Dr. Arielys Casiano Ramos, a 2025 graduate of the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS), is from Yauco, Puerto Rico, and is currently doing her internal medicine residency at the University of Puerto Rico. She began her undergraduate studies at age 16 and entered medical school at UMHS at just 18 years old, taking advantage of the school’s MCAT waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic. While at UMHS, Dr. Casiano Ramos served as a media ambassador, helping showcase student life across social media platforms. She credits her OSCE preparation in Maine and the dedicated faculty at UMHS with helping her succeed in clinical rotations and on the USMLE Step 1 exam. Inspired by her family’s experience during Hurricane Maria, Dr. Casiano Ramos hopes to make a lasting impact as a physician in Puerto Rico.
UMHS spoke to Dr. Casiano Ramos about her medical school experience at UMHS and her current residency.
Internal medicine residency at University of Puerto Rico
UMHS: Tell us about yourself.
Dr. Casiano Ramos: I’m from Yauco, Puerto Rico, which is in the south of the island. I am doing my internal medicine residency at the University of Puerto Rico. I’m very excited because I’ve rotated in this program before and loved the experience. The diverse pathology and the chance to learn from residents, fellow students, and attending physicians really inspired me. I was thrilled to learn I matched there.
Dr. Casiano Ramos on the steps to the entrance to UMHS in St. Kitts. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Casiano Ramos.
Did you have a favorite professor at UMHS? Can you share any specific stories or anecdotes that made a difference for you?
My favorite professor was Dr. Nagappa, who taught physiology during my third semester. I was on the island when classes were hybrid, and there weren’t many people around. He always made sure we understood the material and even checked in on students outside of class to make sure we were doing well. His support made a big difference during that time.
Fifth semester in Maine & advice
What was the fifth semester in Maine like for you? How did the faculty and Kaplan Prep course help you prepare for the USMLE Step 1 and clinical rotations?
The Maine semester was very different from basic sciences—it felt like the real preparation for Step 1 had begun. The faculty and academic advisors were supportive, and the OSCE preparation sessions were incredibly valuable. At first, I struggled to find the right study rhythm, but the Kaplan program gave me a strong foundation that made my dedicated Step 1 study period much easier. Later, in clinical rotations, my preceptors often commented that UMHS students were well-prepared because of the OSCE training.
What advice would you give current or prospective UMHS students?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. UMHS offers a lot of diversity and opportunities to grow, from studying in St. Kitts and Maine to doing clinical rotations in different states and Puerto Rico. Those experiences helped me stand out when applying for residency. Programs appreciate students who can adapt and work with patients and colleagues from all backgrounds.
Dr. Casiano Ramos (top) at the Project IMG event in Miami 2024; (bottom left) in scrubs during rotations & (bottom right) at ACP. Photos: Courtesy of Dr. Casiano Ramos.
Hurricane Maria solidified interest in medicine
Tell us a little about your background. Did you always want to be a doctor?
Dr. Casiano Ramos: I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor. My father is a general physician, and many of my relatives on his side are also doctors, so I grew up surrounded by medicine. My desire to become a physician was truly solidified during Hurricane Maria, when my father was injured, and I had to help care for him under very difficult circumstances. That experience showed me the importance of staying calm and helping others during a crisis.
Started med school at age 18
You started medical school at 18 and graduated at 23. Were you always advanced academically?
Yes, I was always interested in math and science. I skipped a grade in middle school after taking an IQ test, and by high school, I was competing in math competitions across Puerto Rico. My high scores on standardized exams allowed me to begin undergraduate studies at 16. When UMHS waived the MCAT during the pandemic, I applied and was accepted right away.
Dr. Casiano Ramos at a poster presentation and (left) in scrubs at UMHS during the pandemic. Photos: Courtesy of Dr. Casiano Ramos.
Why she chose UMHS & returning to Puerto Rico
What made you choose UMHS over other medical schools?
I wanted to study outside Puerto Rico and experience new environments. UMHS appealed to me because of its excellent academic structure, diverse clinical rotations in different U.S. states, and the fifth-semester program in Maine. Those features convinced me it was the right choice.
Why did you decide to return to Puerto Rico for your residency?
I always knew I wanted to return. My father practices medicine here, and I wanted to contribute to my country, especially after seeing how natural disasters like Hurricane Maria and the 2020 earthquakes affected healthcare. Puerto Rico has faced a physician shortage, and I want to help address that and give back to my community.
How UMHS rotation made her love internal medicine
Why did you choose internal medicine as your specialty?
Internal medicine was my first clinical rotation in Miami, and I immediately loved it. The residents and attendings were supportive, and I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect—working with patients both inpatient and outpatient. Seeing patients recover and return for follow-up visits made me realize this is what I want to do long-term.
What do you enjoy most about internal medicine?
I love the variety of cases and the critical thinking it requires. You have to draw on knowledge from multiple organ systems to diagnose and treat patients effectively. Every day brings a new challenge, and that constant learning keeps me motivated.
Dr. Casiano Ramos when she was a med student, having fun on the grounds of the UMHS campus in St. Kitts. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Casiano Ramos.
Experience as a UMHS media ambassador
You were a UMHS media ambassador. How did that experience shape your time at the school?
Being a media ambassador helped me get out of my shell and connect with the UMHS community. I covered events, created social media content, and interacted with students across semesters. It was rewarding to represent the school and share what student life was like—it balanced the intensity of medical studies and allowed me to meet people from all over.
Final thoughts for future doctors
UMHS: Is there anything else you’d like to share with current or prospective students?
Get involved as much as you can. Whether it’s clubs, volunteer opportunities, or leadership roles, every experience matters. Keep track of everything you do, because when it’s time to apply for residency, you’ll have a strong record of how you’ve grown personally and professionally.
Dr. Casiano Ramos (left, small photos):& (right) with fellow UMHS students on the UMHS St. Kitts campus. Photos: Courtesy of Dr. Casiano Ramos.
Contact Dr. Casiano Ramos at arielys.casiano.ramos@gmail.com
Scott is Director of Digital Content & Alumni Communications Liaison at UMHS and editor of the UMHS Endeavour blog. When he's not writing about UMHS students, faculty, events, public health, alumni and UMHS research, he writes and edits Broadway theater reviews for a website he publishes in New York City, StageZine.com.
