Orthopedic surgery is one of medicine’s most competitive specialties, but for Class of 2025 UMHS grad Dr. Felix Rivera Troia, the challenge was never a deterrent. Today, he is training at Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) in Puerto Rico, where he is helping build one of the island’s newest orthopedic programs while restoring motion and improving quality of life for his patients.
Dr. Rivera Troia grew up in western Puerto Rico and completed his undergraduate studies at the Catholic University of Ponce before attending UMHS in St. Kitts. He discovered his passion for orthopedics during clinical rotations and now trains at PHSU as part of one of the island’s newest orthopedic surgery programs.
UMHS spoke to Dr. Rivera Troia last fall about UMHS and how the school helped him succeed in a hard-to-match area of medicine.
Dr. Felix Rivera Troia '25. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Rivera Troia.
Life in residency
UMHS Endeavour: Tell us about your orthopedic surgery residency at PHSU. What does a typical day look like?
Dr. Felix Rivera Troia: Our program just opened earlier this year, and it’s one of two orthopedic surgery programs on the island. It’s led by Dr. Fernandez Soltero, and it’s very well balanced.
Right now I’m completing a general surgery rotation. My day starts early with pre-rounding on patients, reviewing charts, and preparing for morning discussions about the cases we’ll perform. After that, it’s notes and then the OR.
It’s a hectic schedule — you’re always doing something. If you’re not in the OR, you’re helping a colleague with a patient, and when you’re operating, they’re helping you. It’s intense, but I truly enjoy it.
Preparing for a competitive Match
Orthopedic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties. How did UMHS help you match?
It’s definitely competitive, especially as an international medical graduate. UMHS prepared me both clinically and academically.
The ICM courses and the fifth semester in Maine were especially helpful. Even though you’re working with standardized patients, you build real confidence in patient interviews and physical exams. When I started clinical rotations, I felt comfortable from day one.
Academically, UMHS gave me the tools I needed for the boards. Medicine always depends on how much effort you put in, but I never felt like I had gaps in my foundation.
What orthopedic surgeons do
For students unfamiliar with the specialty, what does an orthopedic surgeon actually do?
Orthopedic surgeons take care of the body’s foundation—bones, joints, and everything that helps us move.
Whether it’s repairing a fracture, replacing a worn-out hip, or helping an athlete return to sport, our goal is to restore motion and improve quality of life.
As for sub-specialties, I’m still undecided. I enjoy joints, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow — honestly, all of it. I definitely plan to specialize, but I’m keeping an open mind.
Clinical rotations and fifth semester
How did your clinical rotations and fifth semester experience shape your training?
I completed most of my rotations in Puerto Rico, where I’m from, so I felt at home. Working alongside students from other medical schools was also valuable. It gave me perspective and allowed me to compare different approaches to learning.
The faculty were strong teachers, and overall, it was a very positive experience.
The fifth semester in Maine was key in strengthening clinical skills before rotations began. It made the transition smoother and helped me feel prepared.
Choosing orthopedics
What motivated you to pursue orthopedic surgery?
During my surgery rotation, we spent one week in orthopedics. Right away, I knew it was for me.
The surgeries were hands-on and team-oriented. It truly takes a village in the OR. But what really stood out was seeing patients in clinic. You meet them when they’re in pain or unable to participate in sports, and then you see them after surgery — pain-free or back on the field. That transformation is incredibly rewarding.
Innovation in orthopedics
How is technology shaping the future of orthopedic surgery?
Robotics is becoming increasingly important, especially in joint replacements like hips and knees — and now shoulders as well. The precision is improving outcomes.
Orthopedics is constantly evolving. When we hear our attendings describe how procedures were done decades ago compared to today, it’s truly night and day.
Surgical vs. non-surgical treatment
How do you determine whether a patient needs surgery or conservative treatment?
It depends. You consider patient age, injury severity, timing, activity level, comorbidities, and prior surgeries. Every patient is different, so treatment decisions require a comprehensive approach.
A faculty member who made an impact
Was there anyone at UMHS who made a lasting impact on you?
Dr. Thomas Last, who taught cell biology.
Cell biology can be challenging, but he had a unique way of teaching that made concepts stick. I still remember some of his mnemonics. His approach made a difficult subject manageable and memorable.
Advice for future students
What advice would you give students interested in competitive specialties like orthopedics?
It’s competitive, but it’s doable.
Students should see examples of UMHS graduates matching into orthopedics, urology, radiology — these specialties are tough, but they’re not impossible.
You have to work extremely hard. As an IMG, you often have to go above and beyond. Strong grades, strong board scores, research, networking — it all matters.
But if you really want it, don’t shy away because it’s competitive. Shoot for the stars.
(Top photo) Dr. Felix Rivera Troia in his PHSU white coat. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Rivera Troia.
Students interested in connecting with Dr. Rivera Troia may reach out via LinkedIn. .
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.
