Orange banner with "UTRGV" and "UT Health Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine" logos. Below, text reads "Weekly Roundup" beside a cheerful mascot in a cowboy hat.

March 09, 2026

Here's the latest news!

Latinx Leadership in Academic Medicine

A woman in a white lab coat with a UT Health Rio Grande Valley logo smiles confidently. She has glasses, dark hair, and wears a pink top under the coat.

Dr. Beatriz Tapia, associate dean of Faculty Affairs, recently co-authored a book chapter in the newly released volume Latinx Leadership in Academic Medicine.


Her chapter, "Striving to Become a Dean of Faculty Affairs and Development," highlights leadership pathways, challenges and successes among Latinx leaders in academic medicine.


The work contributes to a growing body of scholarship focused on representation, leadership development and advancing opportunities for the next generation of academic medicine leaders.


Congratulations!


Read more here.

"Thank a Resident Day"

GIF showcasing various photos of a group of diverse medical staff and trainees pose smiling, holding peace signs. A banner reads "2026 Thank a Resident Day" with supportive messages. Vibrant floral art decorates the wall, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

The UTRGV School of Medicine's Graduate Medical Education programs celebrated "Thank a Resident Day" with a week of appreciation activities leading up to the national observance.


Throughout the week, residents, faculty and staff gathered to recognize the dedication and contributions of the school's resident physicians.


The celebration included special treats, photo opportunities and messages of gratitude highlighting the vital role residents play in delivering high-quality patient care and advancing the School of Medicine's mission.


The events served as a meaningful reminder of the long hours, compassion and commitment residents bring to the communities they serve across the Rio Grande Valley.

SOM faculty celebrate Tokyo Marathon finish

Two smiling women in towels display medals with pride. One holds a gold medal with a colorful ribbon, the other silver medals on a blue ribbon. Bright and joyful scene.

Dr. Chelsea Chang and Desiree French, PT, completed the Tokyo Marathon, an extraordinary achievement alongside their demanding clinical roles.


French also earned the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal, awarded to runners who complete all six major marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City — a distinction achieved by fewer than 24,000 athletes worldwide.


As a physical therapist, French brings firsthand insight into endurance training, injury prevention and resilience to the patients she serves.


Both shared that, together, their accomplishment reflects the perseverance, discipline and commitment to excellence that define the UTRGV School of Medicine community.


Congratulations to both!

Wellness Kickoff Panel

GIF showcasing a diverse group of seven people stand smiling, posing sitting, some holding microphones in a modern office setting. Their attire is professional, reflecting a formal meeting or event.

The UTRGV School of Medicine launched its wellness program with a panel discussion focused on work-life integration and well-being in the medical profession. Panelists from SOM, including Dr. Fatima Bello, Dr. Stanley Fisch, Dr. Bharathi Gadad, Dr. Deepu George, Dr. Beatriz Tapia, Ms. Renee Gonzalez and Ms. Jessica Martinez, shared perspectives on sustaining wellness in demanding clinical environments.


Speakers emphasized aligning career demands with different stages of life, fostering psychological safety in the workplace and strengthening institutional support for faculty and trainees.


The discussion also addressed national concerns such as physician burnout, suicide and substance use, highlighting the importance of leadership, collegial support and integrating wellness into professionalism and medical training.


Thank you to those who joined and participated!

UTRGV Newsroom:

Elderly man in a white lab coat with UT Health Rio Grande Valley logo. He wears a red patterned tie, smiling gently, conveying professionalism.

"Screenings save lives" - UT Health RGV physician encourages preventative colorectal cancer screenings

In the News:

Two medical professionals wearing white lab coats. The man on the left has dark hair, and the woman on the right has lighter hair. Both are smiling gently.

UTRGV: Blood pressure can affect brain health

Sign for UTRGV School of Medicine with beige background and bold letters in black and orange. UTRGV.edu/SOM text in white on an orange banner below.