ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Courses:
113 Clinical and Developmental AnatomyGross Anatomy, Embryology, and Radiology were integrated into the Clinical and Developmental Anatomy course. The course is designed for the students to learn the characteristics, development, functions and clinical aspects of the human body. It prepares the students to apply their knowledge of macroscopic and embryological development to solve clinical cases for the benefit of the patients. Human cadavers are used for dissection of the different structures described and studied by the students; they work under direct supervision of the faculty, through this technique the students reaffirm the knowledge. The modern anatomic-clinical approach, the use of imaging techniques such as radiographs, computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and others, guarantee the complete development of the students.
115 Histology and Cell Biology142 Neuroscience
In this course the anatomy and function of the nervous human tissue, is described, and its molecular biology. Once the course is completed, the student should be able to: Recognize the different cells of the nervous system, their function and molecular biology. Describe the nervous system composition, the micro anatomy, and function of the nervous tissue. Describe the development of the nervous system, and the consequences due to alterations of normal development. In the laboratory periods the students should be able to correctly use the microscope, and the other technological equipment used, as they are used in the modern medicine. Work effectively in groups with peers, not only hands on work but also in case presentations. Demonstrate high ethical standards and professionalism in all aspects of the course. Demonstrate honesty, compassion, and respect to peers and other professionals, and moral responsibility. Observe professional conduct, be a model to others in terms of correct attitudes in attendance, and punctuality.
Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. Here you will find Faculty and Staff that is available to all students to help them maximize their academic achievement through courses and cooperative learning activities.
Our faculty is specialized in different areas of biochemistry and pharmacology contributing to the enrichment and diversity of our department.
We currently offer two courses:
Through the Biochemistry & Genetic in Medicine Course the faculty strives to convey updated information in this fast-changing and dynamic field of study that applies fundamental techniques to understanding the structures and reactions of living organisms. This course integrates the understanding at the cellular and molecular level of the biological pathways that control the functioning of the human body and how these processes are altered by the diseases. In addition, this course introduces the basic genetic processes and mechanisms which determine the inheritance and expression of genetic disorders in man. Fundamental principles of diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases, abnormalities of chromosome and gene structure, applications of molecular biology, introduction to prenatal diagnosis and genetic screening, genetics of cancer, and technological advances in the study of the human genome will also be discussed as relevant to medical practice. The teaching methodology comprises lectures, problem-solving exercises, case analysis and discussion. All these concepts are discussed focused to the medical practice/clinical approach. This stimulates critical thinking skills and their application to the practice of modern medicine.
The Department of Microbiology is a Biomedical Science Department within the School of Medicine at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. The Department administer the Immunology course to first year medical students, Medical Microbiology to second year medical students and Microbiology to nursing students.
Our students are involved not only in regular class activities, but also we incorporate innovative instructional and learning methodologies such as virtual modules intended to complement the course lectures using integrated exercises directed to apply the basic microbiological and/or immunological problems to solve medical problems.The Microbiology Department have implemented with success a program to prevent academic failure and to implement specific interventions according to the students’ needs. The program includes: individual tutoring, small group discussion tutoring and virtual classes in selected topics.
The Department works multidisciplinary together with the other departments in the implementation of the organ-based curriculum of the medicine program.
We strongly believe that our students have an incredible opportunity to make relevant professional and scientific advances and contributions while at SJBSM as well as after graduation, whether they work in hospital, academia, health administration or any other clinical or healthcare organization.
By Maricarmen Colón Díaz, PhD, Chair of the Department
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Department of Physiology/Pathology, I would like to welcome you to the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. This site is designed to introduce visitors and students to our Department’s research and teaching mission. It also serves as a major route of communication between the students, faculty members and administrative staff.
The Department of Physiology/ Pathology plays an important role within the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine and collaborates in many of its courses. Our department has sought out and embraced modern teaching methods to ensure the students have the most fulfilling learning experience.
Physiology is a subject regarding how the body works. The Medical Physiology curriculum provides a comprehensive array of topics focusing on the body’s cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. Some of the topics include hands on laboratory activities and provide real applications that make learning exciting. Our Physiology course 175/176 also emphasizes basic concepts of normal human functions and includes integrative activities that provide the basis for clinical applications as well as Community-Based activities.
The Pathophysiology course 213/214 offer by the department is an organ based course and addresses the morphological changes that occur due to illnesses and the mechanisms of disease. Emphasis is places on microscopic and macroscopic pathology and pathogenesis occurring in each organ system. These courses are coordinated with Clinical Diagnosis 290 and 292, Microbiology 260 and Pharmacology and Therapeutics 273. Pathophysiology I offer and introductory section that covers all aspects of the cell’s normal function, including cell death. In addition, topics in immunopathology, genetics, inflammation, fluids and electrolytes, acid and bases, and cancer are also covered in this section. Also, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, pulmonary, renal, reproductive organs. Pathophysiology II continues on the study of pathophysiological changes of all the organ systems including endocrine, digestive, musculoskeletal, special senses, neurological and central nervous systems in alignment with the other second year classes.
Current research interests of the faculty include a variety of areas associated with the reproductive system, epigenetics, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The diverse expertise and research interest of our faculty ensures that students will have ample exposures to a wide range of topics during their medical training.
As part of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine efforts to strengthen its research activities and improve scholarly productivity among faculty and students, we have established a collaborative research with several institutions in Puerto Rico which includes: University of Puerto Rico in Humacao, Ponce Health Sciences among others. This collaborative efforts will help our faculty and school to consolidate and increase our research productivity.
Our Department strongly believes that the training received by our students will prepare them for positions in hospital, academia, health administration or any other clinical or healthcare organization. Our students have an incredible exposure not only to medical relevant topics but also to research and community work that prepare them to become the next generation of our nations physicians.
We hope that our site provides the answers to all of your questions about our department and its mission. Please feel free to contact us if would like any additional information.
Maricarmen Colón Díaz, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of the Department
Chief Department - Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Diplomate, American Board of Pathology (Anatomic and Clinical
Welcome to the Clinical Skills Department and Community Engagement Department. The Clinical Skills Program offers a wide variety of "hands-on" training programs for medical students so they can develop their clinical skills in the areas of medical interviewing, physical examination, professionalism, community service, and critical thinking.
Among these programs the Department manages a Standardized Patient Unit and offers training through a Community Preceptorship Program. These programs introduce the medical students to clinical experiences at the beginning of their training and continue throughout the four years of study.
The Community Preceptorship Program provides the opportunity to be exposed to private office practice at an early stage, and to become familiar with the practice method of health delivery and the role of the physician in this process. These experiences help the students to develop and improve clinical skills, verbal and written communications skills, life long learning and professional and ethical decision making.
The Department also offers several courses throughout the Curriculum. Doctoring introduces the student to the proper interviewing techniques and professional behavior. Introduction to Clinical Skills reinforces clinical history interviewing techniques and introduces the student to the physical examination. The Clinical Skills I and II courses prepare the student to develop a differential diagnosis as it introduces clinical medicine to the history taking, interviewing techniques and physical diagnosis skills previously acquired.
The Standardized Patient Unit includes 12 examination rooms outfitted with examinations tables, simulation technology equipment, remote observation and video/audio capture, computerized data entry and an intercom system. The Center is used for medical interview and physical examination training and practice, procedural skills training, training and evaluative activities and Standardized Patient assessments as well as for small group discussion sessions.
Instructor
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
P: 787-743-3038 ext:261
Coordinator Community Health I and II - Assistant Professor
Clinical Skills Director
Instructor
Department of Anesthesiology
The San Juan Bautista Department of Anesthesiology is Dedicated to provide the highest quality of care to all of our patients under the Direction of Dr. Luis R. Novoa.
Welcome to Department of Surgery web site. Surgery, as other medical disciplines is one in constant change and development. In our department emphasis is given in viewing our discipline as a patient problem solving tool. Surgery is one of the many medical disciplines that is in constant grow. It includes today sub specialties as:
Our students are actively involved in their classes in order to enjoy the general surgical principles in their medical development. Our departmental goal is to expose and provide medical students with a global view of surgical conditions and therapeutic alternatives. Being surgery an extensive field, we focus on a core surgical content required for any general practitioner. Rotations are being offered in several ways throughout the year.
