May 2024

Here's a recap of all the School of Medicine events that recently took place!

News and Events

UTRGV School of Medicine commemorates fifth commencement

Dressed elegantly in their black and green regalia, the fifth group of medical graduates from the UTRGV School of Medicine, the Class of 2024, officially transitioned from medical students to doctors.

Congratulations, Class of '24!

Read more here.

UTRGV School of Medicine and HCA internal medicine residency program to begin Summer 2024

New internal medicine resident physicians will soon join the Rio Grande Valley thanks to a new residency program by the UTRGV School of Medicine and HCA Gulf Coast Division.

This is the first new residency program established by an agreement signed last year between the UTRGV School of Medicine and HCA. This agreement will allow residents from the School of Medicine to train at HCA Gulf Coast Division-affiliated hospitals: Rio Grande Regional in McAllen and Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville.

Under the agreement, 39 residents will be accepted over a three-year period. The inaugural cohort will be comprised of 13 residents and is slated to begin July 1, 2024.

Read more here.

Shaping Tomorrow:

Inspiring Hope and Health Equity in Nuestras Comunidades

Dean Michael Hocker, Dr. Sarah Williams Blangero, Dr. Subhash Chauhan, and Dr. Everardo Cobos, along with other faculty from UTRGV School of Medicine, joined an impactful event hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Harlingen.

Together, they shed light on the challenges and strides in cancer care, early detection, research, and the collective efforts to reduce the impact of cancer in the Rio Grande Valley.

The insights and experiences shared by all panelists underscore the united front in our ongoing battle against cancer and the advancement of patient care.

Thank you to our SOM team for participating in this collaborative event!

Mayor's Youth Advisory Council

The City of Edinburg's Mayor's Youth Advisory Council, a special healthcare panel, hosted Dean Michael Hocker and other local healthcare leaders to share their insights with local high school students.

The event featured leaders like Mike Taylor of Texas Tropical and Lance Ames of South Texas Health System, which provided a unique platform for local students to engage with local healthcare experts. Dr. Hocker discussed his journey in medicine, the educational opportunities at the UTRGV School of Medicine, and the significant community impact of UT Health RGV in the Valley.

Sarah Lopez, a Johnny Economedes High School junior, expressed her gratitude for the chance to interact with these leaders. Inspired by her sister, Lopez is driven to pursue a career in neuroscience to make a difference in the lives of those with neurodegenerative diseases. "This panel made me even more excited about making a difference in people's lives," she said.

The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council continues empowering Edinburg's youth, providing them the tools and training to apply their creativity and skills to improve their community.

South Texas Ideas

Dr. Evan Perez was one of the keynote speakers at the annual talk for South Texas Ideas, STXi.

The event occurred at South Texas College, where he spoke to a group of high school students from across South Texas with a speech titled "Unlocking Your Potential."

STXi is part of a TED-Ed Club that hosts community leaders who present each year to the youth and future of South Texas.

Thank you for your participation, Dr. Perez!

Congratulations to Dr. Solis,

Recipient of the 2023 J-1 Physician Well-being Project Grants

Dr. Martha Solis, fourth-year chief resident at the UTRGV Knapp Medical Center Internal Medicine program, was recently named one of the three national recipients of the inaugural J-1 Physician Well-being grant.

Dr. Solis and her faculty mentor, Dr. Fatimah Bello, will seek to enhance the wellness of residents at the UTRGV Knapp Medical Center Internal Medicine program.

Congratulations, Dr. Solis!

Read more here.

Venezuela: How Researching During a Humanitarian Crisis Makes You a Better Scientist

He has his office at the Institute of Neuroscience in Harlingen, just beside one of the entrance points for the many Latin American migrants to the US. Physician scientist expert on Blood Pressure and epidemiology in the areas of Cardiovascular and Neuroscience, Jesús Melgarejo, investigates the impact of preventable vascular conditions on brain health. He works in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, which is also one of the cities in the US with very poor health regarding diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.

Read more here.

Knapp Medical Center Medical Education

Conference & Exposition

Dr. Chelsea Chang and Dr. Fatimah Bello, physicians at the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV Internal Medicine, attended the 2024 Knapp Medical Center Medical Education Conference at South Padre Island.

Dr. Chang spoke on "Top 10 Practice-Changing Articles in Outpatient Medicine," and Dr. Bello spoke on "Management of Sepsis." Some medical residents from the UT Health RGV Internal Medicine Clinic also attended.

Thank you for your participation, Dr. Chang and Dr. Bello!

Healthy Mujeres Documentary

The Healthy Mujeres program has worked to reduce neonatal morbidity rates in Texas – among the highest in the country – by offering vaccinations, screening services, ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, and other preventative and reproductive health services for low-income and underserved communities since 2017.

