Dean Hocker welcomed the Class of 2028 and shared advice and encouragement.

The conversation centered around the need for a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley to address health disparities, emphasizing the importance of innovative education and high-quality clinical care.

Dr. Hocker also highlighted the need to address environmental and genetic factors contributing to health disparities. He shared his personal philosophies on adapting to challenges in medical school and beyond, focusing on perseverance, resilience, and empathy.

The conversation also touched on the importance of finding balance as a physician.

The students were also gifted with personalized stethoscopes provided by generous donations.

Welcome, Class of '28!

Dean Hocker visited the UT Health RGV Clinical Laboratory to meet the staff and technicians.

Dr. Elias George, chair of Clinical Support Services and UT Health RGV Clinical Laboratory director, gave Dr. Hocker a walk-through of the lab. The staff and technicians also participated by showcasing their daily work and engaged in a small, informal meet-and-greet with Dean Hocker.

The UT Health RGV Clinical Laboratory recently received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists, recognized for its vigorous and robust standards. They evaluate quality and mitigate risk, which is an essential way laboratories can improve patient outcomes. The UT Health RGV Clinical Lab is now one of over 8,000 CPA-accredited facilities. 

Thank you, Dr. George and team!

Dean Hocker joined Texas National Bank at an event in honor of the partnership between UTRGV and the Edinburg CISD, specifically for UTRGV Edinburg CISD Collegiate High.

President Bailey addressed the event, which included UTRGV and ESCISD administrators, elected officials, dignitaries, and Texas National Bank representatives.

Some of the high school students present expressed their interest in pursuing a career in medicine.

Congratulations to the graduates from the 3rd cohort of faculty members from the UTRGV School of Medicine's MedEd Teaching Certificate Program!

This intensive six-month program, designed for both School of Medicine faculty and community faculty, has successfully equipped participants with advanced skills and knowledge in medical education.

The capstone projects of this cohort's graduates showcased innovative projects that demonstrated their commitment to enhancing medical education. The MedEd Teaching Certificate Program aims to improve the professional development of clinical full-time and clinical volunteer faculty members as medical educators.

Faculty and members of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Action Network team (CCPAN) from the UTRGV School of Medicine's South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research (ST-CECR) hosted the Cervical "Cancer Education and Awareness" event at the Edinburg Palmas Colonia.

The Cancer Education and Awareness" event served to raise awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, and early detection. The primary objectives of this event were to:

• Educate the community about cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors, and symptoms.
• Promote the importance of regular screenings and early detection.
• Provide information on HPV vaccination as a preventive measure.
• Offer resources for those affected by cervical cancer, including treatment options and support services.

During the event, the SOM team distributed informative flyers and posters and collaborated with local organizations and community leaders to spread the word about cervical cancer education and prevention.

The UTRGV School of Medicine, ST-CECR, and CCAPN's efforts through the Good Days Foundation supported this event. 

Thank you to those who participated!

The UTRGV School of Medicine's Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs welcomed

49 new resident physicians to residency programs across the Rio Grande Valley

The 49 new resident physicians participated in various residency programs to train in the Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Psychiatry programs.

Dean Hocker joined the Patient Safety Workshop and reflected on how residency training has improved. He shared that there is now a focus on improving healthcare systems for the betterment of patients and communities.

Teresa Villagomez, GME program coordinator, orchestrated the three days of GME Orientation, ensuring the new physicians felt the excitement and commitment on behalf of the School of Medicine and to the mission of transforming the health of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

During these three days of orientation, the residents participated in simulated patient events to allow for hands-on learning with immediate feedback and no risk to patients. They were also provided wellness resources and presentations focused on Resident Wellness, providing a safe and productive learning environment and self-care.

Dr. Marco Garza, clinical assistant professor at the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business, also participated in the orientation and led an activity called "E-Colors." This activity was designed to help build self-awareness, improve communication skills, build better relationships, and work more efficiently.

These are just some of the many ways UTRGV GME resident physicians benefit from being part of the UTRGV family—welcome, residents!

Dr. Roque Mifuji, assistant professor of Internal Medicine and MedEd Teaching Certificate Program graduate, received the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education(ACGME)'s Back to Bedside grant.

His project, "Empathy Enhancement Initiative: Resident-Led Training for Enhanced Patient Satisfaction, Outcomes, and Physician Well-being," was inspired by his capstone project from the MedEd Teaching Certificate program, which focuses on resident training in empathy and wellness outcomes.

Dr. Mifuji and Dr. Fatimah Bello, program director of the Knapp Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program, will lead this initiative over the next year.

Their work aims to advance patient satisfaction, outcomes, and physician well-being, with results expected at the end of the academic year.

This achievement highlights Dr. Mifuji's dedication and hard work and exemplifies how the MedEd Teaching Certificate Program can lead to tangible, impactful projects.

Congratulations to Dr. Mifuji and Dr. Bello!

UTRGV School of Medicine's Careers in Medicine hosted a special lunch information session for students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Stanley Fisch, UTRGV School of Medicine professor of pediatrics, gave a special presentation on the "History of Medicine in the RGV." He covered the establishment of the Valley's first hospital, significant medical advancements such as eradicating polio, and the ongoing challenges underserved communities face in accessing healthcare.

This event marked the launch of RealMD, a community initiative in which students, faculty, and staff support each other in maintaining a higher purpose in medicine.

RealMD events provide a platform for students to network with physicians, seek guidance, and develop leadership skills. Each month, participants explore a new topic to better understand the challenges of the medical profession.

Thank you, Dr. Fisch! 

Congratulations to Dr. Beatriz Tapia, associate dean of Faculty Affairs, who has been appointed as the new chair of the AAMC Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA) Planning Committee!

Dr. Tapia has been an active member of the GFA for several years, demonstrating unwavering dedication to faculty development and academic excellence.

In addition to her new role as GFA chair, Dr. Tapia will serve on the GFA Steering Committee this year.

This prestigious appointment is a testament to her expertise and commitment to advancing the AAMC's mission and supporting faculty in academic medicine.

Dr. Tapia's leadership at the national level will not only bring recognition to our institution but also allow her to advocate for the needs and aspirations of our faculty.

Congratulations, Dr. Tapia!

Congratulations to Dr. Vamsikalyan Borra, a UTRGV School of Medicine aspiring cardiology fellow, who recently added another impressive paper—"Rising Trends in Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Cancer Patients and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Events: Insights from a Contemporary Nationwide Analysis in the USA (2016–2020)"—to his already remarkable portfolio of publications.

Congratulations, Dr. Borra!

Read Dr. Borra's publication here | Read his other works here.