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In this Issue:
- Governor's Message
- The 2025 Puerto Rico Chapter Annual Meeting
- Meet our Nominees & Awardees
- Early Career Physicians Event
- Wellness Corner
- Save The Date
Edwin A. Alicea, MD, F바카라 사리트, 바카라 사리트 Governor
Governor's Message
2025 is shaping up to be an excellent year for our Chapter. The planned activities illustrate the dedication and vision that will uphold our quality standards and set a higher benchmark for subsequent years. The success of these milestones is due to the support, commitment, and cooperative spirit of the Chapter Council and the Executive Director.
Our Annual Meeting was a resounding achievement; the diversity of topics, the remarkable speakers, both local and national, and the enthusiasm and constructive feedback from the participants are the driving force for our continuous progress. This year, the Laureate Award was bestowed upon Dr. Hilton Franqui. His dedication and work for our Chapter and for the development of future IM physicians are unmatched, and his contributions are invaluable. Also, this year we celebrated the excellence and commitment of our medical students, residents, and Mentors; kudos to all the nominees and the awardees.
The 2025 Puerto Rico Chapter Annual Meeting
From March 6-8, 2025, we held our Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Over 150 physicians joined us for an enriching 19 CME Credits internal medicine review led by local and guest experts.
This three-day event was designed to deliver an engaging and educational program tailored for Internal Medicine Specialists and Sub-specialists. Attendees benefited from expert-led discussions, the latest updates in medical practices, and networking opportunities with colleagues and industry leaders.
Scientific Program Highlights
Pre-Course Workshop
The pre-course focused on the Puerto Rico Board of Licensing and Medical Disciplines requirements for physician license recertification for 2023–2025. Topics included critical updates in managing hypertension and diabetes mellitus, two conditions with a high prevalence in our population.
Main Program
The main scientific program covered critical advancements in chronic disease management, emphasizing pulmonary diseases, sleep disorders, oncology, endocrinology, and cardiovascular diseases. Attendees participated in the keynote presentation delivered by Dr. Esther A. Torres, M바카라 사리트, and a nationally recognized expert in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
We thank Dr. Hilton Franqui, Mayo Clinic Guest Faculty, and the Scientific Committee for organizing this fantastic program.
Business Meeting News
The Chapter's Business Meeting was a moment to celebrate progress and recognize leadership. Dr. Alicea acknowledged the dedication of our Council Members, emphasizing their crucial contributions in advancing the Chapter's mission.
We were honored to announce that the Puerto Rico Chapter received the 2024 Gold Excellence Award—a testament to our commitment to excellence in chapter leadership and innovation.
Special recognition included the 2025 Laureate Award for his exceptional service to Internal Medicine and the Chapter, awarded to Dr. Hilton Franqui, Medical Student of the Year, reflecting on our ongoing dedication to nurturing the next generation of physicians, and Resident of the Year and Mentor of the Year, celebrating their lasting impact on medical education and mentorship.
These recognitions highlight our shared commitment to excellence, professional development, and the future of Internal Medicine.
Meet our Nominees & Awardees
Medical Student of the Year:
Mr. Brain Monge, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Nominees:
Ms. Yainira L Méndez, Ponce School of Medicine
Mr. Daniel del Toro, Universidad Central del Caribe
IM Resident of the Year:
Dr. Amanda Alvelo, San Juan City Hospital
Nominees:
Dr. Gladymar González, Hospital Damas
Dr. Euri Fernández, Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau University Hospital
Dr. Eduardo J Malavé, Hospital La Concepción
Dr. Vicente Covas, Mayagüez Medical Center
Dr. Sharolyn Velázquez, VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Dr. Alejandro Carmona, University District Hospital
Teacher / Mentor of the Year:
Dr. Arelys Febles, University District Hospital
Nominees:
Dr. Carlos Rosario, Hospital Damas
Dr. Juan Ruiz, San Juan City Hospital
Dr. Rubén Alvarez, Hospital La Concepción
Dr. Myriam García, Mayagüez Medical Center
Dra. Charmaine Pérez, VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Dr. Jaymiliette Bosques, Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau University Hospital
2025 Laureate Award
Hilton Franqui-Rivera, MD, F바카라 사리트, FACC, FHRS
Dr. Hilton Franqui-Rivera is a distinguished Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist recognized for his contributions to cardiovascular medicine, medical education, and patient care. His dedication to excellence and humanistic approach have earned him respect in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Dr. Franqui-Rivera excelled academically and pursued a bachelor's degree in Pre-Medical Sciences with a concentration in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. His outstanding performance led to his admission to the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico in 2000. He demonstrated leadership and creativity throughout his medical studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2004. He then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico Adult University Hospital, further reinforcing his ethical and professional commitment.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Franqui-Rivera served as Chief Resident in 2007 before specializing in Cardiology. He later pursued advanced training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at Tufts University – Baystate Medical Center, gaining expertise in arrhythmias, rhythm disorders, and ablation techniques.
