The gala brought together physicians in training, institutional leaders and representatives from Puerto Rico’s public and private sectors.
PONCE, Puerto Rico — The San Lucas Residents & Fellows Association raised $200,000 during its inaugural gala, with the funds earmarked to support professional certification expenses and research projects for physicians completing their medical training in Puerto Rico.
The nonprofit association represents more than 140 residents and fellows enrolled in programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Funds raised during the event will help residents cover the cost of professional board certification examinations after completing their residency programs, while also supporting research initiatives.
“This first gala represents a historic moment for our Association and our Graduate Medical Education Program,” said Rafael Alvarado Noriega, chief operating officer of Centro Médico Episcopal San Lucas. “We are investing in those who will be a fundamental part of the future of medicine in Puerto Rico.”
The San Lucas Graduate Medical Education Program includes residencies in transitional medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, internal medicine and urology, as well as cardiology fellowships.
The gala brought together physicians in training, institutional leaders and representatives from Puerto Rico’s public and private sectors. Gov. Jenniffer González Colón and Ponce Mayor Marlese Sifre Rodríguez were among those attending.
AI and the Future of Medicine
The gala was preceded by the San Lucas Innovation Expo, an educational event for medical students and residents focused on artificial intelligence and its potential impact on medicine.
Dr. Brian Anderson, CEO of CHAI, participated as a guest speaker and discussed emerging technologies and their applications in health care.
Combined, the Innovation Expo and gala attracted approximately 500 participants, including medical students, residents, fellows, physicians, health professionals and institutional leaders.
“Our residents and fellows represent the future of medicine in Puerto Rico,” said Dr. María Valentín Mari, director of the San Lucas Graduate Medical Education Program. “This gala allows us to recognize that effort, but also provide them with tools to continue growing as professionals and achieving their goals.”
Dr. Juan R. Medina Morell, chairman of the association’s gala committee, said the inaugural event is intended to become a tradition supporting medical education, research and innovation in Puerto Rico.
