The 19th Annual Scientific Conference and 3rd RCMI Symposium on Health Disparities, was held on May 17, 2025, at PHSU’s new Auditorium and Academic Tower, was a major success. The event aimed to showcase ongoing research at PHSU and its affiliates while highlighting health disparities affecting the Puerto Rican community. It featured panels on cancer, clinical research, and community-led initiatives.
The Honorable Marlese Sifre Rodríguez, Mayor of Ponce, stands at a podium as she addresses the audience during the 19th Annual Scientific Conference. Next to her stands Dr. Kenira Thompson, President of the Ponce Research Institute.
Dr. Evangelia Morou and Dr. Omar Khan pose together at the 19th Annual Scientific Conference and 3rd RCMI Symposium on Health Disparities.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Kenira J. Thompson, PhD, MBA, President of the Ponce Research Institute. This was followed by a welcome address from Dr. David Lenihan, PhD, JD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Tiber Health, representing Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU). Additional greetings were delivered by Dr. Gino Natalicchio, PhD, President of PHSU, and Dr. Elizabeth Rivera, EdD, Vice President of Academic Affairs. A distinguished welcome was then extended by the Honorable Marlese Sifre Rodríguez, Mayor of Ponce, and Dr. Víctor Ramos, Secretary of Health of Puerto Rico . The key note speaker was Dr. Omar Khan, MD, MHS, FAAFP.
This year was the “Future Scientist: High School Edition” poster session, celebrating the contributions of young researchers. The conference drew over 540 attendees and included 180 presentations across multiple scientific disciplines. More than 40 judges evaluated submissions, with top presenters in each category receiving awards.
The event was made possible by the collaborative efforts of PHSU, PRI, and various institutional teams, with support from generous sponsors including the RCMI Program, Streamlyne, Millipore Sigma, Avantor-VWR and others.
