“Women in Medicine and Science Month” is celebrated throughout September. Each week this month will feature female faculty medical doctors and scientists from the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV who are leading academic medicine, research, and education.

September celebrates Women in Medicine and Science Month: 

UTRGV Valley physician brings innovative depression therapy to Valley patients

In Mexican culture, a "curandero" is a traditional healer known for using natural remedies and spiritual practices to treat ailments.

For Dr. Diana Chapa, chair of the Department of Neuro and Behavioral Health at the UTRGV School of Medicine and a psychiatrist at UT Health RGV, folk healing was her earliest exposure to medicine. Her grandfather was a curandero, and as she was growing up in a family of migrant farmworkers, she never imagined she would be where she is today.

Read more here.

September celebrates Women in Medicine and Science Month:

From South Texas to the East Coast

UTRGV School of Medicine former student, now at Harvard, shares how she is succeeding in medicine

Dr. Adriana Saavedra-Simmons, a 2022 graduate of the UTRGV School of Medicine, walks confidently down the pale hallways of Massachusetts General Hospital - Harvard Medical School, to visit with her patients.

A Valley native, she is now completing her third year as a resident physician as part of Harvard’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. She matched on the annual Match Day celebration on March 18, 2022, on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus.

Read more here.

Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation partners with UTRGV to combat diabetes crisis in the Rio Grande Valley

The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (VBLF) has awarded a significant $30 million grant to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to establish the UTRGV Diabetes Center of Excellence (UTRGV DCE).

The initiative, announced during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, will address the critical health crisis posed by the widespread prevalence of diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley.

The new center, which will be built near the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience (ION) in Harlingen, is designed to combat diabetes through collaborative disease management, research and education.

Read more here.

Dean Michael Hocker hosted the School of Medicine's quarterly Faculty & Staff Forum, where he discussed updates on the school and UT Health RGV.

The meeting also discussed healthcare initiatives for the Valley, emphasizing our commitment to the success of our learners and how academic medicine is addressing the needs of the community through training future physicians, studying health diseases affecting the local population, and increasing access to quality primary and specialty care.

Key metrics included a 100% match rate for the Class of 2024, with 66% staying in Texas and of these 59% in the Rio Grande Valley.

The school achieved 93% GQ survey scores from the 2024 graduates, highlighting improved student satisfaction with the school's job of fostering and nurturing their development as future physicians. A new grant for cancer healthcare disparities research was announced, and attendees were reminded that the new cancer and surgery center is set to open in 2025.

Once a feasibility study is completed, the school plans to expand its class size to 100 students annually in a phased approach. It was also announced that UTRGV is on track to achieve Emerging Research University (ERU) status by 2028.

Thank you to all who joined in-person and virtually!

The UTRGV School of Medicine, in continuing to uphold its promise to expand and elevate cancer care in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, has signed its newest addition to the cancer care leadership team, Dr. Diane Duyen Nguyen.

Nguyen will join the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center as the Kleberg Foundation Endowed Chair and chief of the Division of Medical Oncology (cancer care) in October 2024, to lead, train and oversee the next generation of medical doctors and oncology physicians who are training and practicing at the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV. 

Read more here.

Cristina Zapata, a Medical Simulation Specialist at UTRGV's Clinical Skills Center in Edinburg, plays a vital role in medical students' hands-on training. With eight years at UTRGV, she sets up task trainers, manages simulation recordings, and sometimes steps in as a Standardized Patient.

Zapata finds fulfillment in interacting with students and contributing to their learning experience. Her deep connection to UTRGV’s mission and the impact on the Rio Grande Valley drives her commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals.

Read more here.

UTRGV continues to set the standard for excellence — not just in education, but also in creating a welcoming, supportive work environment.

This year, the university is recognized as one of the best places to work in higher education, according to the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For program. 

The results were released today, Friday, Sept. 20, in a special insert to The Chronicle of Higher Education, and are based on a survey of 216 colleges and universities. Only 75 institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies, placing UTRGV among a select group of top-performing schools in the country.

Read more here.

UT Health RGV hosted a retirement celebration for Dr. Humberto Hidalgo, pediatric pulmonologist at UT Health RGV, in honor of his over 30 years of dedicated service to the Rio Grande Valley.

During the event, Dr. Hidalgo was honored by City of Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr., who issued a proclamation declaring "Dr. Hidalgo Day" in the City of Edinburg, recognizing his outstanding contributions and commitment to the community. Additionally, he was presented with an official flag flown at the U.S. Capitol on behalf of U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz's office.

UT Health RGV commemorated Dr. Hidalgo's retirement with a special plaque celebrating his remarkable career and achievements. Surrounded by colleagues, Dr. Hidalgo was honored for his decades of service and dedication to healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Hidalgo joined the UTRGV School of Medicine in October 2015 as an associate professor of Pediatrics and later served as the clinical vice chair of Pediatrics and was promoted to full professor. He was instrumental in developing the Cardiorespiratory Module and significantly impacted the curriculum and the training of future medical professionals.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hidalgo has made substantial research contributions, particularly in pediatric pulmonology and asthma management in Hispanic children. His dedication to teaching and leadership in various hospitals have earned him widespread recognition.

As Dr. Hidalgo moves into retirement, we sincerely thank him for his years of service and commitment. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy will continue inspiring future physicians and scholars.

We extend our best wishes to Dr. Humberto A. Hidalgo as he enters this new phase of his life!

The collaborative research of Dr. Sara M. Reyna, assistant professor of

Human Genetics was recently published in the Journal of Frontiers in Physiology.

