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April 2024
Here's a recap of all the School of Medicine events that recently took place!
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South Texas Mayor's Alliance Breakfast
Welcome by Dean Hocker
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The South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC), a coalition of mayors across the region, held its quarterly meeting at the UTRGV Medical Education Building in Edinburg. During the gathering, the mayors heard from UTRGV representatives, including Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president of Governmental and Community Relations; Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine; Dr. Can Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the UTRGV Graduate College, and Travis Bush, UTRGV Football head coach. In addition, the STAC members embarked on a tour of the UTRGV Edinburg Campus.
STAC was established with the core principle of fostering regional collaboration and addressing the common issues and challenges faced by the growing area. City of Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. serves as the inaugural chair of the organization. In attendance were Judge Richard Cortez, Hidalgo County; Mayor Javier Villalobos, McAllen; Mayor Ramiro Garza, Edinburg; Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, Mission; Mayor Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio; Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, Weslaco; & Mayor Pro Tem Bryan Martinez, Brownsville.
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UTRGV School of Medicine celebrates
Match Day with soon-to-be physicians | |
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An almost silent buzz filled the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg on Friday as nervous fourth-year medical students awaited to open their Match Day letters.
The hushed atmosphere quickly transformed to jubilant cheers as 52 medical students from the UTRGV School of Medicine discovered their placements at medical residency programs throughout Texas and the United States.
"Today is a big deal," said Dr. Michael B. Hocker, senior vice president for UT Health RGV and dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine. "Today is a day unlike any other in the life of a medical student; it's a day that means a step closer to becoming a physician."
Read more here.
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MS2 earns U.S. Public Health Service 2024 Excellence in Public Health Award | | |
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Congratulations to Brianna Gonzalez DiGrazia, MS2, who was recognized for her exemplary dedication to healthcare.
She earned the prestigious U.S. Public Health Service 2024 Excellence in Public Health Award, recognizing medical students who demonstrate leadership in advancing initiatives to enhance public health and address prevalent health issues within their communities.
The award is a national recognition given to medical students who have shown a commitment to public health and equity during their studies.
Congratulations, Gonzalez DiGrazia!
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Dr. Everardo Cobos spoke with members of the “Cancer Hat Leaders,” a team out of the Victoria Palms RV Resort who have been knitting and sewing hats and blankets for individuals undergoing cancer treatment for the last 20 years. He shared information about the upcoming UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center and advances in cancer treatment and thanked the crafters for their contributions to the healing process.
The group recently celebrated a goal of 30,000 hats, with more than 1,400 made in the last year alone. The hats and blankets are sent nationwide and distributed to Rio Grande Valley hospitals. “And we have much fun doing it!” said Karen Whipple, one of the Cancer Hat Leaders.
Whipple explained that although scientific advances mean some patients will not lose their hair to chemotherapy, many do – and clinical buildings are kept cold. With some of the team members having firsthand experience fighting and surviving cancer, they understand that patients will wear their handmade sleep caps throughout the day, with one of their knitted beanies or sewn bonnets over it for extra comfort.
Thank you for your community outreach, Dr. Cobos!
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UTRGV doctor offers eye safety tips for April 8 solar eclipse | |
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Dr. Lorena Flores-Hernandez, assistant professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine and optometrist and glaucoma specialist at the UT Health RGV Vision Center, says looking at the last total eclipse of the 21st century on April 8 without special eclipse glasses can cause a “solar burn” in the center of the retina. She shares key guidelines to be safe when observing this natural wonder.
Read more here.
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"San Carlos: Lydia Maldonado Precinct 4 Whole Life Complex" | |
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UTRGV School of Medicine leadership, in conjunction with the Hidalgo County PCT 4, celebrated the commitment and distinguished service of Mrs. Lydia Maldonado. She is an AHEC advocate and exemplary leader whose public service and dedication have made a difference for San Carlos residents. During the event, county personnel referenced the support from UTRGV, the School of Medicine, and the AHEC Program.
