Resident Physician
Howard University Hospital
Howard University Hospital
Washington, DC, United States
My name is Miriannie Rivera-Valerio, MD, MS, and I am a fourth-year General Surgery resident at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised and educated in Puerto Rico, where I earned both my Master of Science in Medical Sciences and my Doctor of Medicine degree from Ponce Health Sciences University. Growing up between these two Caribbean communities shaped my identity and instilled in me a deep commitment to advancing equitable, culturally competent surgical care.
I developed a strong interest in colorectal surgery during medical school, drawn to its balance of technical precision, complex decision-making, and meaningful longitudinal patient relationships. While colorectal malignancy is a critical component of the field, I am especially passionate about the management of benign and anorectal disease. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor disorders, and complex anorectal pathology can profoundly affect quality of life. The ability to restore function, alleviate symptoms, and improve dignity through thoughtful, patient-centered care is what solidified colorectal surgery as my fellowship of choice. I am also inspired by the continued evolution of minimally invasive and robotic techniques that expand access to advanced care.
My long-term goal is to return to Puerto Rico and maintain ties to the Dominican Republic to improve access to specialized colorectal services. I hope to combine surgical excellence, education, and community engagement to serve the communities that shaped my journey and aspirations.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
3:58 PM - 4:03 PM ET
Sunday, May 10, 2026
1:55 PM - 2:05 PM ET