CELEBRATING U.S. GRADUATES OF THE LATIN AMERICAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (ELAM)

On 2026-06-25, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING U.S. GRADUATES OF THE LATIN AMERICAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (ELAM)" in the House.

CELEBRATING U.S. GRADUATES OF THE LATIN AMERICAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (ELAM)

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 107 (Thursday, June 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E619] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING U.S. GRADUATES OF THE LATIN AMERICAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (ELAM) ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, June 25, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the exceptional commitment of the 2026 graduating class from the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Havana, Cuba. These five courageous and compassionate individuals are now part of a legacy of global medical solidarity that began 26 years ago when Cuba offered full scholarships to students from underserved communities around the world, including the United States. In partnership with the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO), the U.S. ELAM program has graduated 256 physicians since its inception. Many of these graduates come from communities that have historically been denied access to medical education. These individuals have chosen a career path focused on service rather than profit, prioritizing community health over personal comfort. Currently, 101 graduates are making significant contributions to public health across various fields, including integrative medicine, research, education, and nonprofit work. Additionally, 144 graduates are either fully licensed or participating in residency programs in over 30 U.S. states, with many practicing in areas designated as health professional shortage areas or medically underserved communities. Seventy percent of the program's graduates are women, and eighty percent are Black and Brown, reflecting the diversity of the broader student body at the school as a whole. These graduates faced unique challenges, including studying medicine in a second language, adapting to a different healthcare system, and navigating the geopolitical impacts of the U.S. blockade on Cuba. Despite these obstacles, they persisted. Their achievements are not just academic; they are also profoundly political, demonstrating what is possible when healthcare and medical education are recognized as fundamental human rights. Mr. Speaker, during a time when our healthcare system struggles with racial and economic disparities, these doctors remind us that another model is possible--one founded on equity, internationalism, and public service. On behalf of Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the U.S. ELAM Class of 2026. May their work continue to heal, inspire, and remind us that solidarity can indeed save lives. ____________________