Associate Professor
The Emergency Medicine Department is located at the first floor of the main building of the San Juan Bautista Medical Center. It has many faculty members with different specialist.
The department sponsor require elective of four credits. Each student basically will rotate one week in every basic specialty (pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, ob-gyn). They will use small group discussion for the didactic portion of our program.
Associate Professor
Welcome to the Family Medicine Department it was establish since 1978. Located at Centro de Medicina de Familia y Geriatría de Rio Piedras, Inc.. Is under the leadership of Dr. Luis Izquierdo Mora since 1984 under the administrative and academic area. The purpose of this department is mainly is to apply the principles of basic sciences in the analysis and study of the clinical problems in a community base focus. There are two faculty members.
The department sponsor a require four weeks clerkship during four year in ambulatory medicine. They use Escuela de Medicina San Juan Bautista library and virtual one.
Chief Department - Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
The Medical Faculty and Resident of the Internal Medicine Department of San Juan Bautista Medical Center, Regional Hospital of Caguas, is pleased in sharing the town of Puerto Rico yet our facilities in the Hospital and reiterating our commitment to offer them a medical service to them of excellence, guided by the highest standards of the practice of the medicine.
Our department consists of 74 beds ten of which they are of the Unit of Intensive Care. At the moment it occupies 5to. and 6to. floor in the Hospital. Also it includes internal medicine clinics by several of the facultative ones.
The department offers the courses of physical diagnosis and rotation in Internal Medicine during third and fourth year.
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Medicine Clearkship Director
The Ob-Gyn Department is located at the 7th floor of the San Juan Bautista Medical Center. Its mission is to provide quality care for women is reflected in an academic environment that emphasizes in community-oriented primary care. The general objective is designed to educate the students with a broad inside into the principles and problems of Ob-Gyn.
The Ob-Gyn department is under the leadership of Dr. Frances T. Serra. Actually the Academic Direction of the department is in charge Dr. Luis Rojas Díaz. The department sponsor a require eight weeks clerkship during the third year and collaborates with the transitional and rotary internship.
The requirement to take this course is to be promoting to third year (or approved basic sciences). Learning resources available is the Library of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine OVID is a program that consist of conference program 8:00-9:00 am. Then they assist to the different areas, the department labor room, ward and ambulatory medicine also present ward rounds and case presentation.
Student Coordinator
Chief Department - Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Department of Clinical Pathology
The Department of Pathology helps in the diagnosis and the treatment of disease. The Department has three major subdivisions: Clinical Laboratory, Pathology Services and medical Students education under the Direction of Dr. Yocasta Brugal Mena.
Michelle Moringlane, MD
Pediatric Clerkship Coordinator
Miriam Ramos, MD
Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences
The pediatric department is located on the 8TH floor of the San Juan Bautista Medical Center.It offers comprehensive pediatric care to the public of the Caguas region.Quality services are provided at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Nursery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Emergency Unit by highly trained personnel. General pediatrics and Subspecialty services are offered on the floor of the hospital:
Pulmonology
Gastroenterology
Hematology
Neonatology
Nephrology
Genetics
The Pediatric Clerkship is an 8-week-rotation where students acquire the basic knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat the most common pediatric conditions. Students are exposed to children and their families in the different units of the hospital and at the Early Intervention Clinics offered by the Puerto Rico Health Department-Caguas Region, located within the premises of the Hospital.
Pediatric Clerkship Coordinator - Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor - Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Foreword :: Staff :: Courses :: Clinical Facilities :: Residency Program :: Community Mental Health Prog.
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences was instituted in 2001 by a SJBSM presidential order. This was the result of the integration of the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences departments. The Chair of the Department is now responsible for all the academic, clinical and direct psychiatric services offered.
Foreword
Psychiatry includes everything that cannot be categorized in one of the traditional basic sciences. It encompasses material that is fundamental to modern medical practice, including brain behavior correlation, ethical issues and the economic forces affecting the future of medicine. One of the main goals of the study of the Human Behavior and Psychiatry is to expose the medical student to basic concepts of human behavior and psychiatry that will be used in the medical field. It covers the history of psychiatry, the emotional development of people throughout their life cycle, including biological and psychological aspects, the development and meaning of symptoms; reaction to sickness, and treatment, including psychological, somatic and interdisciplinary modalities.
The first aim of the Department Courses are: to learn the NORMAL functioning of the mind and its interaction with body, so as to distinguish what is NOT NORMAL or ABNORMAL. Together with results of this interaction are: behavior, affect, emotions and feelings. Therapeutic techniques including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, hypnosis, emergency techniques and crisis intervention will also be discussed. Great emphasis is given to focusing on the community and community mental health issues.
The General Psychiatry Residency Program?s main objective is to prepare the general practitioner that arrives at our Program to be a highly skilled medical specialist and humanitarian psychiatrist.
Courses
Human Behavior, 270
This course covers human development and behavior as a whole, mayor psychological developmental theories and the Doctor-Patient-community relationship. It is offered to second year medical students in the first semester.
Psychiatry Course, 278
The Psychiatry course is centered in the evaluation, identification, classification and different treatment modalities of psychiatric disorders. The impact of psychiatric disorders on the individual and on the community as a whole is interwoven into the course. It is offered in the second semester to the second year students.
Psychiatry, 320
Psychiatry Course, 278
Psychiatry 320 Course is the Psychiatry Clerckship. The third year students are exposed directly to psychiatric patients, directly supervised by a psychiatry attending. This is a six week rotation at the out patient department and psychiatric hospitalization units.
Psychiatry, 420
This course is an elective in psychiatry for the fourth year medical student where they are in charge of all the needs and direct care of the patients treatment. They are under direct supervision by an attending. This is a fourth week rotation.
Clinical Facilities
The clinical facilities of the Department at located at the San Juan Bautista Medical Center (SJBMC), that is the main general hospital operated by the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
On the SJBMC campus, the following facilities are located:
Outside the SJBMC-campus:
Instructor
Chief Department - Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Department of Radiology
The Department of Radiology offers an outstanding education and clinical service program under the Direction of Dr. Francisco Gomez Goytia.
The SJBSM Research Center has Core Laboratory Facilities with state of the art and general equipment available for the use of faculty researchers, mentors and students to carry out basic, clinical and translational research. Also, the Core Facilities serve to provide service and enhance research capabilities by fostering laboratory skill development and expertise needed by basic and clinical scientists.
The SJBSM Core Lab facilities consist of three major laboratory spaces supported by a technician that has been equipped to be used in cellular, molecular and microbiological research. These facilities have available a Gene AMP PCR System, Step One Real Time PCR, water purification system, microscopes, autoclave, Nano Drop One, Gel imager, freeze dryer system, a Fluorescent Microscope, ice maker machine , 4°C refrigerators, -80 °C and -20°C freezers, ultrasonic bath, refrigerated centrifuges, micro-centrifuges, analytical balances, microplate readers and a flow cytometry-based instrument with applications for cell counting, cell health, immunology, cell signaling, apoptosis and cell viability. In addition, a cell culture room equipped with a CO2 incubator, a class II biosafety cabinet, microscopes and water baths, and a microbiological culture room equipped with incubator, a class II biosafety cabinet, microscope and autoclave is available for microbiological research purposes.
Core Lab Facilities Director:
Contact | Information |
Shirley D. Valentín-Berríos, Ph.D. | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Office: Chair of Microbiology Department(787)743-3038 Ext. 234 |
Participating Faculty and Research Interests:
Participating Faculty | Contact Information | Research Interests |
Yaritza Inostroza, Ph.D. |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (787)743-3038 Ext. 242 |
Signaling in Inflammation Pathways |
Maricarmen Colón, Ph.D. |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (787)743-3038 Ext. 246 |
Effects of Phthalates in Modulating Epigenetic Mechanisms in Normal Endometrium |
Yamixa Delgado, Ph.D. |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (787)743-3038 Ext. 3220 |
Development of Small Molecule Drugs and Protein Nanoparticles For Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy |
Ramón Scharbaai, Ph.D. |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (787)743-3038 Ext. 249 |
Molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial multi-drug resistance and metagenomics of infectious diseases |
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine Research Center (SJBSM-RC) is a non-academic structure created with the goal to strengthen and expand the institution’s commitment and efforts to enhance faculty scholarly productivity and collaborative research.
