In a few short weeks, Eduardo Cervantes will be making the third major move of his life, when he flies to Cuba to begin medical school at the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana.

Cervantes’ goal is to treat impoverished populations in the United States. When he completes his education, he can’t wait to begin his new life.

Cervantes was 18 when he and his brothers came to the United States to work. Eventually he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years and traveled the world. He returned to Oregon after his tour was over and enrolled at Oregon State University as a general science major.

Always in the back of Cervantes’ mind was the dream of becoming a doctor.

“I thought, before I came to the United States, that I wanted to apply to become a doctor in the Mexican military,” Cervantes said, but he and his family decided to become U.S. citizens instead, and his plans changed. Still, the dream persisted.

Several years ago, Cervantes was looking at information online about medical schools in Cuba, and he came across the Pastors for Peace Web site. The U.S.-based organization emphasizes strengthening ties between the United States and Cuba. It also oversees a scholarship program for U.S. students to attend medical school in Havana, with all expenses paid by the Cuban government.

Although the United States has an embargo on trade relations with Cuba, U.S. university students are allowed to attend school there because it’s considered a cultural exchange, and does not fall under the embargo restrictions.

The Latin American School of Medicine has students from nearly 30 countries, who use their medical degrees to gain jobs either in their home countries or elsewhere abroad. The six-year program is intense, Cervantes said, but will help him prepare to take medical board exams when he finally returns home to the United States.

“Every culture needs some help,” he said, “and I’d be glad to go wherever I’m needed.”

When Cervantes arrives in Cuba, he will be tested on his Spanish proficiency and his knowledge of science. Then he’ll either be placed in a pre-medicine program, or he will start the medical training right away. He said he’s prepared for the isolation and deprivation of his new life and is curious but not frightened of the struggles Cuba is going through as Fidel Castro’s hold on the country weakens.

“I know there will be changes,” he said, “but I’ll learn a lot.”

Cervantes will be able to attain a medical degree debt-free because the Cuban program is free, which is good financial news for a young man working his way through college. He’s supplemented his financial aid money by doing yard work, janitorial work and, at present, working in a dental lab.

Cervantes said he will benefit from an international pool of students and a rigorous program that includes a focus on humanitarian aid. Doctors from Cuba often respond to disasters around the world, from the Chernobyl meltdown to an earthquake in Pakistan.

In addition to Spanish proficiency, science acumen, age limitations and health requirements, students hoping to attend the school must express a desire to serve their community after they’ve completed their studies.

“That’s the philosophy of the school,” Cervantes said. And that is exactly in line with his beliefs about medicine, he said.

Having grown up in poverty in Mexico, Cervantes said he’s prepared to experience a drastic change from his life in the United States.

“I think it’s going to be difficult,” he said. “Even though I’ve lived in Mexico, which has a similar economic situation, I’m very adjusted to the system here.”

Cervantes said he believes that he and others take the bounty of the United States for granted, and that experiencing poverty and tough economic times actually will be good for him.

“I will grow more conscious,” he said, and it will remind him that he wants to become a doctor not to be rich, but to help others.

The Story Next Door

Who: Eduardo ‘Jose’ Cervantes, 29

What: Oregon State University pre-med student

Birthplace: Sinaloa, Mexico

Current residence: Corvallis

Future residence: Havana, Cuba