EIOH Residency a Year of New Experiences
Leaving Puerto Rico to begin an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Eastman Institute for Oral Health meant more than starting a new clinical program for Dr. Valeria Cotto Vazquez – it meant adapting to an entirely new environment.
Originally from Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, Vazquez had never lived away from home before.
“I knew this was a place where I would be challenged and continue to evolve as a clinician,” she said, citing the program’s rigorous training, hands-on teaching style, and flexibility to pursue individual interests.
But the transition involved far more than dentistry. Between adjusting to a new city, experiencing snow-filled winters, and learning to navigate life independently, Vazquez said the year pushed her well outside her comfort zone.
“It has definitely been a year of growth,” she said. “These experiences helped me become more independent and appreciate my family and their support from a distance.”
That adjustment came with a few practical lessons too.
“My advice to new residents is to build a strong support system,” she said. “Having people around you to talk to, laugh with, and share both the good and challenging days, makes a huge difference. Also, invest in a good winter coat!”
At Eastman, Vazquez gained experience treating a wide range of complex cases while performing procedures that challenged her. Working with patients from diverse backgrounds also strengthened her communication skills and ability to adapt quickly in unfamiliar situations.
“Every day, I learned something new,” she said.
Vazquez found support and friendship in her co-residents, who became an important part of her experience in Rochester. One of her favorite memories was a trip to Lake Placid, where the group spent time skiing, exploring the town, and enjoying a rare break together.
“I’m grateful we still have time to make a few more unforgettable memories together,” she said.
With the confidence she gained during residency, Vazquez now feels ready to embrace even more new experiences – including one that still makes her nervous: skydiving with her co-residents at the end of the year.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to try,” she said. “I know that once I do it, I’ll feel incredibly proud.”
Much of Vazquez’s motivation comes from her family, whom she describes as her greatest inspiration. She credits her parents for teaching her perseverance and hard work, and her sister for being an excellent role model, pushing through challenges to begin a career in medicine. “Their examples motivate me to keep going and pursue my goals, no matter the obstacles,” she said.
When she isn’t in the clinic, Vazquez often turns to one of the constants in her life: tennis. She has played since childhood and competed at a high level for years, earning a college scholarship and representing Puerto Rico internationally.
Of course, residency life also taught her to appreciate quieter moments. She admits that spending an occasional day in pajamas scrolling TikTok is one of her favorite ways to recharge after a long week.
Living in Rochester also came with unexpected reminders of home. Vazquez was delighted to find familiar comforts at local eateries like Carmen’s Cooking and The Shell Restaurant. The homey atmospheres helped ease the transition of living far from home.
After graduation, Vazquez will head back home to begin an Orthodontics internship, which she hopes will eventually lead to a residency.
Looking back, she says the year was defined as much by personal adaptation as professional development – learning how to thrive in unfamiliar situations, lean on others, and trust herself along the way.
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