Research collaboration across disciplines, between universities and with the public and private sector is an integral part of its research agenda. Therefore, the primary responsibilities of the Research Center are to strengthen the implementation of the SJBSM Research Strategic Plan to enhance clinical and translational research scholarly productivity and collaborative research. The SJBSM- RC aims to meet the four goals proposed by SJBSM in developing a robust research workforce and culture:
Goals:
1. To build and sustain a productive research culture.
2. To develop and foster a research environment.
3. To enhance and enable access to research infrastructure.
4. To increase productivity through interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
A significant component of the SJBSM- RC activities to increase scholarly productivity is the offering of a Grantsmanship for Independent Research Development (GIRD) Program to talented SJBSM young faculty, early-stage investigators and new investigators. The GIRD program consists of a series of activities including Scientific Writing, Conferences entitled “Integration to Advance Translation” and a Grantsmanship Individual Development Annual Series. Each participating faculty has at least an external mentor in their area of expertise to facilitate the development and submission of manuscripts and mentored competitive grants. The program also has the participation of outstanding senior mentors and advisors who will support our efforts in coaching these talented faculty in becoming independent researchers. Their involvement includes online reviews, invited speakers for conferences and seminars and in-person meetings.
Organizational Structure
The organizational structure of the SJBSM Research Center currently includes a Director that reports to the President/Dean, an Institutional Advisory Committee and an External Advisory Committee, the Office for Sponsored Research, Research Core Laboratories, Clinical Trials Unit, Students’ Research Program and the Research Division of the Puerto Rico Health Justice Center. The Director of the SJBSM-RC lead most of the tasks included in the Research Strategic Plan. The Institutional Research Committee supports the Research Center Director to reinforce the importance of scholarly productivity outcomes such as publications, grants, presentations, awards, collaborations, and partnerships.
Research Center - Organizational Chart (Click here to Download)
The RC Director leads and oversee the prospect and research function, offering support to faculty and staff to help them achieve their research goals. Through these efforts, the Research Center Director maintains close communication with the Academic Dean, Associate Deans and Department Chairs related to faculty interested in research to provide mentoring, coaching, training, networking opportunities and explore ways to increase their scholarly productivity.
Other functions and responsibilities include:
Some of the current areas of interest of SJBSM young faculty researchers are: small molecule and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy; neurodegenerative diseases and inflammation pathways; woman health reproduction, Epigenetics and endocrine disruptors, and cardiovascular diseases and sexual violence. The infrastructure of the institution core laboratories was strongly improved by the creation of new laboratories dedicated for research studies. These facilities will strengthen the capacity of current young clinical and translational faculty researchers to expand their areas of specialization, such as cancer nanomedicine, anti-inflammatory biomarkers, and female reproductive diseases. The Puerto Rico Health Justice Center was created in 2015 to offer comprehensive forensic clinical services to victims-survivors of sexual violence for children, adolescents and adults, from a victim centered, trauma informed, biopsychosocial and public health perspective, through a health justice process. The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is a fully functional clinical research center that provides a research infrastructure to support outpatient clinical trials and works in collaboration with Hospital Menonita Caguas to assure appropriate training and good clinical practices (GCP’s) with each study based on the criteria and guidelines of the protocol.
Research Center Director
Estela S. Estapé, MT, PhD, DHL
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(787)414-0523
Dr. Estela S. Estapé is a Medical Technologist with a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Puerto Rico -Medical Sciences Campus (UPR-MSC), School of Medicine, post-doctoral training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY and received an honorary Doctoral degree in Humane Letters (DHL) from t A. T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona. In 2016, Dr. Estape retired from the UPR-MSC after 38 years of experience including being a Merit Review Investigator of the Veterans Administration, Dean of the School of Health Professions and PI & Director of several NIH funded programs and projects. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Association for Clinical and Translational Sciences until April 2018 and continues to be a member of the Editorial Board of its Journal. Dr. Estape has been very active in the Editorial Board of the PR Health Sciences Journal since 2011, is a peer-reviewer for several national and international scientific journals and is an active grant reviewer for the NIMHD loan repayment program. After her retirement, she continues in the UPR-MSC as Professor and Senior Advisor for research career development and is actively working as Director of the San Juan Bautista Research Center to support building scientific research capacity, including individual and group coaching for grant and manuscript writing from development until submission.
The PR Health Justice Center (PRHJC) provides comprehensive clinical forensic services to victim survivors of sexual violence. We provide the services at the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine through an interdisciplinary work team. This team is comprised of medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, criminal justice, legal and epidemiology experts in their field and sexual violence, while providing the services in a transdisciplinary manner.
VISION
A world where sexual violence is unacceptable and where all victims/survivors receive comprehensive services towards their well-being and justice.
MISSION
Provide transdisciplinary services, that are centered in the victims/survivors, trauma-sensitive and evidence-based. Collaborating with community organizations and agencies to respond to the welfare and justice needs of the participants. Click to visit PRHJC WebPage
PRHJC- RESEARCH DIVISION
As part of the SJBSM-Research Center, the PRHJC Research Division promotes and conducts research to expand knowledge about sexual violence, in all its manifestations and impacts, and from all discipline’s perspectives. Data is obtained from the PRHJC, Government Agencies and Community Programs. All research complies with IRB, State and Federal regulations and approval, and are based on the needs identified form providing direct services that lead changes needed in policy changes, protocols, evidence identification and others. All research must be translational and serve to improve the work done by reducing revictimization, promote healing, and sustain the victimization for the offender accountability from a public health perspective, including justice as an instrument of health.
Health Professions Student Mentoring
Students may participate in case discussions as part of the experience of working in a trauma informed and victim-centered service such as the PRHJC, while learning public policies from Government Agencies in the protection of victims of sexual violence. This may also include community activities such as task forces and seminars. An experience that includes how the health professional can have an involvement in policy development and protocols.
Course completion students: These students work on a research of their own with the PRHJC mentoring according to the discipline of interest, which can be short or long term, retrospective or prospective. These students experience activities in the literature review, data collection and journal clubs.
Extracurricular students and volunteers: These students work by a mutual time plan with the mentor in a manner that it does not affect their curriculum studies but is open to activities while they are learning about sexual violence as a public health problem and how to identify and manage their patients in case of having a violent experience history. These students experience activities in the literature review, clinical case series or reports, statistical analysis, journal clubs, oral and poster presentations and publications.
Linda Laras, MD, MPH, MS, PAG, FACOG, SAFE
Principal Investigator
(787)743-3038 Ext. 3210
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Linda Rose Pérez Laras BS, MPA, MS, DrPH(c)
Research Coordinator
(787)743-3038 Ext. 3210
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Deanship of Research
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine has a solid compromise in promoting research in the biomedical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, epidemiology and clinical sciences. Our institution has biomedical laboratories and clinical research facilities with equipment for the effective development of scientific projects. Main divisions of research include:
The knowledge obtained from biomedical research is essential to understand the chemical, molecular and cell mechanisms in the disease process and to apply this knowledge in improving the health of individuals. Clinical research projects help to understand and measure the effects of medications and devices in health in order to develop new cost-effective treatments for patients. Epidemiological studies are aimed to describe the affected populations, understand patterns of disease prevalence, incidence and mortality, and the factors associated to a health condition in order to develop effective prevention and control population-based measures. San Juan Bautista School of Medicine has also a compromise with our community by developing research in health services. The information is essential in improving the community access to health services and the overall population health and well-being.
The School has developed strong research affiliations with other higher learning institutions to reinforce our research infrastructure and to promote collaborations with external researchers. Medical students have the opportunity to learn and to actively participate in research through formal courses and experiences integrated into the four years of curriculum. The courses offered to the medical students prepare them with the knowledge, skills and abilities in research design, methods, biostatistics, development and publication of scientific reports. Our students have presented their projects in local, national and international scientific forums.
The increase in scientific knowledge and innovations in medical research are definitively important to develop new prevention, control and treatment alternatives for patients and the community in general.
Overview
Basic and clinical research courses at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine are intended to meet the growing need for medical students in the methods of basic and clinical research, health services research, clinical epidemiology, biostatistics and informatics literacy.
The courses are intended for all medical students and may or may not have any direct experience with research. These courses provide our medical students graduates with the minimum research skills to become independent in their capabilities to understand the dynamics of research.
Research Courses under the Deanship
First year, Introduction to research (117), this is an introduction to research course that presents the basics concept of research. This course is follow with the Community Medicine and Research (173) in the second trimester along with the capstone experience named Integration Seminar that introduce medical students to research concepts and to put together a research proposal that will help them to identify areas they wish to continue researching through the four years of the medical school.
Second year, the students have a continuation with Community Medicine and Research (207) in first semester and Clinical research ((296) in second semester. These courses are designed to allow the medical student to develop further research skills in both community and clinical research problems. The students are encourage to continue the research proposal prepare by themselves in first year. However they may choose to do research in other topics as well previous meetings with the mentors and the dean for research orientation. Appropriate mentors are assigned to the students including but not limiting to San Juan Bautista Basic and Clinical sciences faculty. Mentors form other medical institution can be assigned previous establishment of collaboration.
Fourth year, the students have a formal clerkship in Research (419) in which they start collecting data and using the methodology and analyses methods previously identified in first and second year research courses. These elective can be use to continue their research interests and to prepare and submit articles to peer indexed journals so the students will have at least one publication before their medical school graduation. The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine Research Deanship faculty includes a broad range of faculty members with experience in clinical investigation, clinical epidemiology, health services research, outcomes research, biostatistics, and other related fields.
Summer Program in Research, This basic or clinical science research program is design to gain a fundamental understanding of the subject under investigation. In this type of research students will be able to develop critical thinking and to expand the knowledge on the basic science subject chosen. The students will be under direct supervision of a proctor expert on the chosen field. Students will meet individually with the research director of their preference to discuss the subject to be addressed and the standards to be followed. Upon completion of the summer research program students will be encouraged to continue their investigation.
In the ever-changing area of health, researchers are indispensable to assure the development of innovative and modern clinical approaches to understand different pathologies. San Juan Bautista School of Medicine has a solid compromise with our community in finding answers to very challenging questions that threaten our health and well being everyday.
Our main effort is being directed towards the development of relevant proposals in behavioral and biomedical areas. As a result, we established a research team that is working in areas such as, Bronchial Asthma, Alzheimers disease, Cancer, HIV, Obesity, Seizures, and STD infections. Affiliations with other high learning institutions are being established to reinforce our research infrastructure and extend collaborations with our researchers.
The Deanship of Research is also committed to our medical students. Our curriculum has been designed in a way that each student will get acquainted with different approaches to clinical research since day one. Basic sciences, clinical sciences and clinical research are integrated as a whole, granting the most comprehensive physician training that characterizes our institution.
We look forward in encouraging future medical students be part of our academic research program and establish collaborations with excellent researchers.
The Vision for the Future
The aspirations expressed in this brochure correspond in many ways with the goals outlined in the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine planning process, particularly in the areas of science and technology, public service, outreach, and international activities.
The Vision for the Future
The aspirations expressed in this brochure correspond in many ways with the goals outlined in the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine planning process, particularly in the areas of science and technology, public service, outreach, and international activities.
Other goals and strategies enunciated in the discussions include the following:
The Envision discussion revealed the School of Medicine?s eagerness to create new strengths in the basic sciences and clinical care, and above all, to create the ideal environment for training the physicians of the future. With its community base approach, its service-oriented culture, and its leadership in collaboration with colleagues across the Grounds, the School of Medicine recognizes that it is uniquely positioned to prepare leaders in medicine who can forge meaningful connections between science and society and who can set the pace for health care in the years to come.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The Office of the Institutional Review Board is the administrative body that oversees the conduct of research involving human subjects at the Health System.
The Office provides services in support of clinical research and compliance with regulations governing human subject protections.
IRB Services include:
IRB CITI Program Training Conflict of Interest Requirement
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) was established in 2006 under the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine School of Medicine (SJBSM) in order to promote clinical research through the expansion of clinical trials. Our clinical research staff work to cultivate strong relationships with industry sponsors and contribute to the success of clinical research by managing a variety of clinical trials.
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine is a clinical research center strategically located between the SJBSM facilities and Hospital Menonita Caguas, Inc. The collaboration between SJBSM-CRU and Hospital Menonita Caguas is important to the success of each clinical trial. SJBSM-CRU works closely with each department of the hospital according to the criteria of each protocol. SJBSM-CRU also works alongside our designated principal investigators for each study according to their area of specialty to ensure that clinical trials are conducted according to the criteria and guidelines of each sponsor, and ensuring compliance with good clinical practice’s (GCP).
The Center's objective is to provide a research infrastructure to support clinical trials carried out in Puerto Rico. It offers quality clinical research services to sponsors and pharmacists, as well as individual researchers and entrepreneurs interested in clinical drug trials and device development. Also, part of our objectives is to provide new treatment opportunities and a better quality of life to each of our patients.
Our experienced staff is available to perform procedures such as Blood Sample Collection, processing, storage and shipment, electrocardiograms and Data Entry, being open to training for specific functions necessary for the success of each clinical trial.
Patient Demographics
Our Facilities are located in Caguas, Puerto Rico, near to the metropolitan area of San Juan. This area remains one of the fastest growing with a population estimated at 140,500, plus 400,000 population from the eastern area. Clinical trial specialties include Internal Medicine, Oncology, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Cardiovascular, Pulmonology and various other sub-specialties.
The Office of Sponsored Research Programs (OSRP) provide advice and support to the School community in the acquisition and administration of externally funded research projects consistent with the teaching, research, and service missions of the School.
The OSRP reports to the Research Center Director and works in collaboration with the Academic Dean. It has the responsibility of handling research proposals and award activity for the School. The Office oversees the School's administrative and support systems for faculty, staff and students in the submission of grants and the conduct of sponsored program activities.
All research done in the School is expected to fit within or be consistent with the following objectives of the School: the education of the students; the advancement of knowledge through research and scholarship; the preservation and dissemination of knowledge; and the advancement of the public welfare.
The OSRP will strive to enhance the competitiveness of researchers by providing customer service-oriented assistance in pre and post awards systems, keeping abreast of sponsor requirements, and utilizing current state of the art science knowledge and technology for preparation of applications and submission . The Office is responsible for implementing sponsored programs policies and procedures and is also dedicated to providing information on funding opportunities, advice, and assistance to faculty, staff and students.
Additionally, the OSRP provides a wide range of support services from assistance in the protection of intellectual properties to compliance with governmental regulations and award conditions, all to assure excellence in research and all other professional and scholarly pursuits.
Mrs. Adelaine Bravo
OSRP Coordinator
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(787)743-3484 ext:260
Estela S. Estape, MT, PhD, DHL
Research Center Director
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(787)414-0523
For the period of 2018-2020 of the SJBSM Research Strategic Plan, there are four faculty members actively engage in research activities, working in individual and collaborative research projects in their areas of expertise. These talented junior faculty members are the first group of participants in the SJBSM-RC Grantsmanship Independent Research Development (GIRD) Program (2018-2020) to increase peer-review publications and develop biomedical and clinical competitive research. According to their research area of interest, they are working with a team of advisors from other local and national institutions to provide them with support and guidance, as well as senior coaches to help them in their pathway to become independent researchers.
Received her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao, PR, in 2007 and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus in 2012. Dr. Inostroza-Nieves joined San Juan Bautista School of Medicine (SJBSM) as Assistant Professor and in 2016, completed a postdoc in Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard School of Medicine as Research Fellow in Medicine. She currently functions as Associate Dean of Biomedical Sciences and is in a research track tenured position. Dr. Inostroza-Nieves was the PI of the Abbvie Research Scholarship Program in SJBSM (2017 - 2019). She worked in the field of molecular immunology looking at the biochemical process and signaling mechanisms in the immune system. More recently become interested in the deleterious effects of inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases and potential therapeutics for these diseases. One of her research projects include studying the pro-inflammatory activation of microglia cells by molecules in blood pressure regulation and its role on neurodegenerative diseases. Activated microglia were found surrounding lesions of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Over activated microglia may accelerate the process of these neurodegenerative diseases. This is a novel mechanism of microglia cells activation and will provide key information to understand neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. Her goals are to further develop as an independent investigator while facilitating team science and strong collaborations.
