University leading efforts to reduce health disparities in the Valley’s underserved communities

UTRGV has received an $18.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Rio Grande Valley Cancer Health Disparity Research Center (RGV-CHDRC).

The center, announced today during a press conference, aims to reduce cancer health disparities in underserved Hispanic communities. The funding – awarded through the NIH’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), under the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program – supports the effort.

Read more here.

Chantal Uzoma, MS2, was recently selected as a finalist for the 2024 American Medical Association (AMA) Research Challenge for her poster presentation using health policy proposals to address the maternal mortality crisis in the United States. Her work will be featured at the poster symposium in November. 

She hopes to expand this research by pitching it to key policymakers in the field and continue researching maternal health issues as she continues her journey through medical school. 

Congratulations, Chantal! 

Zinc and Diabetes: A Connection between Micronutrient and Metabolism

Ronald Shaju, MS2, recently published "Zinc and Diabetes: A Connection between Micronutrient and Metabolism" in the journal "Cells". He is also one of the recipients of the best poster award for the 2024 UTRGV SOM Research Colloquium.

Dr. Mohammed S. Razzaque, faculty of the Department of Medical Education at UTRGV School of Medicine, guided the student through the manuscript publication and poster presentation processes.

Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem and a major contributor to mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is also a worrying health concern in the Rio Grande Valley. This article explains the critical role of zinc in glucose metabolism and the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Addressing zinc deficiencies through dietary interventions may offer a promising avenue for the holistic management of this prevalent metabolic disorder and its complications.

This publication also showcases the research activities of UTRGV medical students, demonstrating the school's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. 

Read more here.

ISAM 2024 Congress

Dr. Alan Francis, assistant professor of Neuroscience, was invited to present at the International Society of Addiction Medicine: ISAM 2024 CONGRESS, held in Istanbul, Turkey. This global event is dedicated to providing world-class addiction medicine education and offers the opportunity to highlight new research, innovative practices, sociopolitical ideas, and new approaches to treatment.

His presentation was entitled: “Corpus callosum abnormalities in moderate to heavy alcohol users is associated with reduced fluid

intelligence and mental flexibility,” and was well received by the addiction specialists' audience.

Congratulations, Dr. Francis!

Prestigious Pain Medicine Fellowship

Congratulations to Dr. Changho Yi, a Family Medicine resident at the UTRGV School of Medicine, who has successfully matched to the prestigious Pain Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA.

This highly-ranked national fellowship is a testament to Dr. Yi’s hard work and dedication. It reflects Dr. Yi’s excellence and highlights the strength of the UTRGV School of Medicine and its Family Medicine Residency Program.

Congratulations to Dr. Yi!

Meet Sofia Maricela Hernandez, a UTRGV Unsung Hero

Sofia Maricela Hernandez, Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives for the UTRGV School of Medicine, plays a key role in shaping the school's strategic direction. From overseeing initiatives related to communications and marketing to advising the dean on important decisions, Hernandez is an integral part of the executive team, ensuring the school's mission of education, research, and patient care is carried out effectively. 

Since rejoining UTRGV in 2017, Hernandez’s favorite part of her job has been witnessing the growth of the School of Medicine and its positive impact on students and the Rio Grande Valley. "As a Valley native, being part of this evolution is both exciting and deeply meaningful," she said.

Read more here.

In honor of this month's Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, internal medicine residents from the KNAPP Medical Center residency program showcased their diverse cultural backgrounds and heritage with insightful presentations representing countries across Latin America.

We’re proud to feature:

• Dr. Diana Acosta Pozo – Dominican Republic
• Dr. Oliveria Abarca Guzman – El Salvador
• Dr. Nestor Malaga & Dr. Barbara Malaga – Peru
• Dr. Yareli Durazo – Mexico
• Dr. Jian Garcia Cruz – Puerto Rico

Thank you to our residents for sharing their traditions, stories, and pride!

Together, we honor the rich contributions of Hispanic culture to our community and beyond.

Dr. Murali Yallapu, faculty of Medicine Oncology ISU at the UTRGV School of Medicine, has been appointed to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry.

This journal publishes research on enzyme inhibitors, inhibitory processes, and agonist/antagonist receptor interactions in developing medicinal and anti-cancer agents. The journal's focus includes:

• Current developments in enzymology,
• Cell biology,
• Chemical biology,
• Microbiology,
• Physiology,
• Pharmacology leading to drug design,
• Molecular recognition processes and
• Distribution and metabolism of biologically active compounds.

This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Yallapu's extensive contributions to nanomedicine, drug delivery, and cancer therapeutics. His expertise will play a vital role in shaping the journal's direction, which publishes cutting-edge research in enzyme inhibition and its applications in medicinal chemistry.

Dr. Yallapu's appointment highlights UTRGV's growing biomedical research and innovation reputation.

Congratulations!

UTRGV-HCA Internal Medicine Program residents joined the Valley Regional Medical Center team for an Adopt-A-Beach clean-up event at Boca Chica Beach in Cameron County.

The residents volunteered during their day off to clean up the beach and help the community in the surrounding areas. This volunteering event also allowed them to visit SpaceX.

Thank you to those who participated!

Interprofessional collaborations and community service

Over 30 UTRGV School of Medicine medical students, resident physicians, attending physicians, and faculty, along with students from the UTRGV School of Nursing and faculty and students from the UTRGV College of Health Professions (Dietetics), participated in the monthly "Proyecto Desarrollo Humano" in Las Peñitas, where the UTRGV Student Run Clinic collaborates to serve this community.

Interprofessional collaborations and community service are integral parts of academic medicine at UTRGV. They can make a difference and train healthcare professionals to serve the needs of our communities.

Thank you to those who participated!