Meet Debora H. Silva Díaz

Dean
Debora H. Silva Díaz, MD, FAAP, MEd.

Debora H. Silva Díaz, MD, FAAP, MEd.

Welcome to the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine!

As Dean, I am honored to lead an institution with a rich legacy of academic excellence, clinical distinction, and unwavering service to our communities. The School of Medicine stands as a beacon of hope, education, and innovation — leading the future of healthcare, medical and biomedical education, and educational, basic, clinical, and translational research in Puerto Rico and beyond.

At the heart of our mission is a profound commitment to educating compassionate, skilled, and socially responsible physicians, biomedical researchers, and health professionals. Our curriculum emphasizes academic rigor, hands-on clinical experience, and research opportunities that empower our students to become leaders in healthcare and biomedical research. By fostering a learning environment grounded in excellence, compassion, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we ensure that every student is equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving medical landscape.

Our Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 serves as a roadmap for transformation and growth. It reflects our shared vision to elevate academic and research excellence, enhance student, faculty, and staff support, and fortify institutional sustainability. We aim to nurture the next generation of physicians and researchers with the skills, empathy, and cultural competence to meet the health needs of our communities. Together, we are building on a legacy of community and medical service, while embracing innovation and interprofesional collaboration.

Our impact extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. The research that we do spans basic, clinical, translational, and educational areas core to creating new knowledge that will guide important decisions in the near future. The hospitals and clinics where we serve as educators and physicians reflects our steadfast commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the most vulnerable among us. Here, students, residents, ancillary staff, and faculty work together to care for patients with complex medical needs, transforming knowledge into action and compassion into healing.

To our current and prospective students, I invite you to join us on this journey of purpose and possibility. The University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine offers more than an education — it offers a calling to serve humanity. To our faculty, staff, residents, students, and alumni, I thank you for your dedication, innovation, and passion for excellence. Your tireless efforts sustain our mission and inspire our future.

We are a community of healers, educators, investigators, and changemakers. Together, we will continue to advance healthcare, promote health equity, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

With gratitude and purpose,

 

Débora H. Silva Díaz, MD, FAAP, MEd.

Dean

School of Medicine

Medical Sciences Campus

University of Puerto Rico

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Fernando Joglar Irizarry, MD

Fernando Joglar Irizarry, MD
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Osvaldo Cajigas

Osvaldo Cajigas Rosario, MHSA
Interim Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs

Nivia L. Pérez-Acevedo, Ph.D.

Nivia L. Pérez-Acevedo, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Dean of Biomedical Sciences

Angel E. Rivera Barrios, MD, FACS

Angel E. Rivera Barrios, MD, FACS
Interim Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

Arelis Febles Negrón, MD, FACP

Arelis Febles Negrón, MD, FACP
Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education

Vilma T. McCarthy, MD, FAPA

Vilma T. McCarthy, MD, FAPA
Interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs