Mayo Clinic, University of Puerto Rico Announce Formal Collaboration
Back row, from left — Luis Serrano, M.D.; Michael Joyner, M.D.; David Warner, M.D.; Eddie Greene, M.D.; Terrence Cascino, M.D.; Sherine Gabriel, M.D.; and Anthony Windebank, M.D., all from Mayo Clinic.
Front row, from left — Robert Rizza, M.D., Mayo Clinic; and Walter Frontera, M.D., Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico.
After nearly two decades of successful collaborations, Mayo Clinic and the Medical Sciences Campus—University of Puerto Rico (UPR) have formalized their relationship.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Aug. 13, marking a turning point in the relationship, which until now has consisted of individual or one-time efforts.
"This MOU is different because of the long, successful and warm history Mayo has had with the University of Puerto Rico," says Sherine Gabriel, M.D., director, Mayo Clinic Center for Translational Science Activities (CTSA) Education Resources. "Mayo started working with UPR in education a long time ago, and we are hoping to use the formal MOU to do more."
"At UPR, we're very happy because we've had a very productive partnership with Mayo Clinic, and look forward to expanding the opportunities for students, residents and faculty," says Walter Frontera, M.D., Ph.D., dean, UPR School of Medicine.
Over the years, a number of faculty and students have participated in exchange programs, career development programs, medical school rotations, research practicums and other scholarly activities, which are facilitated by CTSA Education Resources.
In the undergraduate arena, collaborations include:
Graduate students are able to engage in co-mentored research, pursuing projects that span resources at both institutions.
Medical student activities include:
- A jointly taught "Introduction to Clinical Research" course offered to all first-year students at both medical schools
- Two-month research experiences
- M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.S. programs for UPR medical students
- Summer Career Development Program for second-year medical students from UPR
- Clerkship rotations available at both schools
There are also several opportunities for postdoctoral scholars to engage in research at Mayo, including:
Many other institutional-level activities are ongoing as well, contributing to the overall research and educational capabilities of both Mayo Clinic and the University of Puerto Rico.
Signing the MOU from Mayo Clinic were Terrence Cascino, M.D., executive dean for education; Robert Rizza, M.D., executive dean for research; and Melanie Ryan, operations manager, Mayo School of Health Sciences.
Signing the MOU from UPR were Rafael Rodríguez Mercado, M.D., acting chancellor, Medical Sciences Campus; Walter Frontera, M.D., Ph.D., dean, School of Medicine; and Estela Estapé, Ph.D., dean, School of Health Professions.
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