Program Overview

• Sponsoring Institution: Centro Médico Episcopal San Lucas (CMESL).
• Robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgical training with progressive autonomy.
• Strong oncologic exposure with multidisciplinary tumor boards.
• Research curriculum with mentorship, IRB support, and conference travel.
• Community engagement through DoD‑funded screening initiatives in underserved regions.
• Resident wellness: protected didactics, simulation, and flexible electives.

• Centro Médico Episcopal San Lucas — Tertiary referral center and primary clinical site.
• Ponce Health Sciences University — Academic home and simulation center.
• Urocentro del Sur — High-volume outpatient surgical practice.
• CACE – Centro Ambulatorio de Cirugía Especializada — Advanced outpatient surgical center.
• Hospital Damas — Ponce, Puerto Rico
• Hospital Bella Vista — Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
• Pediatrics Rotation at HIMA Hospital  — Caguas, Puerto Rico
• Other affiliated community hospitals across southern Puerto Rico — Providing diverse clinical exposure and community-based care.

The PHSU–CMESL Urology Residency Program offers a comprehensive, competency-based curriculum designed to prepare residents for independent practice and leadership in urology. Training integrates weekly didactic sessions, hands-on simulation, high-volume surgical experience, and progressive clinical responsibilities. Residents gain expertise in open, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, while developing skills in patient care, research, and systems-based practice. The curriculum is fully aligned with AUA milestones and ensures a balance of academic rigor, surgical training, and professional development.

• Weekly core curriculum sessions
• Journal Club
• Morbidity & Mortality (M&M) conferences
• Board review preparation
• Case-based learning aligned with AUA milestones

• Ureteroscopy — simulation in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.
• Laparoscopy — hands-on practice in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
• Robotics — training in robotic-assisted surgery using current platforms.
• Cystoscopy — skills development in diagnostic and operative cystoscopy.
• Ultrasound-guided procedures — practice in prostate, kidney, and bladder imaging with guided interventions.

• Graduated responsibility — residents advance through increasing levels of autonomy as training progresses.
• Senior back-up — junior residents always supported by senior residents and attending supervision.
• Duty hours compliance — schedules are structured to meet ACGME requirements, with hours tracked and monitored for wellness and safety.