The NIH Summer Internship Program and Rehab2Perform will allow him to develop skills in rehabilitation, scientific research, and exercise medicine.
By Brenda Figueroa Gómez
Journalist at La Península
Academic training, sports, and research have become central pillars of the university journey of Omar Ortiz Guadalupe, a fourth-year Exercise Science and Health Promotion student at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. In February, Ortiz Guadalupe was accepted into the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program and the Rehab2Perform program.
Ortiz Guadalupe was selected from among 40 students worldwide to participate in the NIH Summer Internship Program, considered one of the most prestigious federal medical research programs in the United States. His selection made him the first Puerto Rican to be accepted into the program, which brings together international students to collaborate in scientific and medical research.
The internship, held in the state of Maryland, began on June 15 and will continue through August 8.
The second program for which he was selected is Rehab2Perform, a clinic specializing in physical therapy and performance evaluation for athletes and patients recovering from injuries. Through his participation, he will have the opportunity to expand his knowledge of rehabilitation, athletic performance, and physical recovery processes in a clinical and professional setting.
This program, also based in Maryland, ran from May 17 through June 2.
“I am motivated by knowing that physical activity can transform people’s quality of life. That’s why I believe it is important to integrate clinical practice with research, because together they can bring about meaningful improvements in the physical well-being of future generations,” Ortiz Guadalupe said.
The student completed his professional practicum under the supervision of exercise physiologist and professor Luis López Román. He said the experience helped prepare him for the internship selection processes. To earn these opportunities, he submitted academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and participated in competitive interviews, all of which culminated in his acceptance into the NIH Summer Internship Program and Rehab2Perform.
From the beginning of his university studies, Ortiz Guadalupe complemented his academic education with leadership, research, and professional service experiences, strengthening his profile in the field of exercise science. While maintaining strong academic performance, he participated in the SARCO Endowment Fund Scholarship Program and served as a Lead Volunteer at the Puerto Rico Sports Performance Summit.
Ortiz Guadalupe is also a member of the Culture of Research Achievement (CoRA) program, an initiative focused on academic research. As part of the program, he is conducting a study on the measurement and assessment of physical activity among students at Sagrado.
His experience also extends to school and community sports. He currently works as a basketball coach at Robinson School in Condado and with the Bucaplaa Pumas club in Guaynabo, where he coaches young athletes.
In addition to his academic experiences, the student continues his professional practicum alongside López Román, an experience that has allowed him to strengthen his skills in physical assessment and athletic conditioning.
Through his research, Ortiz Guadalupe hopes to contribute information that will help promote healthier habits and activities aimed at improving the physical well-being of the university community.
“Research, sports, and health make an extraordinary combination. It’s an opportunity to contribute to people’s well-being while continuing to grow professionally and academically,” Ortiz Guadalupe said.
This story was originally published in La Península magazine, which is part of the EntreMedios co-curricular project within the Journalism Program at the Ferré Rangel School of Communication.