HCC Puerto Rico

HCC Puerto Rico was initiated in 2019 as a partnership between the Ponce Health Sciences University, School of Medicine and Jardines de Ponce High School under the guidance of principal, Ms. Virgen De Jesús; and teacher, Prof. Julio Commander.

The HCC faculty sponsors are Dr. Olga Rodríguez de Arzola, Dean of the School of Medicine at Ponce Health Sciences University and Wallesca Rodríguez Millán Community, Liaison & Diversity Officer at Ponce Health Sciences University.

Olga Rodriguez de Arzola, MD
Dean of the School of Medicine at Ponce Health Sciences University

Wallesca Rodríguez Millán
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Ponce Health Sciences University

Click to Donate to HCC Puerto Rico

All donations are tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes after making your donation.

Congratulations to Dr. Olga Rodríguez de Arzola, Dean of the School of Medicine, Dr. Waleska Pietri, and Ms. Wallesca Rodríguez Millán, who were recipients of the Health Career Collaborative Program Initiation Grant in 2019 sponsored by the Aetna Foundation with the support of Operation Giving Back, American College of Surgeons.

We are very grateful for the support of Dr. Rafael Rodriguez-Mercado, Secretary of Health, Puerto Rico and Dr. Jodie Roure, Associate Professor John Jay College of Criminal Justice, without whose support, this endeavor would not be possible. 

Ponce medical students demonstrate physical exam skills to high school students.

Dr. Waleska Pietri presents to Jardines de Ponce high school students at the HCC Puerto Rico kick-off event. Dr. Pietri  is the faculty sponsor for the HCC Puerto Rico through Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce medical students review medical cases with high school students from Jardines de Ponce High School.
Ponce medical students mentor high school students in small groups to ensure they make personal connections with each high school student.