Doctors' Day message from Dean Cobos

A doctor in a white coat stands in front of the UT Health Rio Grande Valley Cancer & Surgery Center. The building's archways and signage are visible.

In honor of Doctors' Day, Dr. Cobos recognized the physicians of the UTRGV School of Medicine for their dedication to healing, teaching and inspiring the next generation of health care leaders.

He reflected on the school's 10-year journey and the lasting impact of its physician-educators, whose work has helped train more than 800 physicians serving communities across the region and beyond.

Read Dr. Cobos' full Doctor's Day message here.

The craft of medicine

On National Doctors' Day, UTRGV physician reflects the heart of academic medicine

Dr. Juliana Yang balances patient care, teaching and research – the three pillars of academic medicine at the UTRGV School of Medicine

Every day, physicians walk into exam rooms carrying so much more than a stethoscope or a chart. They carry the responsibility of healing. The patience to teach. And the curiosity to push medicine forward.

Today, on National Doctors' Day, the UTRGV School of Medicine is recognizing physicians whose work reflects all three, embodied in clinicians who treat patients while shaping the future of medicine.

Among them is Dr. Juliana Yang, gastroenterologist and professor of medicine whose work at UT Health RGV embodies the mission of academic medicine.

Kudos to MS4 Ericka Vazquez

Smiling woman in a black blazer and pink floral blouse against a gray background. She has shoulder-length dark hair and is wearing pearl earrings.

UTRGV School of Medicine medical student Ericka Vazquez (MS4) recently led the publication of a research study examining physician burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in underserved communities along the Texas-Mexico border.

The study found that 43% of participating physicians experienced burnout, with flexible work schedules and personal wellness identified as key factors in reducing its impact. The research also introduced a novel framework to better understand burnout patterns and coping strategies among physicians serving rural and medically underserved populations.

Vazquez, who recently matched into residency at UTRGV, continues to contribute to meaningful research that informs strategies to improve physician well-being and patient care.

Congratulations! Read more here.

UTRGV Newsroom:

The craft of medicine: On National Doctors' Day, UTRGV physician reflects the heart of academic medicine

In the News:

A smiling person holds a "Congratulations, You Have Matched!" sign at UTRGV Med School Match Day event. Others sit at round tables in a large hall.

UTRGV students match day