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New Resident Feature: Kaylee Boschetti-Santana, MD

By Lynn McCain | September 15

Boschetti Santana Kaylee-500.jpgFor Kaylee Boschetti-Santana, MD, the path to pathology was anything but predictable. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she spent much of medical school preparing for a career in internal medicine before a fourth-year pathology elective made her reconsider.

"That pathology rotation completely changed everything for me," Boschetti-Santana said. "For the first time, I saw the incredible work happening behind the scenes in the laboratory, and I realized how essential pathologists are to patient care."

Now a first-year resident in the University of Michigan Department of Pathology, Boschetti-Santana is excited to continue building the foundation for a career that combines medicine, science, research, and diagnostic problem-solving.

A foundation built in Puerto Rico

Kaylee Boschetti-Santana with her brother and parents at graduation.Boschetti-Santana earned her bachelor's degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, before completing her Doctor of Medicine degree at Universidad Central del Caribe in 2025. She is the first physician in her family, although healthcare has always been part of her life. Her mother is a pharmacist who owns a community pharmacy in Puerto Rico.

"My mother's cancer diagnosis had a profound impact on me," she said. "Watching her physicians accurately diagnose her condition and guide her through treatment showed me the impact doctors can have on patients and their families."

That experience reinforced a lifelong fascination with biology and the human body, ultimately inspiring her to pursue medicine.

Discovering pathology

Although she had always been curious about pathology, Boschetti-Santana had limited exposure to the specialty until her fourth year of medical school. One person who significantly influenced her journey was Dr. Elba Torres-Matundan, a breast pathologist in Puerto Rico who welcomed her for an elective rotation.

"She taught me not only the science behind the specialty, but also the critical role pathologists play in patient care," Boschetti-Santana said. "Her passion for pathology and commitment to education made a lasting impression on me."

Dr. Kaylee Boschetti-Santana with mentor Dr. Elba Torres-Matundan and fellow medical students.The experience solidified her decision to change career paths and pursue pathology. Because the shift came late in medical school, she spent the 2025-2026 academic year as a postdoctoral fellow in the Pathology Clinical Experience Program at the University of Florida in Gainesville. There, she gained extensive cytopathology experience, particularly in evaluating fine needle aspiration specimens. The additional year confirmed that she had found her calling.

"Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made," she said. "I can't imagine myself in any other specialty."

Finding a home at Michigan

When evaluating residency programs, Boschetti-Santana looked for three key elements: strong case diversity, excellent mentorship, and a supportive resident community. She found all three at Michigan.

"From the moment I interviewed, I could tell this was a welcoming and collaborative program," she said.

One interview-day experience stood out in particular. While attending a Resident Interesting Case Conference, she was impressed by how engaged residents were in discussion and how comfortable they felt asking questions.

"It was clear that residents really enjoyed learning from each other," she said. "I also noticed how approachable and supportive the faculty were."

Another major draw was the department's commitment to innovation and its integration of digital pathology into both education and clinical practice.

"Pathology is moving toward a more digital future," Boschetti-Santana said. "I wanted to train in a program that embraces new technologies while also providing strong traditional training."

A welcoming community

Dr. Kaylee Boschett-Santana showcasing her postdoctoral research poster at the Florida Society of Pathologists Annual Meeting.After relocating from Puerto Rico to Michigan, Boschetti-Santana quickly discovered one of the department's greatest strengths: its people.

"My first impressions have been extremely positive," she said. "From the beginning, I felt welcomed and supported by both faculty and residents."

She was particularly impressed by the department's efforts to build community through resident gatherings, educational activities, and opportunities to connect with faculty.

"It's wonderful to see how much effort everyone makes to create a sense of community and make new residents feel like they're part of the team from the beginning," she said.

Looking ahead

As she begins residency, Boschetti-Santana is eager to explore all areas of pathology while continuing to develop her expertise. Although her recent experience has sparked a particular interest in cytopathology, she plans to keep an open mind before deciding on a fellowship.

One of her long-term goals is to increase awareness of pathology among medical students. Because she discovered the specialty late in her own training, she understands how easily students can overlook pathology simply because they have limited exposure to it. During medical school, she established a pathology interest group to help introduce fellow students to the field.

"Finding a mentor can make a tremendous difference," she said. "I encourage students to seek experiences, be curious, and create opportunities if they don't already exist."

She also hopes to attend conferences, engage with the broader pathology community, and continue learning from experts throughout her training.

Beyond the microscope

Puppy Yoga in Ann Arbor with her fiance - a favorite weekend activity.Outside of medicine, Boschetti-Santana enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, playing tennis, and spending time with family. A self-described beach lover, she is adjusting to life far from Puerto Rico's coastline while preparing for her first Michigan winter.

"I'm looking forward to exploring Michigan's lakes and experiencing all the things that make the state unique," she said.

Recently, she has also discovered an Ann Arbor activity that has become a favorite way to relax: puppy yoga.

"I've been attending puppy yoga sessions, and they've been really fun and relaxing," she said with a laugh.

An animal lover, she has a Goldendoodle and a French bulldog back home in Puerto Rico and is considering adding a new canine companion once she has survived her first Michigan winter.

Among her more unusual accomplishments, Boschetti-Santana also holds a boating license from Puerto Rico, a nod to countless family weekends spent exploring the island's coastline by boat.

And if she weren't pursuing medicine?

"I'd probably be a pharmacist," she said, following in her mother's footsteps.

Excited for the journey ahead

As she begins this next chapter, Boschetti-Santana is grateful for the opportunities ahead and optimistic about the future.

"I am most excited about continuing to grow as a physician, building meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact through pathology," she said. "I'm looking forward to the experiences, friendships, and lessons that will shape me throughout residency."

For the Department of Pathology, that enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to learning are already making an impression.

Welcome to Michigan, Dr. Boschetti-Santana.

 
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