PHSU graduates largest medical class in its history during 45th ceremony
Ponce Health Sciences University celebrated its 45th commencement ceremony with a record-setting graduating class, conferring degrees to 434 students across its academic programs, including the largest group of medical graduates in the university’s history.
The event was held at the university’s new auditorium in Ponce and featured 120 students completing the doctor of medicine program.
“Today we celebrate 434 professionals who are ready to serve with knowledge, sensitivity and commitment,” said PHSU President Gino Natalicchio. “We’re deeply proud of each and every one of them, and we trust that what they have learned at PHSU — both in the classroom and in the community — will be used to improve the quality of life and health of our communities, in Puerto Rico and around the world.”
In addition to the medical degrees, the university awarded diplomas to graduates of its programs in clinical psychology, public health, biomedical sciences, nursing, school psychology and medical sciences.
Natalicchio said the 2024-25 academic year marked a period of strategic growth for the institution. Among the highlights was the opening of the School of Dental Medicine — the first private dental school to open in Puerto Rico in more than 50 years — which welcomed its inaugural class in August 2024.
The university also expanded abroad, launching a new medical program in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
Other developments included the creation of residency programs in orthopedic surgery and rural psychiatry, along with the launch of Ponce Health, a clinical-academic center designed to expand access to specialized medical services on the island.
