University of Puerto Rico Program

The Urology Residency Program at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine is a comprehensive five-year post-graduate training program designed to provide resident physicians with in-depth exposure to various dimensions of clinical and academic urology. The program is fully accredited and incorporates a range of clinical experiences aimed at developing proficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions.

Residents are actively involved in daily clinical activities that include diagnostic evaluations, pre-operative and post-operative care, management of hospitalized patients, and participation in surgical procedures in the operating room. Responsibilities encompass performing and assisting in minor and major surgeries, utilizing techniques such as open surgery, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Additionally, general urology clinics are organized three times weekly, allowing residents to encounter a diverse array of urological issues.

Training occurs primarily at the Puerto Rico Medical Center, an advanced supra-tertiary facility serving nearly four million residents of Puerto Rico. Throughout their training, residents undertake rotations across several affiliated institutions. The adult general urology rotations are held at significant sites including the University District Hospital, San Juan Veterans Administration Medical Center, UPR Hospital in Carolina, HIMA San Pablo, and Bayamon Medical Center. Pediatric urology rotations are facilitated at the University District Pediatric Hospital and HIMA San Pablo in Caguas.

Rotation Structure

The program's rotation structure is systematically laid out across the years:

• URO-1: 3 months at University District Hospital, 3 months at San Juan VA Medical Center, 6 months in General Surgery.
• URO-2: 3 months at San Juan VA Medical Center, 3 months at HIMA San Pablo/Bayamon Medical Center, 6 months at University District Hospital.
• URO-3: 6 months at HIMA San Pablo/Bayamon Medical Center, 6 months at University Pediatric Hospital/HIMA San Pablo Caguas.
• URO-4: 6 months at UPR Hospital in Carolina, 6 months at University District Hospital.
• URO-5: 6 months at University District Hospital, 6 months at San Juan VA Medical Center.

This structured approach allows residents to gain extensive clinical exposure and operative experience essential for their development as urologists.

Application Process

Applications for the residency program are typically submitted during the fourth year of medical school. The program participates in the AUA Match, with a completion timeline around January. Candidates are required to submit several documents electronically through ERAS, including:

• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcripts
• USMLE Step 1 Score
• USMLE Step 2 CK and 2CS
• Dean’s Letter
• ECFMG Certificate for Foreign Medical Graduates
• Proof of Spanish fluency is mandatory.

Applications are evaluated beginning August 1, and all documentation, besides the Dean’s letter, must be completed by October 31. Interviews take place in December, with a limited number of applicants being invited for these discussions.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Urology Residency Program at the University of Puerto Rico is known for its high competitiveness. Candidates should be aware that fluency in Spanish is a crucial requirement, and that the program considers applicants from both US and international medical schools, thus making it DO/IMG friendly. While there are no strict restrictions regarding the year of graduation or failed USMLE exams, candidates are advised to present strong academic performances.

Fellowship Opportunities

Upon completion of this residency program, graduates have a successful track record of pursuing further fellowship training in various subspecialties of urology such as endourology, female pelvic medicine, reconstructive urology, and pediatric urology, among others. This is evidenced by the success of past residents who have enrolled in prestigious fellowship programs across the United States.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for residency candidates, primarily for J-1 or H-1B visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates who meet the eligibility criteria.