University of Puerto Rico Program

The Neurology Residency Program at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine offers a comprehensive and structured training experience, supporting the development of skilled neurologists through a four-year, ACGME-accredited curriculum. This program is designed with a focus on providing high-quality clinical care, extensive research opportunities, and a commitment to medical education. With three available residency positions and one fellowship position in Neuromuscular Medicine, the program stands out as the only training option of its kind in Puerto Rico.

The curriculum is competency-based, ensuring residents gain increasing responsibilities in managed neurological patient care while completing defined milestones throughout their training. Participants will engage in a robust clinical experience encompassing various hospital settings, including the University Adult Hospital, San Juan City Hospital, VA Caribbean Healthcare System, and the University Pediatric Hospital. This collaborative environment fosters interdisciplinary learning and exposes residents to a diverse array of neurological disorders.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum comprises a flexible internship year along with specialized rotations across the residency phases. In the first year (PGY-1), residents engage in a flexible internship with considerable exposure to Internal Medicine, supervised clinical work in Neurology, and introductory psychiatry and physiatry experiences. Subsequent years (PGY-2 to PGY-4) involve intensive training with rotations across various subspecialties, including Neurocritical Care, Neurophysiology, and Neuromuscular Medicine, among others.1

Didactics are held weekly, covering essential topics through conferences, journal clubs, and case discussions. An important aspect of the program is the emphasis on research; residents must prepare and present an original research project during their final year of training, integrating their acquired knowledge and skills into practical contributions to the field.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The training infrastructure encompasses multiple esteemed medical facilities, each providing unique learning opportunities. The University Adult Hospital serves as the primary site, offering extensive inpatient care for complicated cases across neurology. Additionally, the VA Caribbean Healthcare System facilitates care for U.S. veterans and often involves collaboration with specialists focused on diverse neurology-related issues.

In this training context, residents rotate through several specialties, experiencing firsthand how neurological disorders present across different patient demographics. These experiences include participation in continuity clinics and exposure to a mix of acute and chronic patient conditions. Opportunities to engage in elective rotations also exist, allowing for further specialization based on resident interests.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the residency at UPR. The program encourages collaboration with local and national investigators, focusing on neurological disorders pertinent to the Hispanic population. Ongoing studies include areas like NeuroHIV, Parkinson's Disease, and the effects of the Zika virus. Residents benefit from the infrastructure provided by the NIH-funded Alliance, a Clinical and Translational Research Infrastructure Program, facilitating access to significant research resources.4

Through these research initiatives, residents gain experience in both clinical and translational research methodologies, contributing to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients in neurology.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the program's most significant advantages is its unique patient population and the diverse clinical challenges encountered in Puerto Rico. Residents have the opportunity to develop cultural competence while addressing health disparities and participating in community outreach aimed at improving care for underserved populations. The faculty, comprising seasoned neurologists trained in various subspecialties, is committed to this mission and provides close mentorship throughout residency.3

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, allowing them to pursue residency training in the U.S. This support typically includes J-1 and H-1B visa types, which are common pathways for IMG participation in U.S. medical training programs.5 The program has demonstrated a friendly orientation toward both DO and IMG applicants, contributing to a diverse cohort of residents.

Eligibility requirements are competitive; applicants must have graduated from medical school within a defined timeframe and meet specific academic benchmarks, such as passing the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) within limited attempts. This ensures that candidates possess the necessary foundational knowledge and skills to excel in the demanding environment of neurology.6

Conclusion

The Neurology Residency Program at the University of Puerto Rico represents a unique and comprehensive training opportunity set against the backdrop of a culturally rich and diverse patient population. Residents emerge from this program well-prepared to tackle the complexities of neurological disorders while contributing meaningfully to medical education and research in the field.