Received a BS in General Sciences from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in 2006 and a Ph.D in Molecular Biology in 2012 from the Ponce School of Medicine, followed by post-doctoral studies in microbiology at the Universidad Central del Caribe. In 2012, she started in SJBSM as an Assistant Professor in the Physiology Department and is currently the Chair of the Physiology/Pathology Department in a research track tenure position. She also worked in two collaborative projects with Caribbean Central University focused on the detection of ER Stress markers using a proteomic approach in human prostatic cancer and microglial cells and on the molecular mechanism of apoptosis. At present, she has a laboratory in SJBSM and is working in collaborative research with Ponce Health Sciences University and University of Arizona in the link of environmental factors and epigenetic reprogramming in endometriosis, specifically how exposure to phthalate esters modifies histone modification patterns that lead to alterations in the normal function of the endometrium. After reaching this immediate goal, her long-term professional goal is to build an active research group with a focus on women’s reproductive health, specifically on how epigenetics mechanisms by interactions between genes and external factors shaped women predisposition to suffer from diseases that impair its reproductive capacity.
Obtained a BSc in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR)-Humacao in 2008 and a PhD in Biochemistry & Biotechnology from the UPR-Rio Piedras Campus and Medical Sciences Campus in 2015. Then, she worked as an adjunct professor while she completed a postdoctoral experience at the UPR system. In 2017, Dr. Delgado joined SJBSM as an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Dr. Delgado is in a research track tenured position and has a vast research experience working in projects focused on: molecular modeling and electron paramagnetic resonance simulations in protein dynamics; development of nanoparticles design, glycosylation of proteins, lipid-protein formulations and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy; and understanding the therapeutic potential of novel metal-based anticancer compounds. She has earned different prestigious fellowships from NASA Space Grant Consortium (NASA-PRSGC), National Institute of Health (NIH), and National Science Foundation (NSF). In addition, her projects were published in different peer-review journals and presented at local, national and international scientific conferences. Her research laboratory at the SJB-Core Lab facility is focused on drug design, development and delivery using nano-formulations for cancer therapy. She is also actively involved in collaborative research with different investigators in PR (UPR System and University Ana G Méndez) and USA (Stanford University) to contribute to the advancement of cancer research and reducing health disparities.
Obtained premedical studies from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR)-Mayaguez and medical studies at the Valencia School of Medicine, Spain. She is Board Certified OB GYN and completed successfully two graduate programs: a Master’s in Public Health Maternal Child Health and a post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Research at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus. She also did a fellowship in Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Laras is a recognized expert in Sexual Violence as a health problem, has been recognized by national organizations and the legislature for her work, has published two peer review articles, has given multiple conferences. She joined SJBSM in 2016 as an Assistant Professor and Director of the SJBSM Puerto Rico Health Justice Center (PRHJC). Dr. Laras work includes direct patient, education and research. She has a team composed of nurses, psychologists, social workers, community outreach, media communicator, criminal justice coordinator, and epidemiologists. She has a coordinated network of 8 Hospital called SAFE Hospitals that provide services to victims. Currently, the PRHJC has developed a research division where medical students are mentored IRB approved research projects. The PRHJC is structured for translational research, identification of gaps, their impact, development of new interventions and outcomes, all possible due to the follow up from disclosure to prosecution.
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine is committed to developing a productive research culture. Our goal is to continue to support our faculty and students in building a research workforce that will advance the institution’s agenda in promoting clinical and translational scientific discoveries and innovation.
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine has a strong commitment to promoting research in the biomedical, behavioral, epidemiology and clinical sciences. Our institution has biomedical laboratories and clinical research facilities with equipment for the active development of scientific projects and clinical trials.
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine also has a compromise with our community by developing research that will improve access to health services and the overall population health and well-being. The School has developed strong research collaborations with other academic and research institutions at the local and national level to reinforce our research infrastructure and to promote team science with external researchers.
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine Research Center was created to guarantee the successful implementation of the activities proposed in the institutional Research Strategic Plan. This plan is the overarching document that outlines the Institution’s vision, mission, and direction towards research. The Research Center will consolidate all the faculty research activities to improve the gathering and reporting of the scholarly productivity data and increase faculty participation in scientific writing for publications, grantsmanship, and collaborative activities.
Research Strategic Plan 2018-2022
Research Vision
To be recognized as an academic institution with a firm commitment in promoting clinical and translational scientific discoveries and innovation with special emphasis on the diverse health issues affecting the community, minority health, and health disparities. We aim to increase our research profile and capacity in areas where interdisciplinary and collaborative contributions can lead to major advances and have an impact on improving community health.
Research Mission
To contribute to the improvement of community health and health equity through leadership and scholarly productivity, integrating research with education and service.
Goals:
Benchmarks for Success
The evaluation of each goal will include key performance indicators such as:
Goal 1. To build and sustain a productive research culture.
Goal 2. To develop and foster a research environment by
Goal 3. To enhance and enable access to research infrastructure through
Goal 4. To increase productivity through interdisciplinary and collaborative research by fostering
SJBSM Institutional Research Committee
The SJBSM Institutional Research Committee (IRC) is an Internal Advisory Committee to the Director, Research Center (RC). It was constituted in May 2018 to provide significant support to the institutional leaders and the RC director in the establishment of policy, evaluation of outcomes and dissemination of information to the faculty, students and the community in general.
Scope:
Composition
The Committee's membership includes at least 4 members with expertise in research. Currently, the IRC is made up of 8 members, including the RC director; IRB Chair; Faculty members (2); RC representatives (2); Nursing Program REpresentative; Student Representative (MS3). The members are recommended by the RC Director and the term of appointment shall normally be one year and may be renewed.
The Chair is invited by the RC Director from the current committee membership and will normally serve for a period of one year, renewable twice. The Chair will help the RC Director to prepare the Proposed Agenda for the meetings and will help to lead the order of the meeting.
The Secretary is in charge of taking notes and preparing the minutes. The position is not fixed and is selected among the members present in the meeting. This is a rotating position and all members should be Secretary at least once/year.
There are seven Ex-officio members:President/Dean,Academic Dean, Associate Dean of Biomedical Sciences, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences, Nursing Program Director, and Clinical Operating Manager- SJBSM Clinical Research Unit. The membership in the IRC is an obligation that is given by virtue of the position the person holds. They have the right to discuss and vote, but do not count for establishing quorum.
Meetings
The IRC Committee meets at least bi-monthly or monthly depending on the issues in the agenda. The date and time for each next meeting will be appointed at the end of each meeting. The quorum will be half of the membership (four members) including the RC director.
Accountability
The IRC submits an annual report to the President/Dean and the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee on research productivity at the Institution.
The SJBSM BSN program provides students with the opportunity to develop areas such as interpersonal collaboration, decision making, critical thinking, research h and leadership.
Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
Faculty
The MPH Program is a two-year evening program with a total of 58 credits hours offered in a quarterly basis. Seventeen (17) courses through distance education (synchronous) and 4 courses through a face-to-face delivery method, that represent 80% and 20% respectively of the total number of courses. Courses will be offered in six (6) quarters and a summer session for two (2) years; Monday through Thursday, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For additional information refer to:
Admission Requirements:
Curricular Scheme:
Degree Requirements:
Faculty:
Counseling and Advisory Services
The Counseling Program is subscribed to the Deanship of Student Affairs and aims to promote the integral development of the student through personal, academic and professional counseling. Through the counseling program you have the opportunity to identify your strengths and weaknesses, evaluate and analyze your personal situation, and identify adequate coping skills. It’s a special place where you have the opportunity to expose and clarify your ideas, break down possible alternatives and evaluate the consequences, so that you may be prepared to make the best decisions in accordance to your needs and circumstances.
