quality and Value in the delivery of health care
  • Public Health, priorities (prevention of disease, maternal-fetal and infant care, etc.) in Cuba
  • Financing of Health Care in Cuba.  Contrasting two approaches (US and Cuba)
  • Cancer Care, Centers of Excellence and population health.  A paradox?

Delegates will participate in professional meetings and site visits each day; the interests and composition of the team will determine the final meetings and topics for discussion. A Preliminary Schedule of Activities has been developed.

This delegation will be travelling under OFAC regulation 31 CFR §515.564 General license for professional research.  This license supports our access to the highest level professionals in Cuba. Each member of the delegation must be in compliance with the General License issued by OFAC authorizing full-time professionals to conduct a full-time schedule of research activities in Cuba with the likelihood that this research will be publicly disseminated. To ensure compliance, each participant in the program will be required to provide a resume and sign an affidavit attesting to his or her status as a full-time professional, paid or unpaid, in the field of research.  

For those interested in having a guest join you in Cuba during the professional delegation, Professionals Abroad will arrange a limited guest program offering accommodation, airfare, transfers, and dinners with the delegates. The guest program is available only for a delegate’s spouse or immediate family member.

For enrollment information and to register, visit ATA Professional Abroad.

This delegation will convene in Miami, Florida on October 9, 2017 at which time we will depart for Cuba, returning to the United States on October 14, 2017.  Travel arrangements will be arranged through Professionals Abroad, a division of Academic Travel Abroad. Questions regarding the delegation can be directed to the Program Representative at Professionals Abroad, at 1-877-298-9677.

For U.S. citizens, expenses associated with this program may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. You should consult with a tax advisor to determine if tax deductibility is applicable to you.  

Due to the extensive planning and communication involved in coordinating a program of this nature, those interested are asked to please respond with their intentions as soon as possible. Please RSVP to Professionals Abroad at 1-877-298-9677 or click here to be directed to the enrollment website. A $500 deposit is required to reserve a place on the team.