They dedicated the "San Carlos: Lydia Maldonado Precinct 4 Whole Life Complex" in honor of Mrs. Maldonado. The entire San Carlos community, School of Medicine leadership, Hidalgo County Public Officials, government, and community entities gathered to celebrate a loved and admired San Carlos community leader, Mrs. Maldonado. Congratulations to the AHEC and San Carlos communities!
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Dr. Lubna Nasr, PGY3, named
Texas Academy Family Physician Member of the Month | | |
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After immigrating from Venezuela, Dr. Lubna Nasr El Nimer, started her U.S. health care career in Miami. Now a PGY-3 at UT Rio Grande Valley at Knapp Medical Center, she looks forward to her future career in academic family medicine and offers advice for students participating in Match Day this month.
Read more here.
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Core findings in dementia risk, research,
and care in South Texas | | |
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According to a 2022 article in the Alzheimer’s Association Journal, the Latino population in the U.S.:
- has an increased risk for AD and related dementias (ADRD);
- is projected to have the steepest increase in AD in the next 40 years;
- and is severely underrepresented in ADRD research and clinical trials.
“Our work in the RGV is rooted in the meaningful engagement model, which emphasizes four pillars: strong partnerships, expanded knowledge, improved health programs and policies, and thriving communities,” Maestre said. “We are focused on the first two. Partnership has been critical.”
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On Feb. 27, 2024, the STAC researchers, jointly led by UTRGV’s Dr. Sudha Seshadri and Dr. Gladys Maestre, provided a comprehensive update on the STAC partnership’s nine core areas.
Highlights included viable biomarker identification findings and high engagement with the predominantly Hispanic population of the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in novel cognitive assessments for Spanish-speaking populations, and increased recruitment efforts for Hispanics in clinical research.
Read more here.
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Meet UTRGV MS4, Jennifer Inofomoh
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The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of Academic Medicine impacts you the most?
I believe the clinical aspect of academic medicine has impacted me the most. It's one thing to learn about disease pathology. Still, seeing the pathology in real-time and its physical, socioeconomic, and psychological effects on the patient is a whole different world. Seeing patients in clinical settings has tremendously increased my love for medicine because now I can see beyond the disease. These are not just patients; these are real people with real fears, real concerns, and real questions, looking to me and the rest of the healthcare team for answers. Each patient has a story. Physicians encounter patients from different cultures and backgrounds; it is vital to understand, communicate, and find common ground to provide the best patient-physician experience.
Learn more about Inofomoh here.
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Academic Medical Minute with:
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Saul Rivas, MD, MDSPH
Associate Professor Obstetrics, Gynecology Founding Clerkship Director
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When did you join the UTRGV School of Medicine?
I joined UTRGV SOM in September 2016.
What brought you here?
It was fascinating to me to be part of a new school with a mission to provide patient-centered care to the population of the RGV. I was also drawn to the mission of developing the next generation of physicians through the development of a residency program and student clerkship.
What do you enjoy about working in academic medicine?
I enjoy being part of a team that is aligned with carrying out the mission of patient care, education, and service to our communities. I have been fortunate to be part of two excellent teams within my department. Our clerkship team works hard to ensure that we provide our students with a high-quality learning experience. Our Healthy Mujeres team works hard to provide care to underserved populations who otherwise would not receive care due to a multitude of barriers, primarily funding. We do this work through the AHEC clinics and UniMovil.
Why is academic medicine important to our community?
Academic medicine is very important to the community because, at its core, it sets the standard of care in a community. This is accomplished by providing evidence-based, patient-centered care to all patients, training the next generation of healthcare providers, and leading discovery through research.
How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, especially outdoor activities. We also enjoy traveling.
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Click below to see School of Medicine and University-wide events. | | |
The University of Texas
Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Phone: (956) 296-1900
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