He joined the Medical Sciences Campus as a Professor of Medicine, rising quickly due to his dedication to medical education and ethics. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, he has played a vital role in training future physicians. As an Associate Professor, he directs academic programs and mentors aspiring cardiologists and internists.
Dr. Franqui-Rivera has significantly influenced curriculum development and medical education reform. He has held key administrative positions, including Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Additionally, he has served as Program Director for the Cardiology Residency and Associate Director of the Cardiology Department at Pavía Santurce Hospital, enhancing specialist training and patient care.
In clinical research, he has served as Principal Investigator in studies on cardiac devices and innovative therapies. His work has been published in leading scientific journals and presented at international conferences. His achievements have earned him accolades such as the Doctor's Choice Award in Cardiac Electrophysiology and the Emerging Faculty and Leadership Award from the American College of Cardiology. Since 2022, he has served as Chairman of the Scientific Committee for the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American College of Physicians.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Franqui-Rivera is committed to compassionate patient care, emphasizing individualized treatment and patient education.
He actively participates in community health initiatives and advocates for transparency and fairness in medicine.
His unwavering dedication to excellence, education, and patient care has made him a cornerstone physician in Puerto Rico. Recognizing his contributions, the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American College of Physicians honors him with the 2025 Laureate Award, celebrating his exemplary career and service to the medical profession.
Early Career Physicians Event
On February 19, 2025, the Early Career Physician Committee held the second event in a series of presentations featuring essential topics for the ECP to transition from training to private practice. This time, the topic was “Transitioning from Training into Private Practice: A Conversation with a Certified Public Accountant.” Thirty ECPs participated in the virtual event, during which CPA Adrian Zayas-Bruno shared valuable information on how to start a business in Puerto Rico, local tax incentives, and opportunities for Young Professionals (Law 60).
Wellness Corner
By Luzimar Conaway, MD, F바카라 사리트 | Chapter Wellness Champion
The Wellness Committee launched the year with an inspiring and impactful event: Life in Balance: Sleep, Obesity, and Active Living, held on February 8, 2025.
This event offered a comprehensive review of key wellness pillars, highlighting the importance of managing sleep disorders, addressing obesity, and incorporating mindfulness and meditation into daily routines to achieve a more balanced and healthier lifestyle.
Attendees gained valuable insights into how sleep health and weight management are deeply interconnected, and how intentional practices like meditation and active living can significantly enhance physical and mental well-being.
This event set a powerful tone for the year, reinforcing our Chapter's commitment to promoting physician wellness and holistic health.
Walk in the Park: Join our 바카라 사리트 walkers for a morning walk every month. The next activity will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at “Parque Lineal de Bayamón”
Save The Date
2025 Clinical Vignettes & Research Competition and Doctors' Dilemma
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Embassy Suites Hilton, Isla Verde, PR
Mark your calendars! The Puerto Rico Chapter is excited to host the 2025 Clinical Vignettes and Research Competition alongside our always-anticipated Doctors' Dilemma Competition on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hilton in Isla Verde.
This year brings an exciting addition: for the first time, we will feature a dedicated Medical Student Division in the Doctors' Dilemma Competition! This new category offers medical students an excellent opportunity to showcase their knowledge, teamwork, and clinical reasoning skills on a competitive stage.
Brush up on your clinical knowledge and stay tuned for more details on registration, guidelines, and submission deadlines. Whether you're competing or cheering on your colleagues, this is a can't-miss event celebrating academic excellence and the future of internal medicine.
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS IMPORTANT!
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Editorial Committee:
Edwin Alicea, MD, F바카라 사리트
Luzimar Conaway, MD, F바카라 사리트
Mrs. Rina Vega