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| Doctor Lenin Quintana
Reyes
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Imagine yourself working
seven days-a-week and being on call twenty-four hours-a-day. Sound rough? It
certainly is; but to the advantage of many, there are some men and women who
actually devote themselves to serving others everyday of their lives. That is
the case of this week's personality, who has chosen an occupation that is
dedicated to caring for others without limits - Dr. Lenin Quintana Reyes of the
San Pedro Lions Clinic. On January 21st, 1965, Dr. Lenin Quintana Reyes was
born in Santiago de Cuba. He grew up with two brothers and sisters, nurtured by
loving parents. Dr. Reyes recalls that ever since he was aware of the different
types of professions, he knew he wanted to become a doctor. He pursued this
dream by enrolling in a three-year military vocational school in Cuba
(equivalent to Junior College) to prepare for this career. Having completed
these preliminary studies, he moved to the Instituto Superior de Ciensias
Medicas, Santiago de Cuba to achieve his degree in medicine. At the age of 23
and after intensive studying, he graduated from this institution as a General
Practitioner. Dr. Lenin then immediately commenced the two-year mandatory period
of social service which he chose to do in a rural zone of Cuba. Having completed
this, he went on to achieve a higher level of his profession by studying
Medicina General Integral (a medical specialty in Cuba) for three more years,
which he completed in 1993. Having accomplished this, he became a professor,
teaching interns this specialty; a job he held for six years.
In 1999, the Government of Cuba joined forces with Belize
to improve the medical system of this country. After careful talks between the
two governments, Cuba decided to help Belize by providing the country with Cuban
doctors as a symbol of the friendly ties between them. On September
7 th, 1991, ten doctors
selected by the Government of Cuba were sent to Belize; Dr. Lenin Quintana Reyes
was part of this team. His first assignment was the Karl Heusner Memorial
Hospital in Belize City. There, he worked in each of the Pediatric, Emergency
and Surgerical Wards for one week. In October of that
same year, Dr. Quintana Reyes was transferred to San Pedro Town at the request
of Area Representative Patty Arceo. The request was deemed necessary after the
long-time resident doctor of the Lions Clinic had fallen seriously ill and had
to be taken abroad for emergency treatment. Government approved Dr. Reyes'
transfer request with the condition that he be specifically contracted to work
for the San Pedro Lions Clinic. Since then, Dr. Lenin has been exercising his
knowledge in the medical field with the residents of San Pedro. He gives 100% of
himself working seven days-a-week and is on call twenty-four hours-a-day.
Unfortunately, Dr. Lenin's two-year contract to serve in Belize was to expire in
October of this year. The good news is that the Government of Belize has
requested his services for another year and this has been granted.
Dr. Lenin told the San Pedro Sun
that since his arrival to this island in 1999, he has been
treated with hospitality and much affection. "San Pedro is a very impressive
place. Its population is very amiable and respectful," commented Dr. Lenin. Dr.
Lenin Quintana Reyes gave to this community when his services were most needed
and continues to do so every day. The San Pedro Lions Club and the residents of
this island are thankful for the countless hours he has put into looking over
the health needs of this town. He has maintained his commitment to care for the
sick and injured by lending a healing hand to "Our
Community."
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