During the 2026 State of the School address, Dean Everardo Cobos highlighted a decade of growth for the UTRGV School of Medicine, outlining key milestones, current realities and a strategic vision for the future.

Since welcoming its inaugural class in 2016, the school has graduated nearly 300 medical students and trained over 450 residents, contributing an estimated 800 new physicians to the workforce. Dr. Cobos noted that the school's long-term sustainability depends on a diversified funding model, with clinical revenue providing the majority of the support for the mission, complemented by state funding and research awards.

Looking ahead, Dr. Cobos outlined plans to expand clinical services, research capacity and graduate medical education, while strengthening collaboration across Health Affairs. These efforts aim to support strategic growth, enhance access to care and continue advancing the school's mission to improve health outcomes in the Rio Grande Valley.

Thank you to everyone who joined!

Dr. Jesús Melgarejo, assistant professor of Neuroscience at the UTRGV School of Medicine, was featured in the International Society of Hypertension (ISH)'s new investigator spotlight.

Congratulations!

Read more here.

Dr. Subhash C. Chauhan, professor and director of the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology in the United Kingdom.

The distinction recognizes his sustained contributions to biomedical science, particularly in cancer biology, translational research and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Election as a fellow honors Dr. Chauhan's impact as a researcher, educator and scientific leader, as well as his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists.

New hire - Welcome!

Dr. Uvaldo Cantu has joined the UTRGV School of Medicine as an assistant professor and OB/GYN clerkship director in Primary and Community Care.

He earned his medical degree from UT Southwestern. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University after receiving his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

Board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Cantu will support clinical training for medical students while continuing to serve patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

Welcome!

The UTRGV School of Medicine continues to strengthen community partnerships that enhance student learning and support patient care across the Rio Grande Valley. During their pediatric clerkship, medical students Chantal Uzoma, MS3, and Kassandra Pulido, MS3, developed educational posters for Cute Pediatrics in Harlingen, Texas. Uzoma's project focused on childhood obesity, while Pulido addressed childhood eczema.

The initiative reflects the School of Medicine's commitment to innovative education, community engagement and high-quality patient care through collaboration with community-based clinical partners.

These efforts also support the school's mission to improve pediatric health outcomes across the Rio Grande Valley.

The School of Medicine thanks its community faculty for their continued support and commends the students for their meaningful contributions.

(Pictured is Chantal Uzoma with Cute Pediatrics clinical staff; Not pictured: Kassandra Pulido.)

The AHEC team was featured on Radio Viviente 97.3 FM during the Spanish-language program "Comunidad al Día" [Updated Community], where they led a conversation about the AHEC Clinics, the importance of regular medical checkups, and the resources available to support health and wellness in the community.

This conversation provided important information accessible and encouraged listeners to take an active role in their health.

Ms. Evangelina Valdez, Ms. Yvonne Medelez, Mr. Jorge Rodriguez, and Dr. LuBeth Pérez represented the AHEC Clinics with professionalism, warmth, and dedication, showcasing the team's commitment to serving and empowering the community.

The AHEC Clinics provide low-cost primary care services for adults 18 and older, with or without insurance, at three convenient locations:

• La Victoria, 532 Gabriela St., Rio Grande City, TX
• San Carlos, 230 N 86th St., Edinburg, TX
• Bob Clark, 9901 California Rd., Brownsville, TX

Watch the discussion here.

Kudos to the team at the La Victoria AHEC Clinic for their continued commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the Rio Grande City community.

Led by Nurse Practitioner Evangelina Valdez, the clinic team plays a vital role in expanding access to primary care in a welcoming, patient-centered setting.


The clinic offers walk-in appointments and remains a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking accessible health care.

Thank you to Ms. Valdez and the entire La Victoria AHEC Clinic staff for their dedication and service to the community!

Learn more here.

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