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 23, 2026
 
Here's the latest news!

Match Day
GIF showcasing various moving photos of A joyful woman holds a "Congratulations, You Have Matched" box at a vibrant Match Day event, surrounded by smiling colleagues and celebratory banners. A person in a dark suit smiles, walking under an arch of orange, white, and silver balloons with golden "2026" on top, set in a festive indoor setting. A large hall is filled with people seated at round tables facing a stage. A screen displays "Match Day" with a stethoscope graphic. The atmosphere is formal and anticipatory. Boxes on a table display "Congratulations, You Have Matched" for UTRGV School of Medicine Class of 2026. A festive and celebratory mood.

Milestone Moment

UTRGV medical students match to residency programs nationwide


Cheers echoed through the UTRGV Fieldhouse as 53 members of the UTRGV School of Medicine's Class of 2026 simultaneously opened their Match Day envelopes, discovering where they will spend the next chapter of their journey to becoming physicians.


Read more here.

Dean Participates in Regional Healthcare Workforce Panel
Five men smiling in a conference room holding wooden cutting boards. A screen in the background displays "Welcome! RGV Leadership." The mood is celebratory.

Dr. Everardo Cobos participated in a healthcare workforce panel this week as part of the RGV Leadership class, joining representatives from South Texas College and Texas A&M University. The discussion engaged nearly 25 regional leaders on critical workforce shortages in the health professions.


Panelists highlighted how UTRGV and the School of Medicine are addressing these challenges through new academic programs, strategic recruitment and continued growth in clinical care and research. The conversation underscored the institution’s role in strengthening the healthcare workforce across the Rio Grande Valley.

Dean Recognizes Faculty and Staff Achievements at ELT Meeting
Five people stand smiling in a conference room. A large display screen shows colorful patterns on the right. The atmosphere is professional and friendly.

During Monday’s Executive Leadership Team meeting, the dean recognized several UTRGV School of Medicine faculty and staff for their recent accomplishments and contributions.


Honorees included Teresa Villagomez of Graduate Medical Education for her publication and national presentation on micro-learning through “Tuesday Trainings,” and Brenda Benitez from Ambulatory Operations for her ongoing contributions to Clinical Operations.


Dr. Mohammed S. Razzaque was recognized for his research on diabetes and magnesium, while Dr. Shrikanth Gadad, a CPRIT scholar, was acknowledged for his research and recent publications in breast cancer.


The recognitions highlight the continued impact of School of Medicine faculty and staff in advancing education, research and patient care.



Congratulations!

"Deaf Woman’s Journey to Becoming a Doctor Will Inspire You"

Three women stand smiling on a colorful talk show set. Two wear yellow outfits, and one wears a plaid suit. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.

Courtney Austin, MS4, lost her hearing at age 4, but that never stopped her from chasing her dream of becoming a doctor.


Now a graduating medical student, she hopes to serve the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community as an ENT surgeon.


With the support of her mentor, Dr. Ebone Bady, Courtney's inspiring journey is showing the world that disabilities are not limitations.


She sat down with Jennifer Hudson on The Jennifer Hudson Show to tell her story.


View this conversation here.

Advancing Brain Health: SOM Recognizes Brain Awareness Week
Poster for Brain Awareness Week in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, March 23-27, 2026. Features smiling children with brain models and mentions interactive talks and activities.

Brain Awareness Week Highlights Brain Health and Emerging Research

 

In recognition of Brain Awareness Week, March 23–27, the UTRGV School of Medicine will provide educational programming and community engagement activities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

 

Throughout the week, participants will engage in interactive talks, bilingual educational resources, brain-focused activities and take-home materials designed to promote awareness of brain health and cognitive wellness.

 

The week also provides an opportunity to discuss emerging approaches in mental health treatment and neuroscience research, including new classes of therapies being studied for conditions such as depression and other mental health disorders. These discussions highlight how ongoing scientific research is expanding understanding of brain function and opening new possibilities for treatment.

 

Brain Awareness Week reflects the UTRGV School of Medicine's commitment to advancing neuroscience education, supporting innovative research, and sharing knowledge about brain health and mental well-being.

UTRGV Newsroom:
A joyful woman holds a "Congratulations, You Have Matched" box at a vibrant Match Day event, surrounded by smiling colleagues and celebratory banners.
 

Milestone Moment: UTRGV medical students match to residency programs nationwide
Two smiling women hold papers and pose with a mascot in a white coat at an indoor celebration, conveying joy and achievement.
 

UTRGV School of Medicine to celebrate Class of 2026's Match Day

In the News:
"Screenshot of a news video about UTRGV School of Medicine's Match Day 2026 announcement. Text reads 'MATCH DAY' with UT Health Rio Grande Valley logos."
 

UTRGV School of Medicine marks milestone during Match Day 2026
A diverse group of people smiling and holding red "MATCHED" signs at UTRGV Match Day. They're gathered indoors with balloons and a mascot.
 

‘Dream come true’: UTRGV medical students continue journeys on match day
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.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 1201 W. University Drive | Edinburg, TX 78539 US

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