[The University of Puerto Rico Emergency Medicine Program: 15th anniversary, its history and contribution to health care in Puerto Rico].

Emergency medicine is a newly created specialty in Puerto Rico. The first training program began in 1977. Unfortunately this program was decertified by ACGME in 30 July 30 1993. On June 1, 1994 thanks to support of UPR School of Medicine new training program began. The program began using as a main clinical training site the PR Medical Center Emergency Room until 1995. Since that date the Hospital UPR, Dr Federico Trilla became its main clinical training site. Since its inception the program has graduated 116 emergency physicians, with more than 60% working in PR. The department's contribution to health care in Puerto Rico has been and will be based on the achievements of its faculty, residents and alumni. Approximately 25% of emergency rooms directors in PR are graduates. About 27% of graduates have subspecialties. It is also important to note that graduates of the program have helped to improve the quality of health care offered in emergency rooms in the country.