HOW DID AMVCE BEGIN?
Our Story
The Cuban Veterinary Association in Exile (AMVCE), originally known as the Cuban Veterinary College in Exile, was founded in the early 1960s in Miami, Florida.
It was established by the first Cuban veterinarians who arrived in the United States between 1960 and 1961. Among its most influential founders were Dr. Cristóbal Manuel Gonzales Mayo and Dr. Esteban Aquiles Morera, who played a decisive role in coordinating efforts with U.S. government officials, including Senators Stuart Symington and Hubert Humphrey.
From its inception, the organization also brought together engineers, educators, physicians, and licensed professionals who shared a commitment to preserving professional identity in exile.
Dr. Mayo helped establish the framework for the recertification examination process under Florida Resolution #4 (Document #0431, 1962), enabling Cuban veterinarians to obtain licensure and practice in the United States through an accelerated pathway.
Over nearly five decades, AMVCE has integrated more than 1,000 professionals, holding elections every four years. The current president is Alberto Lopez, graduated from the university of Camagüey, Cuba in 1995.
We acknowledge the valuable historical contributions shared by Dr. Issac Rotella.
