Dermatology Residency

About The Program

The Dermatology Residency Program at Ponce Health Sciences University offers comprehensive training across general dermatology, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic procedures, and advanced surgery, ensuring well-rounded clinical expertise. Residents benefit from a structured academic curriculum with weekly didactics, CME Grand Rounds, and focused board preparation to confidently achieve certification. Professional growth is further supported through opportunities to attend and present at prestigious national and international conferences. Rooted in a mission to reduce healthcare disparities, the program emphasizes compassionate care for Puerto Rico’s diverse and underserved populations. With world-class faculty led by Dr. Néstor Sánchez-Colón, residents gain the knowledge, mentorship, and experience needed to become leaders in dermatology.

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 Non-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
• Complex Dermatology Rotation
• Medical Dermatology Rotation
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Rotation
• Pediatric Dermatology Rotation

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 1 & 2 steps scores of the United Stated Medical Licensure Examination(s) (USMLE). (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.
  • Medical School Dean or designated official including the applicant’s academic ranking and personal qualifications (Medical Student Performance Evaluation).
  • Medical School – Good Standing Letter (No history of course failures, probations, disciplinary actions, etc. – for US Senior)
• Provide a personal statement (2 pages max).
• 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

Track – Physician Only 2026 (1433080R0): Applicants must have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited first year of 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, 2026.

Submit a certification of ACGME internship/residency completion (Track – Physician Only)

Track – Advanced 2027 (1433080A0): 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, 2027.

Faculty

Meet the program Director

Addtional Faculty

• Julio Sánchez-Pont, MD
• José González-Chávez, MD, FAAD
• Jaime Villa-Colón, MD
• Sheila Torres-Sepúlveda, MD
• Hilda Justiniano-García, MD
• Jorge Latoni-Maldonado, MD
• Ricardo Jímenez-Lee, MD
• Ana Duarte, MD, FAAP, FAAD
• Samuel Sánchez-Rivera, MD, FAAD
• Alexander Lugo-Janer, MD
• Rogelio Mercado-Seda, MD
• Carla Cruz-Diaz, MD
• Lizette Chabrier, MD
• José Rabelo, MD

Current Residents Academic Year 2025-2026

PGY-2
Angel Pagán-González, MD
Amara Guerrero-García, MD
Elena Vélez-Torres, MD

PGY-3
Alberto Del Valle de Laosa, MD
Lorna Torres-Rosario, MD
María Rodríguez-Martínez, MD

PGY-4
Lillian Rivera-Rivera, MD, FAAP
Reina González-Barreto, MD

CLINICAL RESEARCH FELLOWS
Claudia Pérez-Draper, MD
Manuel Blanco-Cintrón, MD