The publication is titled "Short-term HIIT impacts HDL function differently in lean, obese, and diabetic subjects." It examines the benefits of exercise training on coronary artery disease risk, showing that a 15-day short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program reduces plasma cholesterol levels in type 2 diabetic subjects and fasting triacylglycerol levels in obese and type 2 diabetic subjects.

In addition, the HIIT program improves the antioxidant capacity of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in lean, obese, and type 2 diabetic subjects and increases the cholesterol efflux capacity in lean subjects.

Overall, the research findings demonstrate that a short-term HIIT program is beneficial and sufficient to improve hyperlipidemia in obese and type 2 diabetic individuals, thus reducing coronary artery disease risk in these individuals.

Congratulations, Dr. Reyna!

Read more here.

Dr. Subhash Chauhan and Dr. Murali Yallapu, faculty members of the UTRGV School of Medicine's South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, attended and presented at the International Materials Research Congress (IMRC) 2024, held in Cancun, Mexico.

This globally recognized conference is a key platform for researchers and scientists to share innovations and advancements in materials science, focusing on applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Dr. Chauhan presented his research on "Magnetic Nanoparticles and Protein Corona Interface for Cancer Therapeutic Applications," which explored the interface between magnetic nanoparticles and the protein corona that forms around them when introduced into the biological environment.

Dr. Yallapu delivered a presentation titled "Human Serum Albumin-Tannic Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Lung Cancer Therapy." His research focuses on developing nanoparticles utilizing human serum albumin and tannic acid as a delivery mechanism for targeted lung cancer therapy. 

The international research community highly regarded these presentations. Their work was recognized for its innovative approach to cancer therapy, positioning UTRGV as a leader in the intersection of materials science and medical research.

The IMRC 2024 provided a dynamic environment for networking with leading scientists and researchers.

UTRGVSOM students also attended IMRC 2024, where they actively participated by presenting their research posters and engaging in discussions with international experts. This opportunity allowed them to gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in materials science and its applications in medicine, furthering their academic and research development.

Thank you to those who participated!

UT Health RGV Family Medicine and Internal Medicine resident physicians were in attendance at the 2024 Hidalgo County Employee Wellness Fair.

These UT Health RGV residents gave Hidalgo County employees glucose screenings and blood pressure checks. They also provided information on UT Health RGV's Primary Care and Specialty services across the Valley to the event attendees.

Thank you to those who participated!

Dr. Khalid Benamar, professor at the Department of Neurology and Behavioral Health at the UTRGV School of Medicine, and his team showcased their latest research at the 34th Annual International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) Symposium in Salamanca, Spain.

The study highlighted the effectiveness and safety of Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) and cannabidiol (CBD) in managing chronic inflammatory pain.

Dr. Benamar's team specifically investigated chronic neuropathic pain, a condition often resistant to current treatments. Their research aims to improve outcomes by exploring new therapeutic combinations and better understanding the neurobiology of pain.

Pictured are second-year medical students Hirma Garcia, Maria Sophia Malbas, Justin Mills, Joshua Nwose, and Briana Garcia; third-year students Emmanuel Franco and Zayd Ayas; research associates Sophia Leslie and Jose Rios; and Dr. Benamar. 

Congratulations!

UTRGV recently welcomed a new cohort of 24 incoming freshmen to its prestigious UTRGV Luminary Scholars program, further highlighting the university's commitment to academic excellence.

The merit-based scholarship allows selected students to complete their education debt-free, removing financial barriers to higher education by covering all expenses associated with undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees, and includes the UTRGV School of Medicine and the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine.

The third cohort of Luminary scholars welcomed eight students who will also be part of the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program. Students in this program were selected from a limited number of high-achieving South Texas students who begin their undergraduate career and receive conditional admission to the entering medical class at UTRGV School of Medicine upon graduation.

Read more here.

UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV cancer care experts joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at “Living Well with Blood Cancer,” an event designed to share information on how blood cancer treatment and care advancements are benefitting the Rio Grande Valley.

The Valley historically has had limited access to specialized cancer care. Now, through the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, slated to open in 2025, specialized cancer care will offer the treatments Valley patients need without the need to travel.

Nationwide, blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma account for about 10% of all cancer diagnoses, with more than 190,000 new cases expected in 2024 alone, according to the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Everardo Cobos – medical oncologist and hematologist at UT Health RGV; chair of the Department of Medicine and Oncology at the UTRGV School of Medicine; and director of the Cancer Service Line at the Cancer and Surgery Center – and Daniel Hernandez, manager of Oncology Pharmacy Services at the Cancer and Surgery Center, shared their expertise on the latest developments in cancer care.

Thank you for your participation, Dr. Cobos and Mr. Hernadez!

Futuro McAllen/ Futuro RGV began as an advocacy citizen group in 1999 to address Quality-of-Life issues that were in danger of being sidetracked due to tremendous growth. Futuro stressed a positive approach of identifying the issue, recommending, and presenting a solution to the agency—usually the City Commission—that had the authority to make the change.

These Quality-of-Life issues included community safety, health, education, security of good jobs and homes, recreation, culture, and arts. It is also committed to providing impartial and nonpartisan information on quality-of-life issues affecting local communities, including quality economic growth, educational opportunities, healthy families, safe neighborhoods, green space, culture, and the arts.

Futuro RGV has committed to donating a White Coat to a deserving student for the last four years as part of these commitments to the region. They recently began supporting two white coat students for the past two years, as Dr. Nedra Kinerk, president of Futuro RGV, began to donate one jacket on her own.

They recognize UTRGV School of Medicine students as future community leaders, and that is why they invite and recognize them at their annual RGV Leadership event. 

Congratulations!