OUR MISSION
We are committed to cultivating disciplined and compassionate physicians.
Through rigorous training and mentorship, we believe in nurturing individuals who prioritize being good humans first, then exceptional doctors. We aim to ensure every resident emerges fully equipped to excel in patient care and confidently succeed in the ABIM certification, upholding the highest internal medicine standards.
The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Department of Medicine is committed to providing outstanding clinical training and education. Therefore, the UPR Internal Medicine Residency Program aims to train exceptional internists. To attain this, we have three main goals that are our north in this process. First, I want my residents to be better people than before entering the program; second, better clinicians; and third, Board Certified. All this is framed in our interest that faculty members and residents enjoy physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Our Internal Medicine residents and faculty deal with the most complex patient population in Puerto Rico. We offer a diverse range of clinical rotations and ambulatory experiences. Our program leadership and outstanding faculty members are here to help you develop your clinical and leadership skills in a thoughtful and supportive learning environment. As part of the training, residents participate in research and quality improvement projects that promote academic excellence. I am very proud of our residents and distinguished faculty members because of their compromise to serve as an instrument of hope to those in need.
Dr. José A. Colón Márquez, Program Director
Curriculum and Training
Our comprehensive academic institution specializes in delivering practical, innovative, and inspiring curriculum.
First Year
Weeks per Clinical Rotation
Medical Ward: 16 weeks
Cardiology Ward: 4 Weeks
Intensive Care Unit: 4 Weeks
Point of Care Ultrasound
(POCUS): 4 Weeks
Emergency Room: 4 Weeks
Night Float: 8 Weeks
Infectious Diseases or Pneumology:4 Weeks
Special Ward: 4 Weeks
Vacations: 4 Weeks
Total Weeks: 52
Clinical rotations per academic year
Second Year
Weeks per Clinical Rotation
Medical Ward: 8 Weeks
Intensive Care Unit: 4 Weeks
Night Float: 8 Weeks
Nephrology: 4 Weeks
Hematology/Oncology: 4 Weeks
Infectious Diseases or Pneumology: 4 Weeks
Elective: 4 Weeks
Outpatient Clinics: 8 Weeks
Special Ward: 4 Weeks
Vacations: 4 Weeks
Total Weeks: 52
Third Year
Weeks per Clinical Rotation
Medical Ward: 4 Weeks
Intensive Care Unit: 4 Weeks
Coronary Care Unit: 4 Weeks
IM Consults/Pre-operative: 4 Weeks
Gastroenterology: 4 Weeks
Geriatrics: 4 Weeks
Outpatient Clinics: 16 Weeks
Elective: 4 Weeks
Special Ward: 4 Weeks
Vacations: 4 Weeks
Total Weeks: 52
- Medical Wards: In this core rotation, residents will manage inpatients across various conditions, enhancing their diagnostic acumen and deepening their understanding of evidence-based management and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
- Cardiology Ward: Residents will diagnose and manage cardiac conditions in collaboration with cardiology experts, fostering a comprehensive grasp of cardiovascular medicine.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Residents will care for critically ill patients, learn advanced therapeutic interventions, and hone their decision-making skills in high-acuity scenarios.
- Coronary Care Unit: Residents will focus on patients with acute coronary conditions, mastering advanced cardiac care techniques and interventions.
- Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS): Residents will undergo specialized training in bedside ultrasonography, ensuring proficiency in imaging techniques and certification in thoracentesis, paracentesis, and vascular access.
- Night Float: During this rotation, residents will face the unique challenges of nighttime hospital medicine, emphasizing acute care management and patient safety. Additionally, they will be responsible for admitting patients to the hospital and addressing internal medicine consultations.
- Infectious Diseases or Pneumology: Residents will either focus on the intricacies of infectious diseases or delve into comprehensive respiratory care and lung health within pneumology.
- Nephrology: Residents will engage with renal medicine, mastering the diagnosis and management of kidney conditions and understanding the complexities of renal therapies.
- Hematology/Oncology: Residents will collaborate with specialists to diagnose and manage hematological and oncological disorders, gaining a deep understanding of the respective treatment modalities.
- Gastroenterology: Residents will diagnose and manage gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, collaborating with gastroenterologists for best care practices.
- IM Consults/Pre-operative: Residents will provide essential medical consultation for surgical teams and conduct thorough pre-operative evaluations, ensuring optimal patient care.
- Emergency Room: Residents will rapidly evaluate emergent presentations, prioritize care, and stabilize patients.
- Geriatrics: During this rotation, residents will address the specialized medical needs of the elderly, emphasizing comprehensive geriatric assessment and medication management.
- Elective: During this rotation, residents can explore a medical area of personal interest or deepen their knowledge in a chosen subspecialty.
- Outpatient Clinics: Residents will refine their outpatient care skills, managing various conditions in an ambulatory setting, emphasizing disease management and patient education.
- Continuity Clinics: Residents are assigned a specific clinic for their three-year residency, attending half a day weekly. This setup fosters longitudinal care, allowing residents to build strong doctor-patient relationships over time.
