Developing and enhancing the careers of physicians specializing in oncology is essential to the population of our catchment area. The Research Education Core has implemented opportunities to help clinical residents in Puerto Rico achieve this.
Surgical Oncology Rotations at MCC:
The REC partners with San Lucas Hospital to enhance resident training by providing a 1-month practical surgical oncology education experience at MCC. This is open to any general surgery resident desiring an advanced surgical oncology experience during their fourth year. Residents receive one-on-one education in fellowship selection, interviewing skills, and general career development. Our primary goal is to increase the residents' competitiveness for surgical oncology fellowships. If interested, please contact Yairí Rivera-Torgerson for more information.
Urology Residency Training Program in Ponce:
Dr. Gilberto Ruiz-Deya, the leading urologist in Ponce and a Partnership clinical researcher, established a network of five surgeons to form the foundation of a new urology residency accredited in 2023. The program recruits graduates from the PHSU medical school and the other medical schools in Puerto Rico to increase their potential to establish their practice in Puerto Rico. The REC provides the framework for their research experiences, a cancer biology didactic course, and engages the residents in REC educational activities.
Since beginning the program, Urology residents have received outstanding results in the national exam, ranking themselves among the best in the country. Residents are also receiving national recognition through conference presentations and publication of their research.
