Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
About The Program
We are excited to welcome the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons committed to excellence in patient care, research, and innovation. Our training program is a fully accredited categorical PGY1- 5 residency that matches four first-year residents and a one-year research fellow each admission cycle. The program offers a comprehensive surgical training, exposure to diverse orthopaedic cases, and mentorship from experienced faculty in diverse hospital settings including San Lucas Episcopal Medical Center, Mayaguez Medical Center, Damas Hospital, Menonita Hospital in Cayey, Caguas Ambulatory Surgical Center (CASC), Gogo Foundation Ponce Clinic, and PHSU.
Mission
The PHSU Orthopaedic Surgery Program's mission is to develop compassionate, ethical, diverse, and culturally competent healthcare leaders who design, implement, provide, and refine integrated models of musculoskeletal care that continuously improve patient outcomes in our community and reduce waste. We want to model the PHSU Orthopaedic Residency Program with the mission of revolutionizing how people get and stay healthy.
Vision
Our program's mission aims will be attained by faculty, residents, and staff committed to identifying and treating orthopaedic medical issues with honor and compassion. Residents will spend months in orthopaedic rotations with the primary training site and participating sites with a well-trained, highly competent, and board-certified diverse faculty. Our clinical services are provided in family-centered and culturally sensitive environments. This compassionate care demands a mindset of openness for scientific discovery and breakthroughs that a scholarly academic culture will foster. The educational program aims are based on five pillars. These pillars are as follows.
- Educate leaders who will transform healthcare and improve the academic health environment to serve our population and society better.
- Improve health in our community as a model for Puerto Rico and the United States.
- Evolve new person-centered, musculoskeletal care models in a multidisciplinary collaborating environment that rewards value.
- Accelerate research to drive innovation in high-value, personalized musculoskeletal care provided by highly competent professionals.
Provide the foundation for a lifetime of learning and practice of Orthopaedic Surgery to produce graduates who exemplify the ideals of our profession through outstanding competency.
Resident Life
Conferences & Meetings
Residents are encouraged to attend national and local conferences to enhance their education, engage with experts, present research, and expand their professional networks.
Sports Coverage
Residents will be actively involved in pre-participation screenings and in-season care for professional, collegiate, high school, and recreational athletes. The sports medicine rotation exposes athletes of all ages, from pediatric patients to mature athletes and weekend warriors. Residents gain hands-on experience by assisting with training room sessions for local college teams and providing professional sports coverage for basketball, baseball, and volleyball.
Outside of the OR
Life as an orthopaedic surgery resident in Ponce is not just about long hours in the OR it is also about experiencing the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Puerto Rico's "Pearl of the South." When off duty, residents can explore historic landmarks like Plaza Las Delicias, home to the iconic Parque de Bombas, or take a relaxing stroll around the city, where local food vendors and ocean views provide the perfect backdrop to unwind.
Curriculum
PGY 1 |
General Orthopaedics |
| Trauma | |
| Surgical ICU & ER | |
| Vascular Surgery | |
| Radiology | |
| Sports | |
| Adult Reconstruction | |
| Pediatrics | |
| Surgical Skills and Preoperative Care |
PGY 2 |
Orthopaedic Oncology and Reconstruction |
| Hand and Upper Extremity | |
| Orthopaedic ER | |
| Adult Reconstruction | |
| Foot and Ankle | |
| Sports | |
| Pediatrics |
PGY 3 |
Hand and Upper Extremity |
| Pediatrics | |
| Spine | |
| Shoulder and Elbow | |
| Sports | |
| Adult Reconstruction | |
| Foot and Ankle |
PGY 4 |
Orthopaedic Oncology and Reconstruction |
| Trauma | |
| Pediatrics | |
| Adult Reconstruction | |
| Elective |
PGY 5 |
General Orthopaedics |
| Hand and Upper Extremity | |
| Spine | |
| Sports | |
| Adult Reconstruction | |
| Foot and Ankle |
Didactics
The program offers structured orthopaedic teaching conferences that cover essential topics such as fracture management, core orthopaedic principles, grand rounds, indications conferences, morbidity and mortality reviews, and basic science and anatomy sessions. These sessions are led by faculty and guest speakers, ensuring a well- rounded educational experience. Residents and faculty actively participate by preparing and delivering presentations, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Educational Resources
ROCK Platform
OITE question bank
Full Library with access to most orthopaedic Journal articles
JBJS & AJSM subscription
Cadaver & saw bone labs
Participation in "SPOT" Annual Convention
Faculty
Meet the program Director
As the program's pioneer, Rafael Fernández Soltero, MD, FAAOS has turned a long-held vision into reality, and today, it stands as a testament to his dedication to advancing musculoskeletal medicine on the island.
Dr. Fernández earned his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from Marquette University in 1983, followed by his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1987. He completed his orthopaedic training at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1993, one of the world's most rigorous and prestigious programs. Dr. Fernández is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, a distinguished American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery member, an Alpha Omega Alpha recipient, and a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. With more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in joint replacement and complex revision procedures. His expertise in restoring mobility and enhancing patient outcomes has earned him widespread recognition and made him a sought-after specialist.
Beyond surgery, Dr. Fernández also holds a Physician Executive MBA from the University of Tennessee, focusing on optimizing healthcare processes, developing new business service lines, and enhancing medical services. He is deeply passionate about mentorship and education and dedicates himself to shaping the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. His leadership at PHSU is not just about training residents; it's about building a legacy that will influence the field for years to come.
Addtional Faculty
Associate PD &
Academic PD coming soon.
Research
How To Apply
Eligibility Criteria
- Graduated from a U.S. or internationally accredited medical school (LCME for U.S. schools and ACCM for international schools; ECFMG certification required for international graduates).
- USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores:
- Competitive scores preferred
- Pass on first attempt preferred
- At least one year of hands-on clinical experience in the U.S. healthcare system (for international medical graduates).
- Completion of at least two clinical rotation in orthopaedics.
- Professional English and Spanish language proficiency (oral and written)
- Organizational Skills
- Excellent Clinical Skills
- Leadership Experience
- Community Service Experience
Application Process
We are an ERAS Match participating program. The deadline to apply using the ERAS system is December 2025. Interviews are by inviation only.
Dr. Hiram E. Luigi Martinez, Research Fellow
Dr. Derick Rodríguez Reyes, PGY1
Dr. Felix M. Rivera Tria, PGY1
Dr. José P. Bibiloni Lugo, PGY1
