Puerto Rico Program(s)

[betadoc]

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Any contributors/readers on this forum have any insight on the program(s) in Puerto Rico?

They are listed as accredited programs but I haven't seen very much information about them.

I ask because, as they require, I speak Spanish fluently. I've always wanted to find a way to put my Spanish language ability to use and, indeed, to refine these skills. Puerto Rico isn't the only place this can be done, but it's the place I currently know the least about.

I have to admit I've been looking more at the programs here in the continental U.S. but I thought I would reach out to the forum and see what information there is.

How would residency training in Puerto Rico translate into practice in the continental U.S.?

 

[CardiologyJosh]

You realize Puerto Rico is as much a part of the United States as Alaska and Hawaii right? They just haven't been granted statehood. You will be a physician in america, even in Puerto Rico.

 

[betadoc]

You realize Puerto Rico is as much a part of the United States as Alaska and Hawaii right? They just haven't been granted statehood. You will be a physician in america, even in Puerto Rico.

Thank you. And yes, I do realize this. I am not implying anything negative about Puerto Rico, especially since I am Cuban-American myself. However, that was not my question.

What kind of training is offered there? There are differences, even within the continental U.S., among residency programs. The question is more about quality of training and opportunities for exposure to sub-specialties which is a valid point to ask anywhere.

I'm simply looking for more information about the PM&R program.

 

[SSdoc33]

Thank you. And yes, I do realize this. I am not implying anything negative about Puerto Rico, especially since I am Cuban-American myself. However, that was not my question.

What kind of training is offered there? There are differences, even within the continental U.S., among residency programs. The question is more about quality of training and opportunities for exposure to sub-specialties which is a valid point to ask anywhere.

I'm simply looking for more information about the PM&R program.

there are some decent and well-known physiatrists in puerto rico. also, puerto ricans actually who who physiatrists are and what they do, which is more than i can say for continental americans.

however, there may be a stigma about the training you receive should you apply to american-based fellowships. some of the programs are decent, especially if you can get any work done with Dr. Micheo. not sure if Dr. Frontera is still active anywhere in puerto rico

 

[100YardDash]

hey whats up betadoc! I went to med school in PR so maybe i can help. So, like SSdoc said, it's true that puerto ricans know what physiatrists are and what they do... When I tell my friends and some family on the mainland that I'm going into PM&R, I usually have to follow up with a short description about what it is etc vs. in PR after I tell people I usually get the "ahhh physiatrist!" response.
I hear that the Centro Medico PM&R program, which is affiliated with the Universidad de Centro Carribe, is pretty good! I know Dr. Frontera used to run this program... correct me if I am wrong but he is at Vanderbilt now..i hear vandy is trying to start up a new PM&R shop.
Sorry, I can't comment on the type of residents it graduates since I am a soon to be PGY-1... but if you have any questions about living in PR etc. let me know. hope this helps

 

[100YardDash]

maybe do an away rotation your 4th year and get a better feel. I can help you with short term housing if you're interested.

 

[latinman]

Any contributors/readers on this forum have any insight on the program(s) in Puerto Rico?

They are listed as accredited programs but I haven't seen very much information about them.

I ask because, as they require, I speak Spanish fluently. I've always wanted to find a way to put my Spanish language ability to use and, indeed, to refine these skills. Puerto Rico isn't the only place this can be done, but it's the place I currently know the least about.

Answer: Requiring to know Spanish is the way they get rid of most of the mainland applicants, but the reality is that if you have never lived in Puerto Rico you won't be considered for a spot. It is hard many times for people who have done their training in Puerto Rico to land a spot at those programs. There is lot of politics that come into play when they decide who gets to train there. I am not going to generalize and say that all of the graduates they produce are mediocre, but you should stick to the mainland if you did the rest of your schooling in the states. Going over there for training would be taking 1-2 steps backwards and would probably do you more harm than good unless you have some local family ties that justify pursuing training there.


How would residency training in Puerto Rico translate into practice in the continental U.S.?
If you are good/competent clinician, you will succeed at any program.

 

[betadoc]

I know Dr. Frontera used to run this program... correct me if I am wrong but he is at Vanderbilt now..i hear vandy is trying to start up a new PM&R shop.
Sorry, I can't comment on the type of residents it graduates since I am a soon to be PGY-1... but if you have any questions about living in PR etc. let me know. hope this helps

Yes, I heard about Vanderbilt starting a comprehensive spine center and perhaps starting a program down the line... interesting to me because that's my alma mater!
Will you be a PGY-1 in PR?

there are some decent and well-known physiatrists in puerto rico.
however, there may be a stigma about the training you receive should you apply to american-based fellowships. some of the programs are decent, especially if you can get any work done with Dr. Micheo. not sure if Dr. Frontera is still active anywhere in puerto rico

Thank you for the response. I'm interested in sports and spine, so I am viewing programs within the context of that long term goal, but would also like the opportunity to be exposed to as much as possible. It's a shame the programs may have a stigma associated with them if the programs' leaders are well respected in the field.

Thanks for the info.