- Special Ward: This unique rotation is dedicated to inpatient care, where residents will either work during the first or third week of the block, allowing them to have the alternate weeks (second and fourth) free of clinical and academic duties.
- Vacations: This period will allow residents to rest and rejuvenate, promoting well-being amidst their demanding training schedule.
READY TO DISCOVER THE PATH TO HANDS-ON LEARNING?
Unveil the Opportunities at Our Clinical Rotation Sites
We provide educational opportunities
that support your aspirations
REASONS TO JOIN UPR-INTERNAL MEDICINE
01
Supra Tertiary Center
Train at a top-tier medical facility that offers advanced healthcare services, setting us apart from other hospitals.
02
Affiliation with UPR-som
Benefit from our association with the renowned UPR School of Medicine, enriching your learning experience.
03
Diverse Clinical Exposure
Train across multiple hospital sites, each offering a unique perspective on healthcare delivery in Puerto Rico. This breadth of experience exposes you to a vast array of pathologies and patient demographics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the diverse care needs of our population.
04
Direct Fellowship Exposure
Gain insights into specialized fields early in your training, giving you an edge in your future endeavors and continue education.
05
Access To Specialized WARDS
Rotate through dedicated medical wards like the IBD Ward and Leukemia Ward. Dive deep into specialized areas of medicine and gain unparalleled expertise.
06
Practical, Hands-On Training
Immerse yourself in direct clinical practice, mastering invasive procedures.
07
Robust Academic Environment
Thrive in a culture of daily academic activities, monthly Grand Rounds, and other initiatives that foster continuous learning.
08
Comprehensive Wellness Program
At UPR-Internal Medicine, we deeply value the holistic well-being of our residents. Each class is gifted a dedicated wellness half-day every semester. Our committed wellness committee is consistently active in promoting balanced lifestyles. Additionally, on the third Friday of each rotation, we conduct a special wellness didactic paired with a nourishing breakfast to foster mental and physical well-being.
09
Commitment to Research
Our program ensures that every resident actively participates in quality improvement projects and research endeavors, providing you with invaluable experience and elevating your academic profile.
10
Board Exam Excellence
Join a legacy of success, with a 100% board pass rate in the last year, showcasing our commitment to excellence in education.
11
Senior Meetings & Scholarly Activities
- Senior Meetings: Our senior residents benefit from specialized didactic sessions, drawing upon the ACP’s board preparation curriculum. Led by experts, these sessions are specifically tailored to fortify board examination readiness.
- Scholarly Afternoons: On select rotations, we prioritize academic growth by providing our second-year and senior residents with dedicated afternoons off clinical duties. This time is specifically reserved for research projects, quality improvement initiatives, or intensive study, supporting their scholarly pursuits and career advancement.
12
Advanced Ultrasound Training with Sonosim
Our residency incorporates the renowned
SonoSim Ultrasound Training Ecosystem to ensure residents are well-versed in state-of-the-art ultrasonography. This comprehensive, hands-on training platform revolutionizes ultrasound education, enabling residents to interpret ultrasound findings and conduct procedures precisely and confidently.
13
Community Engagement
Involve yourself in meaningful community-based activities, broadening your professional and personal horizons.
14
Competitive Compensation
30 days paid vacation and biannual bonus to further reward your dedication.
15
Comprehensive Benefits
Enjoy paid perks, including the Awesome Review, MKSAP, ACP membership, and travel expenses for academic pursuits. Additionally, residents who pass the ABIM exam will receive a full refund for the examination fee.
16
Moonlighting Opportunities
Beyond regular clinical training, our program offers moonlighting experiences, allowing you to enhance your clinical skills, gain additional patient care experiences, and earn extra income. This added exposure equips you with broader clinical acumen and prepares you for diverse practice settings.
17
Special Ward Experience
Our program boasts a unique Special Ward rotation designed for inpatient care training. Residents alternate between hands-on weeks and time off, granting them intense clinical exposure and well-deserved breaks. This structure ensures robust learning and personal wellness, with the added perk of guaranteeing time off during festive seasons like Christmas or New Year’s Eve to celebrate with loved ones.
18
Personalized Guidance
Our key faculty members will provide you with individualized support for academic and career success.
Additional Benefits at
UPR-Internal Medicine
✓ Clinical Research Track with the opportunity to obtain a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research
✓ Biannual educational grant $360.00
✓ Annual stipend $240.00
✓ Worker’s compensation insurance
✓ Malpractice insurance
✓ Health & Dental Insurance
✓ Counseling and coaching services
✓ Room & bed in-hospital while on duty
✓ Free parking
✓ 18 days sick leave
✓ Two months maternity leave
✓ Two weeks of paternity leave
✓ Military leave
Annual Resident Compensation
First Year
$48,154.49
(Tax exempt)
Second Year
$48,934.03
(Tax exempt)
Third Year
$50,666.11
(Tax exempt)
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