Personal Counseling
Individual counseling promotes the search for alternatives to deal with situations that affect your personal, academic and professional development. The process requires that the student, together with the counselor, determine and /or identify the conflict, assess the situation, list possible alternatives and develop a plan of action. This counseling process includes personal, family, environmental and economic situations, among others. This assessment begins upon your admission to medical school. You will be required to complete some assessments during orientation week, and participate of a mandatory interview as a first year student.
Personal counseling services may be requested by students for a variety of problems or circumstances such as depression, anxiety, conflict with family members or peers, mistreatment, academic difficulties, financial stressors, and adjusting to a different culture among others. In occasions, students may be referred to the Counselor by the Academic Advisor, faculty members, peers. These referrals are mandatory.
Group counseling
Group counseling is an important tool for generating changes in human behavior and conflict resolution. The alternative of group counseling where students interact, allows them to learn from others new avenues for facing difficult situations. This facilitates student’s personal growth by allowing them to acquire life skills, and interpersonal skill that help them explore controversial topics.
Confidentiality
Our Counseling services are provided in a safe and confidential environment, with essential reliability in the counseling process as set forth in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. To ensure compliance, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine has established and published Executive Order 2012-06 titled: Institutional Policy regarding confidential counseling to students, a policy that defines and oversees confidential procedures in counseling. In addition, the Personal Counselor is licensed by the Health Department of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and as such, is governed by the ethical and moral standards of health care providers.
The Counselors office is located in a private area in the Presidential Building and operates during normal business hours. A second office located at the Menonita Caguas Hospital is also available, as after hour appointments as requested. This ensures that as a student seeking counseling, you have the alternative to choose a specific date and time to meet with the school Counselor at your convenience outside of school hours and/or at a different location outside school campus.
All information pertaining guidance and communication between students and the school Counselor is considered confidential. Prior and during the counseling process, students are informed that the privileged information gathered during the interventional process will be kept in strict confidentiality. This information is secured by SJBSM in accordance to ethical and legal standards.
Additional services
The Personal Counselor provides a variety of services aimed at promoting the well-being of students and assisting them with any situation that may arise. Some of the services include:
Applicant Interviews
During the admission process, the Personal Counselor is available to assist the Admissions Committee during the interview process and identifying that applicants meet the technical standards required.
Welcome Package
Upon admission, the Personal Counselor provides the admitted candidates with a series of resources that will allow the students to adapt to the Island / or Metropolitan Area. The Welcome package includes information on Puerto Rico and the city of Caguas, location of basic service providers such as supermarkets and pharmacies; important information regarding housing opportunities and what to look for in a housing contract; among other.
First Year White Coat Ceremony
The White Coat Ceremony was first established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993 as a rite of passage for first year students in medical, nursing and physician assistant programs. Its purpose is to welcome students to healthcare practice and emphasize the value of humanism as the core of healthcare.
Student Orientations
SJBSM has instituted orientation for incoming students to help ease the transition into medical school. This period provides new students with the opportunity to meet fellow students, become familiar with campus services, curriculum and staff
Academic Advising Support
SJBSM’s academic advising system provides students with a layered academic support system integrated that help them achieve their academic goals. As an active member of this system, the Personal Counselor assists in providing assessment and support ensuring that students are capable of meeting their academic goals.
USMLE Exams
The Counselor participates in the assessment of second year medical students to raise awareness about their strengths and weaknesses for the USMLE exam. In addition, an individual strategic plan to deal with test anxiety is developed by the Personal Counselor. and discussed with each student.
Career Advising
In collaboration with the Student Program Director and the Careers in Medicine® program, the Personal Counselor assists students in their career planning providing additional information related to CV writing; interview skills; state licensing requirements; and employment opportunities among other.
Residency Fair
Each year the Personal Counselor with the collaboration of the Student Council organizes a Residency Fair that provides students the opportunity to interact on a one on one basis with program directors and board review programs.
Student Interest Group Fair
We encourage students to engage in professional organizations and student interest groups to enhance their learning experience and assist them in exploring different specialties. Our traditional Student Interest Group Fair promotes student participation in such activities by providing the opportunity to become familiarized with active interest groups and professional organizations.
Referrals
When deemed necessary or upon request, the Personal Counselor may refer a student to other professional and / or aid agencies with the student’s consent. In addition, she may consult particular cases other health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, with the student’s authorization. When doing so, the Personal Counselor ensures that the health specialist has no participation in student assessment and/or promotion to avoid any conflict of interest. All procedures are aimed at seeking the student’s well-being and are handled with the corresponding confidentiality.
Workshops
Seeking to promote and strengthen cognitive and socio-emotional skills in the student body, the Counseling Office organizes worships on diverse topics such as mistreatment, sexual aggression, diversity, sign language, thanatology, suicide prevention, and general wellness among others.
SJBSM Golden Humanism and Honor Society
In April 2016, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine reaffirmed its commitment to promote the highest humanistic principles and values in health care by carrying out the first induction ceremony of the local chapter of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. of the "Gold Humanism and Honor Society". The Personal Counselor serves as Advisor of the Chapter overseeing student nominations, induction ceremony and additional activities that promote humanistic values.
Extracurricular Activities
As part of our wellness program, the Personal Counselor promotes student participation in cultural activities which enrich the curriculum and form part of the student’s comprehensive education. In coordination with local agencies, diverse activities are coordinated such has visits to local museums, workshops on basic concepts that enable them to be prepared in the event of a storm or hurricane; and how to act in the face of an earthquake, etc.
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Prof. Ilsa Centeno |
Working Hours: 9:00 to 6:00 Monday to Friday
(After hour services available upon request)
Resources:
https://study.com/academy/topic/introduction-to-health-and-wellness.html
http://www.josieahlquist.com/2016/02/25/digitalwellness/
https://www.universalclass.com/articles/health/personal-health-basics.htm
Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office has the responsibility to maintain and safeguard all students' and alumni academic records, as well as to coordinate all matters related to the registration process. It also offers the services of mailing official grades, transcripts and the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) form. The Registrar’s Office looks after the security and inviolability of academic records. No information whatsoever from the files of applicants, students, or graduates is disclosed without written authorization. The School complies with the requirements of the Buckley Act (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, FERPA), and ensures the privacy of all information regarding applicants, students, and alumni.
Access to Student Records
No information is disclosed without a written authorization from the student. It is the responsibility of the School and the Registrar’s Office to keep these records in strict confidentiality. Any student that needs a copy of his/her academic record should follow these rules:
WORKING HOURS: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Mondays to Fridays)
Mrs. Nildalee Meléndez Rosa
Registrar/SJB Veterans Affairs Certifying Official
(787)743-3038 Ext. 243
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Ms. Erica Jiménez
Auxiliar Registrar
(787)743-3038
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Bursar’s Office
The Bursar's Office is responsible for collecting the tuition and fees student incur at the time of registration, in addition to other fees such as credit transcripts and certificates, among others.
The Bursar’s Office is in charge of processing checks received from Stafford Loans and of generating the checks from the Supplementary Aid Program and other financial aid received by students.
WORKING HOURS: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Mondays to Fridays)
Mr. Juan C. Castro
(787)743-3038 Ext. 222
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Working Hours: 8:00 to 5:00 Monday to Friday
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Mrs. Beatriz De León Rivera Financial Aid Director Office #15 787 743-3038 Ext. 268 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Mrs. Frances A. Casillas Financial Aid Officer Office #16 787 743-3038 Ext. 206 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
The purpose of Financial Aid Office (FAO) is to aid qualified students to obtain the financial resources they need to pay their cost of attendance. Students may be eligible for the following financial aid options, according to their academic study program:
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by a new federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%.
The U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program is the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is your lender. The available options under this program are:
All loan programs have fixed interest rates and origination fees. As part of the application process, you must submit a master promissory note online, and complete an electronic entrance counseling at StudentLoans.gov.
Before you take out a loan, it’s important to understand that a loan is a legal obligation that makes you responsible for repaying the amount you borrow with interest. Even though you don’t have to begin repaying your federal student loan right away, you shouldn’t wait to understand your responsibilities as a borrower. Be a responsible borrower.
