Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Mario Cala, from Miami, FL. Growing up in Cuba under an oppressive regime, Mario worked hard to become a dentist. Working under unimaginable conditions and circumstances, being essentially a “political refugee”, the only dentist serving a community of 100,000 people, Dr. Cala finally made it to the USA in 2003.
A story of grit, determination, and a testing of the human spirit, his story is incredible! A great reminder of the wonderful opportunities available to all in the United States of America. Dr. Cala graduated from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2008, completed his surgical residency training at Mercy Hospital with Dr. Tom Merrill, then did a Sports Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship with Dr. James Losito.
Dr. Cala discusses his family (he is married to fellow podiatrist, Dr. Natalie Mendez), his practice, training residents and students, and his mission work around the world. Dr. Cala shares his journey from growing up in Cuba and being trained as a dentist, to ultimately graduating as a doctor of podiatric medicine. Tune in to hear his fascinating and heartwarming story.
In Cuba, dental school spots were limited, with only a few schools available throughout the country. This resulted in intense competition, with thousands of applicants vying for just 21 positions. Dr. Cala had to excel academically, maintain exceptional grades, and pass a rigorous entrance test to secure a place in dental school.
After completing four years of dental school in Cuba, Dr. Cala began practicing as a dentist. Initially, he worked in the city, but later he was assigned to a rural area where he had to attend to 30-40 patients every day, Monday through Friday. This experience proved to be challenging as he had to work with inadequate instruments.
Dr. Cala’s journey continued when he left Cuba and immigrated to the United States. He enrolled in the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine and successfully graduated in 2008. Following his graduation, he underwent a three-year surgical training program at Mercy Hospital in Miami. Subsequently, he pursued a fellowship in sports medicine and reconstructive surgery.