Dr. Weil, University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine faculty, and AzCIM Fellowship graduates visit with the president and staff of the Carlos J. Finlay Institute and engage staff on research and uses of natural and traditional medicine (NTM) in Cuba, as well as on recent changes in the political landscape that affect the NTM business.

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Dr. Weil speaks with American medical students studying at the Medical University of Havana. Cuba is known for its exceptional health care and achieves good outcomes despite little resources.

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AzCIM faculty visit the Juan Tomás Roig experimental station in San Antonio de los Baños to learn about the medicinal herbs grown onsite and national research on NTM. Pictured: David Kiefer, MD, and Dr. Weil

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Dr. Weil in the herb garden at the Juan Tomás Roig experimental station.

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Dr. Weil walks through the organic herb gardens at Alamar Zona 8 urban garden – one of many gardens within the city of Havana where citizens can actively grow and purchase vegetables and herbs for culinary, medicinal and ceremonial purposes.

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A view of the urban garden where citizens come together to grow food for the community.

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Las Terrazas Lago in Cuba

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Homes and dorms at Las Terrazas Lago in Cuba

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Preparing lunch with a variety of produce and food gathered from the local garden.

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Dr. Weil and a group of faculty and graduates of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine help prepare a colorful organic lunch at Espacios paladar (home-based restaurant) in Havana.

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Fresh produce is never hard to find in Cuba.

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Rice prepared with spices and local flavors.

Main course for lunch