The Healthy Mujeres team provides women's health care to underserved patients in the Rio Grande Valley through the UniMovil, AHEC, and student health clinics. A significant portion of the funds used to provide this care comes from a grant from the University of Texas System Population Health team in Austin, managed by Dr. Divya Patel, who has been a longstanding collaborator.

The UT System Population Health team visited the Valley to develop a short documentary highlighting the work conducted through the Healthy Mujeres program and showcasing the work the School of Medicine does.

Chronic Pain Research grant received

UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience and Neuro-Behavioral Health received a $500,000 TRC4 award to study chronic pain and depression comorbidity

Dr. Khalid Benamar from the Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neuro-Behavioral Health will lead a team to study chronic pain and depression comorbidity.

Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to restrictions in mobility and daily activities, depression, sleep deprivation, and reduced quality of life. Chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, is the most severe form of chronic pain. People with chronic neuropathic pain often have hyperalgesia (decreased pain threshold), allodynia (extreme sensitivity to touch and even wearing shoes becomes painful), and ongoing pain (sensations of pins and needles, shooting, burning, stabbing, and electric shocks).

Current treatment options for chronic neuropathic pain (including the gold standard gabapentin) are often ineffective and have associated side effects.

Dr. Benamar's team will test the efficacy and safety of novel pharmacological combination strategies for chronic neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity, focusing on non-opioid therapy.

Congratulations, Dr. Benamar!

Local doctors inspire future physicians at

Lee Means Elementary Career Day

Dr. Cristel Escalona, Dr. Brianna Woodliff, and Dr. Sheena Johnson participated in Lee Means Elementary's Career & College Day, which aimed to inspire students in Harlingen, Texas, to consider a career in medicine.

Dr. Escalona, Dr. Woodliff, and Dr. Johnson's presence enriched this experience by providing valuable insights and encouragement to the students.

Their involvement highlighted the importance of mentorship and community outreach in shaping the aspirations of future generations.

Event organizers expressed gratitude for their dedication to inspiring Lee Means' young minds.

Thank you for giving back and motivating these future physicians and UTRGV Vaqueros!

Appointment to the Journal of Ovarian Research

Dr. Murali Yallapu, faculty of Medicine and Oncology Unit from the Division of Immunology and Microbiology and the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, has been appointed as an associate editor for the Journal of Ovarian Cancer Research.

The Journal of Ovarian Research is a leading publication in ovarian research dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration among researchers and clinicians worldwide. As an Associate Editor, Dr. Yallapu will help shape the journal's content, ensuring the publication of high-quality research and promoting innovation in the field.

He hopes his expertise in nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and cancer biology will enrich the journal's editorial board and enhance its impact on the scientific community.

This appointment is a testament to Dr. Yallapu's expertise, dedication, and significant contributions to cancer research.

Congratulations, Dr. Yallapu!

MedEd Teaching Certificate Program:

Highlighting innovation through capstones

Congratulations to the MedEd Teaching Certificate Program participants who have reached the midpoint of the dynamic 6-month program!

The program fosters innovation and excellence in medical education, illuminating paths toward enhancing teaching practices and addressing critical areas of educational need through the Medical Education Innovation Capstones.

This special celebration marked a significant milestone in the MedEd Teaching Certificate Program journey.

Program participants embarked on ambitious projects, each aimed at elevating the standards of medical education and making a tangible difference within our school's community.

The capstone presentations include:

Dr. Emilie Prot and Dr. Mohammed Sikander: "Enhancing Local Disease Awareness Among Medical Students through Interprofessional Collaboration" fosters vital collaboration within the medical field.
Dr. Seval Coban, Dr. Neeraj Chauhan, and Dr. Seratna Guadarrama: "AI-Assisted Virtual Reality-Based Educational Approach for Medical Students," pushing the boundaries of traditional learning environments.
Dr. Juan Alvarenga: "Statistical Literacy for Border Health," addressing the critical need for statistical literacy in medical practice, especially in border health scenarios.
Dr. Kelsey Baker: "Impact of Online Lecture Engagement on Academic Performance in UTRGV SOM Pre-Clerkship Curriculum" highlights the evolving nature of medical education.
Dr. Daniel Bolton: "Longitudinal Training Program for Surgical Residents in Preparation for the General Surgery Certifying Exam," ensuring surgical residents are exceptionally well-prepared.
Dr. Ana Leandro: "Integrating Molecular Research Tools into Medical Education for Advanced Clinical Practice," merging research with clinical education for advanced learning.
Dr. Shizue Mito: "Etymological Strategies for Medical Vocabulary Mastery," a cornerstone for medical communication.

