Dermatology Residency

Additional GME Programs

Orthopedic Surgery Residency Dermatology Residency Psychiatry Residency Rural Family Medicine Residency

About The Program

The Ponce Health Sciences University Dermatology Residency Program is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that offers three residency positions per year. The program provides comprehensive training in general dermatology, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic and procedural dermatology, and advanced dermatologic surgery. Through progressive clinical responsibility, scholarly activity, professional development, and opportunities to present at national conferences, residents develop the knowledge, skills, and experience required for independent practice.

Dermatolgy Residents at AAD

Mission

The PHSU Dermatology Residency’s mission is to train and graduate compassionate, ethical, diverse, and culturally competent dermatologists through exceptional postgraduate medical education in compliance with ACGME requirements, improving patient care and research, and reducing healthcare disparities in the specialty of Dermatology among the diverse and underserved populations we serve in Puerto Rico.

We are committed to continuously developing the program’s aims and curriculum in alignment with the sponsoring institution’s mission and policies, the needs of the community, and our residents’ and future graduates’ goals and distinctive capabilities, while respecting our program values of evidence-based medicine, excellence in healthcare, inclusiveness and honor, professionalism, and service to humanity.

Academic Experiences

The Dermatology Residency Program provides a comprehensive and structured didactic curriculum designed to complement clinical training. Educational activities include:

Weekly Didactic Sessions and Noon-Conference Teaching – Covering core dermatology principles, dermatopathology, procedural dermatology, and emerging therapies.
Dermatology CME Grand Rounds – Led by faculty and residents, offering case-based learning, updates in evidence-based practice, and exposure to complex clinical scenarios.
Board Preparation – The curriculum is aligned with the requirements of the American Board of Dermatology (ABD), ensuring residents are well-prepared for certification.
National and Local Conferences – Residents are encouraged to attend and present at professional meetings such as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, promoting academic growth and networking opportunities.

Curriculum Experiences

Outpatient Dermatology/Inpatient Consult Service Rotation
General Dermatology Rotation
Dermatopathology Rotation
Cosmetics, Laser, and Nails Rotation
Dermatology Surgery & Advanced Cosmetic, Procedural and Micrographic Surgery Rotation
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Rotation
Complex Dermatology Rotation
Pediatric Dermatology Rotation

Dermatology Residents 2025-2026

HOW TO APPLY

The application and selection process is conducted through ERAS and the NRMP. An applicant must meet all the following qualifications to be eligible for appointment:

Graduated from an LCME approved medical school in the United States of America.
Submit a certified transcript of credits and diploma from the medical school attended.
Submit a certified transcript with USMLE Step1 & Step 2 steps scores. Step 3 required for applicants more than one year since graduation from medical school.
Hold a valid Puerto Rico Medical License or Provisional License required.
Provide three (3) letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from the specialty of Dermatology.
Submit a Medical Student Performance Evaluation, including academic ranking and personal qualifications.
Submite a Medical School Good Standing Letter with no history of course failures, probations, disciplinary actions, or similar concerns for US Seniors.
Provide a personal statement (2 pages, maximum).
The applicant must be proficient in reading and speaking both Spanish and English.
Submit a Curriculum Vitae
Submit proof of no penal record. We recommend applicants in Puerto Rico request this from the Government website here. Applicants outuside of Puerto Rico can use Sentry Link or backgroundchecks.com

For more information contact: residenciaderma@psm.edu

Track Name: Advanced

NRMP Program Code: 1433080A0

Description: Applicants must be final-year medical students (MS4) who will complete the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from an accredited medical school prior to the start of residency. Entry into the program is contingent upon the successful completion of an ACGME postgraduate medical education (PGY-1) in a broad discipline such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, or a Rotational/Transitional Internship, to be completed no later than June 30, 2028.

Faculty

Meet the program Director

Samuel Sánchez-Rivera, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Caguas, PR, specializing in General Dermatology and complex inflammatory skin disease, with expertise in psoriasis and evidence-based therapeutics. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree, completed postdoctoral fellowship training, and later completed his Dermatology residency after a Transitional Year internship at San Juan City Hospital. Dr. Sánchez-Rivera is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and has received multiple research awards recognizing his academic and scholarly work. His publications include work in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and his clinical research contributions include participation in multicenter clinical trials evaluating advanced biologic therapies for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Dr. Sánchez-Rivera’s clinical, academic, and research background supports resident training in general dermatology, complex inflammatory skin disease, evidence-based therapeutics, clinical research, and culturally responsive dermatologic care for Puerto Rico’s patient population.