Weekly RoundUp newsletter header featuring an orange rectangle at the top with the UTRGV School of Medicine logo, and the UTRGV vaquero mascot with a medical white coat at the bottom. The name Weekly RoundUp is shown with large white letters.

February 09, 2026
 
Here's the latest news!

From the Border to the Dean's Office:

Dr. Everardo Cobos named dean of UTRGV School of Medicine
Dr. Everardo Cobos, newly appointed dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, wearing a green and black rob leads the newly graduated medical Class of 2025 at their commencement in a large auditorium.

Before Dr. Everardo Cobos donned a white coat and led cancer programs nationwide, he spent weekends with his father, a gardener, learning discipline, humility and pride in hard work under the blazing sun. 


Those values shaped his medical career and leadership at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he was recently appointed dean of the School of Medicine, effective Feb. 1. Cobos has served as interim dean since summer 2025.


Read more here.

National Women Physicians Day
GIF showing women physicians from the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV all smiling in selfie style photos.

National Women Physicians Day, celebrated every Feb. 3, is the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States in 1849.


This day celebrates all women physicians, and especially those at the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV, who are making an impact in clinical care, education and research. Here are just a few of the many outstanding women physicians serving across the Rio Grande Valley.


Thank you to all our women physicians for all that they do on behalf of our school, clinics, learners, and community!

Why I Chose Cureus: Author Spotlight Series
Photo is of a Facebook post title "Why I Chose Cureus - Spotlight Series" featuring two females wearing medical white coats.

Dr. Chelsea Chang, an internal medicine physician and associate professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine, and Surya Namboodiri, a fourth-year UTRGV medical student, were recently featured in the Why I Chose Cureus: Author Spotlight Series for their published literature review.


Their article, "Addressing Social Determinants of Health Training in Medical Education: A Literature Review Using Kirkpatrick's Model," examines how medical education programs can better prepare future clinicians to address social determinants of health.


The authors highlighted Cureus' streamlined peer-review process, support for early-career researchers, and rapid publication timelines that align with academic and residency milestones.


View the video series here.

Evening of the Lights
GIF showcases multiple artwork, and a lady on stage.

The Evening of the Lights brought together UTRGV School of Medicine students, faculty and staff alongside guests from across the health professions, the UTRGV Art Department and the City of McAllen Lark Community Center Senior Art Group.


The annual event celebrated creativity, collaboration and community through a shared evening of art and connection.


Thank you to those who joined!

Gastro Hep Advances 
Female physician headshot.

Dr. Juliana Yang, division chief and professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, has been invited to join the editorial board of Gastro Hep Advances, a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Gastroenterological Association.

 

The journal features research in basic, clinical and translational gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Yang's invitation reflects her leadership and scholarly contributions to the field and further highlights the growing national presence of UTRGV School of Medicine faculty.

 

Congratulations!

Kicking Off the Year:

AHEC Scholars Community Engagement Meeting
A large group of students and staff stand together in a classroom, smiling and holding up peace signs. They are wearing casual clothing, including UT Health Rio Grande Valley apparel. Behind them, a projected screen displays the UT Health Rio Grande Valley logo and reads “Area Health Education Center.” The group appears celebratory and proud, posed at the front of a lecture room.

The year began with a successful Community Engagement Meeting that brought together AHEC Scholars and guest speakers for an afternoon of learning and discussion. The event provided students with opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and engage in conversations focused on public health and community health needs. Guest speakers shared insights and experiences that encouraged scholars to explore careers in the health professions and deepen their understanding of healthcare delivery.

Diabetes-induced Multiorgan Damage:

Can Magnesium Delay the process?
Headshot a medical student with dark hair, a black suit top and a white shirt under.

UTRGV School of Medicine student Efe Martins recently published an article titled "Diabetes-induced multiorgan damage: Can magnesium delay the process?" in Current Nutrition Reports, a peer-reviewed journal published by Springer Nature.


The article examines magnesium's role in reducing diabetes-related organ damage and explores its potential as an adjuvant therapy. It also underscores the importance of awareness, adequate dietary intake and appropriate supplementation to help prevent or mitigate diabetes-related complications.


Dr. Mohammed S. Razzaque, a professor in the Department of Medical Education, served as the faculty mentor for the publication.


Read more here.

Newsroom:
Headshot of a smiling lady with a medical white coat.
 

UT Health RGV physician encourages residents to prioritize annual checkups
Photo of a Texas Tribune discussion showing Dr. Gladys Maestre on a dark stage with white letters on the background.
 

Equity … Access … Hope As Texas invests billions in dementia research, UTRGV expert brings Valley perspective to the table
A woman speaks into a microphone while smiling during an event. She is wearing a light yellow blazer and a name badge with an orange ribbon. In the background, flags including those of the United States, Mexico, and Colombia are displayed on a stage, suggesting a formal or community-focused setting.
 

UTRGV Memory and Aging Center’s “Memory and Heart Connections” strengthens culture and community

In the News:
Two scientist conducting research in a lab. Both are donning the medical white coats.
 

Altas tasas de cáncer cervical alertan a UTRGV | (High rates of cervical cancer alarms UTRGV)

Research Corner:
Two headshots of a smiling female medical student and male professor of medicine. Both are wearing a dark color suit top.
 

Diabetes-induced Multiorgan Damage: Can Magnesium Delay the process?
 

Assessing Social Determinants of Health Training in Graduate Medical Education: A Narrative Review Using Kirkpatrick’s Model
 

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