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine is approved by the Puerto Rico State Approving Agency to provide academic training to students under the various GI Bill® programs.
Validation of prior credit/hours from previous studies:
Applicants applying under the veteran educational benefits who have previous studies at other institutions must request credit validation in accordance with SJBSM’s transfer policy and procedures. SJBSM will ensure that has a result of the validation of credit/hours from previous studies, the cost and duration of the program will be reduced proportionately. The School Certifying Official (SCO) will ascertain that applicants applying under the veteran educational benefits who have previous studies at another institution submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, including but not limited to the Joint Service Transcript (JST).
The applicant
Title 38 US Code 3679(e) Section 103 PL 115-407 (31 or 33)
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e) Section 103 PL 115-407, effective August 1, 2019, SJBSM has adopted the following additional provisions for any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits:
Note: A “Certificate of Eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website eBenefits, or, a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
SJBSM has set in place the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (refer to page 94) which applies to all students enrolled in our institution, regardless of the program and the funds used to pay institutional fees. SAP applies to students utilizing Veteran Education Benefits as defined by the Veterans Administration (VA). In order to meet SAP, students must comply with SAP in terms of approved credits, minimum grade point average, maximum time frame or maximum chronological time as established by each academic program offered at SJBSM.
Failure to do so will result in Veteran Academic Probation (VAP) being placed on the student’s record, restricting open registrations for future terms. Not meeting SAP may eventually restrict a student’s ability to use veteran education benefits at SJBSM.
A student will be placed on a Veteran Academic Probation (VAP) if the cumulative or term GPA, or if the completion of courses attempted falls below the established SAP of the academic program in which the student is enrolled. The VAP restricts registration, but does not prevent the student from enrolling in a subsequent term. The VAP policy requires that the student contact the School Certifying Official at SJBSM to be advised on the steps to have the VAP removed, and briefed on the possibility of being placed on Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD) if SAP is not met while on VAP status. A student will be allowed to register while on VAP, but will be limited to one term at no more than 6 credits. If the student achieves the required cumulative and term GPA and reaches completion percentage required for all courses attempted, the VAP will be removed, allowing the student to register for future terms without restrictions.
If while on a VAP, the student does not meet the minimum cumulative and term GPA and does not successfully complete the required percent of the courses attempted for that term, the student will be placed on a Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD). This action will be reported to the VA by SJBSM, School Certifying Official through the VA’s formal process. Once placed on VBD, the student will be denied the use of any and all VA benefits and will be responsible for payment of tuition and fees. SJBSM will not certify for veteran education benefits under any chapter while
on a VBD. Students on a VBD may continue to take courses at SJBSM via alternate funding sources, such as financial aid. The VBD will be removed and upgraded to VAP when the cumulative and term GPA and completion of the required percentage for all courses attempted is reached, allowing the student once again to utilize veteran education benefits at SJBSM. The institution will retroactively certify these successful courses after the grade is posted.
A student can appeal a VBD decision with the Office of Veteran Affairs, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information contact our School Certifying Officer (SCO) Nildalee Meléndez at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/
Vocational Rehabilitation Program: This program seeks to help students with physical or mental disabilities, so that through various phases or stages they can develop their capabilities. The students must contact the regional office corresponding to the area where he/she lives.
National Health Services Corps Scholarship Program: available for students in the primary health care specialties and committed to serving part or their entire career in federally designated health professional shortage area. Learn more about this program at nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/
Military Scholarship Programs: SJBSM is a proud signer of the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (the DoD MOU). If you intend to use a DoD education benefit (Federal or State Tuition Assistance) you must start this process with your unit Educational Service Officer (ESO) or your military counselor.
Eligibility for the Tuition Assistance program depends on your branch of service. Students must contact the desired program for more information at:
Students interested in applying for federal financial aid, must comply with the following requirements and process:
Admissions Office no later than a week prior to enrollment
Master Promissory Note at www.studentaid.gov.
Need analysis: once you submit your FAFSA, the U. S. Department of Education will send an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) to the Financial Aid Office, which will be used for the evaluation and need analysis.
As part of the analysis, the Financial Aid Office (FAO) will take in consideration the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount that the student should contribute towards his/her cost of education. The need analysis consists of the following basic calculation:
The FAO will consider any other expected financial aid (external funds such as Vocational Rehabilitation, military scholarships, and any other grant or scholarship) when calculating the financial aid need. The student cannot receive financial assistance more than the determined financial need.
Notification of Award: the student will receive a Notification of Award with the application forms that must be completed and submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Direct Loan applicants must complete a master promissory note and the electronic entrance counseling at studentaid.gov
Verification is the process by which certain required data reported on the FAFSA is reviewed for accuracy and completeness. The FAO will verify the application selected by the Department of Education, except in the case of an applicant who is eligible to receive only Unsubsidized student financial assistance.
Otherwise, FAFSA applications selected for verification by the Department of Education will be verified in the following items:
In such cases, the student is required to submit the following documents to the FAO, within a deadline for submission:
If the student/parents are not required to file an Income Tax Return (IRS), they will be required to complete and sign a Certification of Income, provided by the Financial Aid Office, among other documentation.
Note: Financial aid will not be processed until the verification is completed. Satisfactory Academic Progress Policies
Federal regulations require that every student who receives federal financial aid maintain a satisfactory academic progress toward the achievement of a degree. Progress is measure by the student’s cumulative grade point average and credits earned in relation to those attempted and the length of the academic program. Please, read the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy included in Student’s Manual.
This policy will apply to students that participate in the Title IV Federal Programs who, after initiating classes, withdraw, or are dismissed from the school within the sixty per cent (60%) of the semester’s term. This is a mandatory policy in accordance with the changes of the 1998 Reauthorization Law to the Higher Education Act, as amended, and is in force for all withdrawals and dismisses that come about in or after October 7, 2000.
Student Refund Policy: https://www.sanjuanbautista.edu/images/pdf/ExecutiveOrders/99-02.pdf
Federal Funds Reimbursement Policy: https://www.sanjuanbautista.edu/images/pdf/ExecutiveOrders/2001-01.pdf
Electronic Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note:
Students must complete an Electronic Counseling and the Master Promissory Note for DL Loans at studentaid.gov. Students are also required to complete an Electronic Exit Counseling before the student changes his/her status from the school (graduation, withdrawal, or dismissal). More information and instructions regarding this process will be provided to the student with the notification.
Students with loans from other school(s), must contact his/her servicer(s) to request a deferment for the loan(s). To keep track of all your federal loans, access the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at nslds.ed.gov, the central database for federal student aid. You’ll need to use your FSA ID to access your information.
COMMUNITY
Welcome back to your Alma Mater SJBSM Alumni.
Over the past years, SJBSM has graduated more than a thousand health care professionals. Our SJB Alumni are in different places and environments fulfilling our mission as a Medical School. We are proud of all of you!
SJB Alumni remind us of our beginnings, bring fought fond memories and remind us of the importance of our commitment. And looking into our future, we see an alumni community that is engaged in assisting their Alma Mater in perpetuating their legacy in graduating health professionals who are responsive to the health needs of underserved and medically vulnerable populations.
By acquiring your SJBSM Alumni Key, we offer you the opportunity to re encounter old friends, rekindle fond memories, meet new colleagues and become a part of the SJBSM alumni that is actively contributing to the success of students and your Alma Mater.
We look forward to hearing from you.
SJB ALUMNI KEY REGISTRATION
The SJB Alumni Key is only available to individuals who have completed their degree and received the corresponding title as evidenced in the diploma. Graduates from a program where the degree was granted by an institution other than SJBSM; or spouses, widows and other family members of alumni are not elegible for a SJB Alumni Key Registration.
ONE WITH SJB
As custodian of student records, the Registrar’s office will issue official documents as requested by students and alumni. When requesting documents from the Registrar’s Office, students or alumni must fill out the corresponding Document Request Form, pay the corresponding fee at the Bursar’s office and return both form and receipt of payment to the Registrar. Payments made be done electronically by filling out the Payment Processing Form. A period of three (3) to five (5) working days will be required for the processing of requested documents.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.”
