University of Puerto Rico - Nurse Anesthesia Program

Another day, another new doctor for our prestigious program. We celebrate Dr. Pamela Cabrera, another example of what happens when talent meets relentless dedication. Behind this achievement are countless early mornings, late nights, missed gatherings, and the difficult choice to say “not this time” to family, friends, and life’s distractions. While others saw the sacrifices, only Pamela truly knows the weight of the commitment it took to reach this moment. Every exam, every clinical day, every challenge was met with determination and an unwavering belief in her goal.

As a proud Puerto Rican nurse anesthesiologist, Pamela carries with her not only the excellence of our program, but the spirit and resilience of Puerto Rico itself. Today, she makes her family, her colleagues, her school, and her island proud.

Congratulations, Dr. Pamela Cabrera, CRNA. UPR is proud of you, Puerto Rico is proud of you, and we cannot wait to see the impact you will make in the years ahead. Help us congratulate her!

Some people lead by title. Others lead by example. Elizabeth Malfaro has done both.

Throughout her journey in nurse anesthesia school, Elizabeth has distinguished herself not only through academic excellence, but through her unwavering commitment to serving others, advocating for students, and strengthening the profession she loves. As President of the University of Puerto Rico Association of Student Nurse Anesthetists and President of the Sigma Theta Tau Alpha Gamma Omicron Chapter of Puerto Rico, she has dedicated countless hours to creating opportunities, supporting her peers, and leaving a lasting impact on those around her.

Today, we proudly celebrate her selection as a recipient of the AANA Foundation Resident Scholarship and the prestigious AANA Diamond Club Scholarship. Chosen from among 558 applicants nationwide, this recognition reflects what we have long known: Elizabeth is a leader, a scholar, and an extraordinary representative of the future of nurse anesthesia. Her passion, dedication, and service continue to inspire our program, and we cannot wait to see the impact she will make on the profession for years to come.

We have seen Lina Borrera grow from day one. Through every challenge, long clinical day, exam, and moment of exhaustion, she continued to rise with grace, determination, and heart. Watching her evolve throughout this journey has been inspiring because she did not only become an exceptional anesthesia provider, she became a true leader. Lina grew in confidence, knowledge, and strength right in front of our eyes, always pushing herself to be better while uplifting the people around her. She became a source of guidance for the younger cohorts, always willing to mentor first and second year students, answer questions, calm nerves, and remind others that they were capable of making it through this journey too. There is no doubt that wherever she decides to work, she will leave a lasting impact on every patient, colleague, student, and operating room fortunate enough to have her.

There are people who simply complete the journey, and then there are people like Valentina who transform because of it. Over these years, we watched her grow into someone defined by resilience, discipline, and strength. The long nights, the stress, the sacrifices, and the pressure never stopped her from pushing forward. Even during the hardest moments, she continued to rise with determination, proving to everyone around her exactly what she was capable of. Today we celebrate not only a huge milestone, but the beginning of an incredible future. We know that Dr. Valentina Monroy will continue to lead, inspire, and succeed wherever anesthesia takes her.

Today, the University of Puerto Rico School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program celebrates two extraordinary women who have officially reached this milestone. Congratulations to our newest doctors. The future of anesthesia is brighter because of both of you. Help me congratulate:

Dr. Lina Borrero, CRNA
Dr. Valentina Monroy, CRNA

Four journeys. Four stories of sacrifice. One unforgettable accomplishment.

Olwens Medina carried something bigger than himself through this journey: the desire to make his daughter proud. Every exam, every clinical day, every stressful night was fueled by love, responsibility, and the determination to show her that no dream is too big when you refuse to quit. He didn’t just earn a title today. He built a legacy for his family.

Elizabeth Ramos, passing your CRNA boards reflects years of discipline, sacrifice, and the ability to rise to every challenge placed in front of you. It’s inspiring to see strong women like you continue to break barriers and lead in the CRNA profession, paving the way for future generations in healthcare.

Francisco Sampedro spent the last 3 years completely locked in, sacrificing comfort, sleep, time, and peace of mind to chase a dream that demanded everything from him. Through exhaustion, pressure, and countless moments that could have broken him, he stayed disciplined, focused, and relentless. Today, that sacrifice became reality.

Jessie Valdez proved what true resilience looks like. No setback, obstacle, or difficult moment was enough to bring him down. When things got hard, he pushed harder. When life tested him, he answered with perseverance, grit, and heart. His journey is a reminder that strength is not about never struggling. It is about never giving up.

Now all four can officially say they passed their boards and earned the title of CRNA. Your UPR-RCM family is proud of you. Help me congratulate:

Dr. Olwens Medina, CRNA
Dr. Francisco Sampedro, CRNA
Dr. Elizabeth Ramos, CRNA
Dr. Jessie Valdez, CRNA

Convencion de Cuidado Critico - Tres décadas promoviendo la excelencia, la ciencia y el compromiso con el paciente crítico en Puerto Rico:

🔹 Conferencias magistrales
🔹 Actualización clínica basada en evidencia
🔹 Networking multidisciplinario

Mañana es el ultimo dia, Viernes, Mayo 1 de 7AM-5PM en Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort.

¡Felicitamos especialmente a los nuestros!

Presentación de cartel
Estudiantes graduados – Primer lugar (triple empate):

Lina Marcela Borrero González
Pamela J. Cabrera Pérez
Valentina Monroy
Zulma C. Peña Cordero
Francisco Sampedro

Preceptores:
Dra. Milagros Figueroa
Dr. Juan Rodríguez
Título del cartel:
Improving Postoperative Pain Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): An Evidence-Based Implementation of Adductor Canal and IPACK Nerve Blocks.

Les invitamos a compartir esta celebración con todos los ganadores durante la ceremonia de premiación, que se llevará a cabo el martes 12 de mayo a las 4:00 p.m. en el Anfiteatro Jaime Benítez.

¡Enhorabuena!

REMINDER: Tomorrow is the day to get rid of all those medications from 2019 in the back of your cabinet.

RECORDATORIO: Mañana es el dia para deshacerte de todos tus medicamentos de 2019.

Save the date: April 22! 💊
Reserva la fecha: Abril 22! 💊

That random bottle from 2022? The “just in case” meds you never used? Yeah…it’s time 😅 Bring your unused or expired medications for safe and anonymous disposal. Stay completely anonymous and it is completely free. Protect your home, your community, and keep meds out of the wrong hands.

¿Esa botella random del 2022? ¿Los medicamentos “por si acaso” que nunca usaste? Sí…ya es hora 😅 Trae tus medicamentos sin usar o vencidos para desecharlos de forma segura y anónima. Mantente completamente anónimo y es totalmente gratis.Protege tu hogar, tu comunidad y evita que los medicamentos caigan en manos equivocadas.