The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo has recognised the academic leadership of the Dr. Huberto Bogaert Díaz Dominican Dermatological Institute and Skin Surgery. The university distinguished teaching managers, program coordinators, and professors across medical residencies endorsed by the higher education institution.
The distinction, awarded by the university Faculty of Health Sciences, honours the institute's commitment to specialist medical training and its contribution to strengthening Dominican dermatology. The recognition carries special significance as the institute marks its 60th anniversary during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Since its founding in 1966, the institute has established itself as the only health institution in the Dominican Republic that offers medical residency programs in dermatology and dermatological surgery. Over six decades, the centre has trained more than 265 specialists, many of whom now belong to the Dominican Society of Dermatology and lead specialized departments in local hospitals and clinics.
Specialist training and academic legacy
Dr. Fernanda Nanita de Estévez, head of the Teaching Council, and Dr. Víctor Pou Soares, general director of the institute, received the award on behalf of the organisation. The award formalises six decades of partnership in medical education between the public university and the specialized skin institute.
Dr. Víctor Pou Soares stated that the recognition extends beyond academia and validates the commitment to excellence that the institute has maintained throughout its history. He said teaching remains one of the fundamental pillars of the institution, noting that for 60 years the center has focused on training specialists with scientific excellence, ethics, and a vocation for service to improve healthcare for thousands of Dominicans and strengthen the national health system.
Dr. Fernanda Nanita de Estévez highlighted that the true value of the distinction rests in the collective work of educators who have dedicated their careers to teaching. She noted that the recognition belongs to every faculty member, adding that behind every trained specialist lies the silent commitment of professors sharing their knowledge, experience, and values.
Role of the dermatology patronage
Dr. Emma Guzmán de Cruz, president of the Board of Patronage for the Fight Against Leprosy, expressed that medical training represents one of the greatest contributions the institute has made to the development of Dominican healthcare. She noted that the award from the university honours the dedication of the teaching staff while validating an academic model that has spanned generations and trained a large proportion of practicing dermatologists across the country.
Medical education forms one of four strategic pillars at the institution, alongside specialized patient care, scientific research and innovation, and social commitment. This comprehensive operational model has enabled the institute to perform more than 18 million patient consultations since its establishment in 1966.
Honoured medical faculty members
During the ceremony, ten prominent doctors were specifically recognized for their outstanding teaching trajectories alongside residency coordinators and professors. The honoured physicians include Dr. Víctor Pou Soares, Dr. Emma Guzmán de Cruz, Dr. Luisa González de Bogaert, Dr. Manuel Cochón, Dr. Mariel Isa, Dr. Daysi Blanco, Dr. Bielka Reyes, Dr. Ángel Taveras, Dr. Élfida Sánchez, and Dr. Ana Núñez.
The presentation of the award coincides with the start of the 2026-2027 academic term and forms part of the broader series of commemorative events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the institution. The academic legacy built over six decades continues to supply qualified dermatologists serving communities throughout the Dominican Republic with professional standards and ethical dedication.