Dr. Candace Robledo: "Enhancing Ethical Reasoning in First Year Medical Students using Simulation," crucial for the development of future medical professionals.
Dr. Veronica Salazar: "Obesity Medicine Curriculum: Simulation or Clinic Setting" tackles one of the most pressing health issues of recent times.
Dr. Miguel Silva: "Integration of a Longitudinal Ultrasound Curriculum for Family Medicine Residents," enhancing diagnostic skills.
Dr. Dennis Slavin: "Empowering Healthcare Providers with Big Data: Accessible, Adaptable, Actionable" underlines the importance of data in healthcare.
Dr. Aramide Tijani: "Advancing Cardiac Auscultation Skills in Medical Students Through Digital Stethoscopes," blending technology with traditional skill sets.
Dr. Thomas Turk: "Teaching Medical Students to Engage with their Community through Gardening and Health Education," promoting community health and involvement.
Dr. Alex Zuo: "Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in Undergraduate Medical Education on Physiology/Pharmacology and Anatomy," essential for fostering independent, analytical thinkers.

These capstone projects address pressing educational needs and pave the way for future advancements in medical teaching practices.

The remainder of the MedEd Teaching Certificate Program will continue to support each participant as they inspire one another toward improving medical education.

Thank you to all faculty members for leading by example and nurturing an environment of excellence and innovation in medical education. Their dedication to teaching is revolutionizing how the UTRGV School of Medicine educates future medical professionals.

Congratulations to all our MedEd participants!

Click here for more information on the MedEd Teaching Certificate Program.

Celebrating Wellness at the Brownsville Health Pachanga

Participants from the Health Pachanga in Brownsville enjoyed free health screenings, including A1C and vision, complimentary haircuts, food distribution, and giveaways.

Thank you to all who made this event possible and to the Area Health Education Centers and partners for their support!

American Association of Cancer Research 2024 Conference

The recent American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 2024 Conference in San Diego, CA, gathered worldwide researchers to exchange insights and discoveries in the ongoing fight against cancer.

UTRGV's presence was notable, as faculty, scholars, and students made significant contributions to the discourse on cancer research. From elucidating molecular mechanisms to exploring innovative therapeutic approaches, UTRGV School of Medicine scholars impacted the conference proceedings.

Among the conference participants were UTRGV South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research's:

Dr. Subhash Chauhan
Dr. Murali Yallapu
Dr. Bilal Hafeez
Dr. Sheema Khan
Dr. Manish Tripathi
Dr. Vivek Kashyap

Their presentations, alongside research scholars and students, showcased groundbreaking studies poised to reshape cancer treatment and prevention strategies. Their endeavors offered promising prospects for developing targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches, instilling hope among patients worldwide.

Congratulations to the AACR 2024 Conference participants who shared the school's research initiatives on a global stage and forged valuable connections with leaders in the field at the forefront of cancer research!

Clinical Hematology Update from NEJM Group

Dr. Eunbee Cho, UTRGV Knapp Internal Medicine resident of the Class of 2025, published a review article titled "Current and Emerging Management of Richter Transformation in CLL patients" in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), one of the most reputable and top-ranking medical journals.

Congratulations, Dr. Cho!

Read Dr. Cho's article here.

Student Spotlight

Meet UTRGV MS4, Breanna Jones

The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of Academic Medicine impacts you the most?

I am very involved in the Student Government Association and serve as a member of the central curricular authority committee. It is an honor to be in the room where it happens and contribute to decisions that better develop our future leaders.

Learn more about Jones here.

Faculty Focus

Academic Medical Minute with:

Maria Villegas, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist, Assistant Professor of Surgical Specialty

When did you join the UTRGV School of Medicine?

I joined the UTRGV School of Medicine in May 2020.

What brought you here?

I was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. During medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, UTHSCSA, I spent my entire third year of rotations in the Valley at the previous Regional Academic Health Center. That year made me realize the need for more physicians and better access to healthcare for the RGV. After residency, I returned home to the Valley. I previously worked at the VA Surgical Specialty Clinic in Harlingen for approximately nine years. Though I enjoyed my time there, I always had the desire to work in academic medicine. I missed teaching students and being around other physicians with the same academic passion.

What do you enjoy about working in academic medicine?

I enjoy training residents and medical students in the clinic and teaching in the MSK/Derm module for second-year medical students. Mentoring medical students, helping them find their interests, and guiding them in choosing a specialty has been rewarding.

Why is academic medicine important to our community?

Academic medicine in our community leads to advances in medicine and training future physicians who are more likely to stay and practice in the Rio Grande Valley, thus positively impacting healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley.

How do you spend your free time? I enjoy running and training for running events. I have done several half marathons and one marathon, and I am currently training for my second marathon, the Chicago Marathon, in October. I also enjoy reading and have been part of a book club for the past 11 years. But I mostly enjoy spending time with my husband, Benjamin Guerra, the senior legal officer at UTRGV, and our daughter.

UTRGV Newsroom