― Lucy Maud Montgomery
Students are the main beneficiaries of the educational mission of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. The School has a commitment to its students that encompasses respect for dignity, integrity, and diversity. To ensure the commitment, there are institutional rules and regulations which articulate the rights and duties of the School and of the students. The Student Manual contains a complete description of these rules and regulations.
The School is also committed to ensure the well-being and overall development of students, providing them the services needed to complete their studies in a satisfactory manner. These services include counseling, academic assistance, registration and records, and health services, among others. These services, provided by the office of the Associate Dean for Students Affairs, are described below.
The Counselor has the main responsibility of providing counseling services to students, individually or in groups, with the intention of helping them identify and deal with situations that may affect them, and that, in some way, may obstruct their academic progress and personal development. The Counselor may refer particular cases to other mental health professionals.
Also, faculty members have been identified as mentors, who counsel students regarding problems related to the evolution and increasing complexity of their academic program.
The Counselor’s Office offers the following services to students:
WORKING HOURS:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Mondays to Fridays
(Extended Hours with Appointment)
Mrs. Ilsa Centeno, MRC
Personal Counselor
(787)743-3038 Ext. 275
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All students enrolled in the School are required to have health insurance. At the time of registration they must present evidence that they are covered by health insurance. Otherwise, they must join the medical group plan which the School offers. This insurance covers medical services, surgery, ambulatory care, hospitalization, and visits to specialists, laboratories, x-ray studies, maternity services, dental services and prescribed medications.
Students insured by contract with the School’s health insurance provider are covered yearly during three periods: first semester, second semester, and summer session. This insurance coverage extends to anywhere in Puerto Rico twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The premiums may vary according to the coverage selected. This health insurance provides optional coverage for direct dependents of the students.
Disability Insurance
The School, through an insurance company, has established a benefits plan for disability due to illness or accidents that may prevent the student from continuing his/her academic activities. The annual insurance premium may vary depending on the student’s age and smoking habit at the time of registration. The student who has his own disability insurance must present evidence during registration. Otherwise, he/she must enroll through the school's health insurance provider.
Certified student organizations and their goals are described below. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The General Student Council is established to encourage and channel the effective participation of students in issues of interest to them and related to the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. It constitutes the official forum for the analysis, discussion, and review of students’ needs and aspirations, and for the expression of student perspectives relative to topics and issues within the academic community.
Students who wish to participate as members of the General Student Council must comply with the requirements established in the Student Manual. Each of the academic levels for all three programs has representation in this organization, and students elect their own representatives.
Gold Humanism and Honor Society (GHHS)
The Arnold P. Gold Foundation works with healthcare professionals to ensure that compassion, respect and empathy are at the core of all healthcare interactions. Dr. Arnold P. Gold, founder of the foundation, is a world-renowned pediatric neurologist at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. He and his wife Dr. Sandra Gold, and their colleagues began the Foundation in 1988 with the power of an idea – to nurture and preserve the tradition of the caring physician.
Inspiration for GHHS began in the late 1990s when medical educators and residency program directors convened to explore the viability of an honor society to promote humanistic values and behaviors. Since its inception, GHHS has grown in stature and influence to become a vital part of medical school and residency training program cultures throughout the US. A heart-shaped stethoscope became the foundations logo. It represents Humanism in health care, reflected by attitudes and behaviors that are sensitive to the values and the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of others.
Along with the GHHS Advisors, the society will be composed of students who are nominated in the second semester of third year. The selection process has two phases. In the first phase, third year students will have the opportunity to nominate class mates who have demonstrated professional and ethical behavior worthy of imitation. Nominations are submitted to an evaluation committee that makes the final decision. Membership to GHHS goes beyond selection and induction into an honor society; its members have a responsibility to model, support, and advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care throughout their careers. As humanistic healthcare professionals, they are expected to demonstrate:
The Medical Student Association for Community Health Improvement (MSACHI) was founded in March 2001, and its main commitment is to conduct activities that provide students with opportunities to share experiences with the Caguas community. The Association’s slogan is “Caring for our community by promoting health.” Students from the four levels comprise this organization. Its program of activities includes conferences and workshops on subjects related to health care. MSACHI is one effort to comply with the institutional goal of seeking to create an academic community-based medical education environment by promoting active community participation.
The Association of Christian Students, a Christian student initiative, was constituted in January 2004; the Association’s main purpose is to encourage students’ spirituality. The objectives are to provide spiritual support through prayer during times of crisis and to strengthen the spiritual faith of member students.
AMSA is a student-governed, national organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With a membership of more than 68,000 medical students, premedical students, interns, residents, and practicing physicians from across the country, AMSA continues its commitment to improving medical training and the nation’s health.
By their active involvement, SJBSM students demonstrate their commitment to the improvement of health care for all people. Students represent the SJBSM at regional and national conferences, where they share their concerns about health services rendered in Puerto Rico.
Tutoring Program
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine developed the tutoring program to offer students assistance in courses in which they are encountering academic difficulties. The tutoring program is mandatory for those students recommended by the Biomedical Sciences faculty course coordinators. The coordinator‘s recommendation is based on the student’s academic record, including first partial exam (score of 70% or less), quizzes, and class participation.
The following stipulations apply to the tutoring program:
The tutorial program in Clinical Sciences differs from that in the Biomedical Sciences. In the Clinical Sciences, professors are responsible for providing or coordinating any help that students may require.
Program to Reinforce the Academic Quality of Students
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine has revised the system of academic advising for students, integrating the efforts of faculty members, course directors, and student affairs officers with the School’s counseling and tutorial program, to create a comprehensive program entitled: “Program to reinforce the academic quality of students.”
Formal mechanisms for student mentoring and advocacy have been implemented, and the roles of various participants in this advisory and counseling system have been defined and disseminated to students. The program begins with the admission process and continues in successive stages during the academic program to detect and manage academic risks and difficulties. Program actions and activities include workshops, assessment sessions, and group and individual tutorials, among others. All students receive pertinent information about this program during orientation week.
WORKING HOURS: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Mondays to Fridays)
Nancy I. Lebrón León, M.Ed.
Academic Advisor
(787)743-3038 Ext. 247
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The Office of the Student Programs Director coordinates the Accessibility Services Program for all of our students and the Medical Career Advising Services Program related to the Association of American Medical Colleges Careers in Medicine® (CiM) Program, Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS), and the National Resident Matching Program®(NRMP).
Accessibility Services Program
The Accessibility Services Program promotes and ensures that no student with a documented disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under the educational programs and activities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and applicable state law.
Executive Order 2007-01: Procedure for Student Requests for a Reasonable Accommodation identifies the rights and responsibilities of students seeking an academic adjustment, auxiliary aid or service, or any other reasonable accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. Qualified students and applicants who need to obtain a reasonable accommodation must request a meeting with the Student Programs Director to review the application requirements and procedures to initiate the determination process, and submit the Reasonable Accommodations Request Form. The Student Programs Director is responsible for reviewing and approving or denying all requests for accommodations or academic adjustments on an individualized basis and offering workshops on accessibility services for our students and staff. In addition, she provides oversight of compliance with Section 504/ADA and oversees the grievance processes, which are designed to address circumstances of challenge by students dissatisfied with our institution’s disability-based process or response.
All medical records relating to students’ disabilities are kept confidential in a file separated from academic records.
The Medical Career Advising Services Program is mainly based on the CiM Program, which its principal goal is to help students learn how to make well informed career decisions, not only in selecting a specialty and residency program, but throughout their careers as physicians by means of a thoughtful career planning process. The Student Programs Director serves as the CiM Liaison and is responsible for coordinating program activities sponsored by the school, such as workshops and events.
Students are exposed to and familiarized with the CiM resources all through their MD academic program, since the beginning of the first year through the fourth year of medical studies, according to the CiM Student Timeline. Fourth year medical students are advised on the use of the ERAS and NRMP through their residency application and matching process, which culminates with the celebration of our Match Day Ceremony.
Working Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Mondays to Fridays)
Yaidy L. Cruz Cordero, M.Ed.
Student Programs Director
Main Lobby, Office #10
(787)743-3038 Ext. 233
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Mrs. María M. Rodríguez Camacho
Administrative Assistant
Main Lobby, Office #10
(787)743-3038 Ext. 212
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