By: Yaremi García Maceo

On March 10th, 1855, the moment in which Carlos J. Finlay graduated as a doctor of medicine from the Jefferson Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania, in the United States, was recorded in history, with a brilliant career as a student, under the direction of an excellent faculty of professors who managed to perceive great possibilities in him due to his skills as a researcher.

Because of his love for scientific experiments, they try to win him over so that he stays in that country that offered many opportunities. Finlay rejected the proposal, reaffirming that his wish was to return to Cuba to practice and be useful to his country, a purpose he faithfully fulfilled when he began his studies on yellow fever and, despite finding a difficult path, proved the truth of his theory on transmission of yellow fever, gaining the status of benefactor of humanity.

The house where he was born, soon to be 20 years old, as a sociocultural project of the Historian’s Office, has worked and strives to maintain his legacy, in addition to being a cultural space that promotes scientific work in the province.

Every year in our institution science workshops, diploma papers discussions and scientific events are held, it is also pleased to receive the most comprehensive graduate students of the University of Medical Sciences to dedicate a congratulatory activity to them as the culmination of their student lives and the beginning of a long professional career those who, like Finlay, will give the best of themselves to this selfless profession.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García