With 58% of its incoming Class of 2029 from the Rio Grande Valley, the UTRGV School of Medicine marked a significant milestone Saturday morning with its White Coat ceremony, a nationwide rite of passage.

In front of family and friends at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg, 55 new students received their emblematic white coats, symbolizing the start of their journey into medicine.

"This class is the representation of why the UTRGV School of Medicine opened its doors to the Valley," said Dr. Everardo Cobos, interim dean. "The School of Medicine was created exactly for what we are celebrating today: the opportunity to don the white coat here at home."

Read more here.

The UTRGV School of Medicine and the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, hosted a Pancreatic Cancer Retreat to address one of the region's deadliest forms of cancer.

The retreat united researchers, clinicians, and leaders from both institutions to share updates, explore collaborations, and align efforts in the fight against pancreatic cancer, an illness on the rise in South Texas.

Dr. Lei Zheng, executive director of the Mays Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration while introducing partners from the Canopy Cancer Collective, a national network dedicated to improving pancreatic cancer outcomes.

UTRGV Interim Dean Dr. Everardo Cobos and Dr. Subhash Chauhan, director of the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, noted the retreat's value in shaping long-term solutions, especially with the upcoming opening of the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center.

Faculty and staff from the UTRGV School of Medicine and UMAN (Universidad México Americana del Norte) in Reynosa, Mexico, collaborate to provide care to patients along the border.

Among its patients was a young woman diagnosed with Kallmann Syndrome, who faced significant health and economic challenges.

Without health insurance, she traveled across the border to seek care at CEDIAMET (Centro Especializado en Diabetes y Metabolismo), a non-profit clinic supported by the UMAN, and where one of SOM's faculty members, Juan Lopez Alvarenga, associate professor of Research, volunteers on weekends.

"Kallmann Syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which the cells responsible for producing sex hormones and developing secondary sexual characteristics do not function properly," said Dr. Lopez.

The condition is estimated to affect 1 in 48,000 individuals, with males being diagnosed more frequently than females. Affected individuals do not experience puberty, leading to the absence of menstruation and other typical developmental changes.

"With treatment, our patient has begun menstruation and started developing secondary sexual characteristics, significantly improving her quality of life," he said.

To confirm her diagnosis and better understand her condition, Dr. Lopez aimed to conduct further medical evaluations, including ultrasounds to assess the uterus and ovaries, MRI scans to analyze the presence of olfactory nerves, and molecular testing to identify potential genetic mutations within her family.

"Ideally, we hope to study her entire family to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their genetic health," he said. "Medical networking across the border and community support is crucial to helping this family receive genetic counseling and necessary treatment."

According to Dr. Lopez, early intervention can prevent complications such as osteoporosis and dyslipidemia, which are common in individuals lacking ovarian hormones like estrogen.

"By coming together, we can provide this family with the medical guidance and care they need for a healthier future," he said.

Thank you for your community support, Dr. Lopez!

The Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) hosted its new resident orientation, welcoming the latest resident physicians from the School of Medicine and the School of Podiatric Medicine to the start of an exciting new academic year.

Over two packed days, the newest residents connected with peers, received essential resources, and heard from inspiring speakers who shared valuable insights and advice.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this orientation a warm and informative welcome!

While on pediatric rotation at Driscoll Children's Hospital RGV, MS3 Melissa Cruz, Natasha Quailes, and Sophia Moon had the opportunity to work through a challenging case with Dr. Otto Velasquez, a pediatrician at Driscoll, titled "Revisiting the Differential: Persistent Vomiting in a 6-month-old."

The medical students submitted their findings and were selected to present them at the 2025 Driscoll Pediatric Conference Medical Student Case Report Competition!

They are grateful for the opportunity to share this case and look forward to continuing to make a difference in their community through their work, research, and findings.

Congratulations and best of luck!

The UTRGV School of Medicine’s General Surgery ISU welcomed Girl Scouts of the Greater South Texas Troop #2138 for an engaging and educational visit.

Led by their troop leader, Cyndi Anzaldua, the scouts explored the world of medical education and surgical training.

As part of the department’s ongoing community outreach efforts, the visit introduced them to the rigors and responsibilities of medical school and surgical residency. They toured the surgical skills simulation lab, where they participated in interactive, hands-on activities designed to spark interest in science and medicine.

It was an inspiring day of learning and discovery, and we were honored to help cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Thank you to those who participated!

Congratulations to the students in our pre-med pipeline programs for successfully completing their Summer I Internship at UTRGV!