By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – NOV. 13, 2024 – Dr. Mohammed Razzaque, professor of Medical Education at the UTRGV School of Medicine, understands that knowledge is just the first step in making a difference in a medical student's education. He believes that true success comes with the impact students have on the community.

Razzaque, with a diverse academic background that includes institutions like Harvard University, and international experiences in Japan, Rwanda, Belgium and Kazakhstan, has learned the importance of fostering global perspectives in medical education. 

Now a faculty member at the UTRGV School of Medicine, Razzaque is committed to implementing global, innovative teaching methods that will prepare students to tackle the complexities of modern healthcare and apply them directly from the classroom to the clinic. 

CONTINUOUS LEARNING MINDSET 

His approach to education goes beyond the traditional classroom; teaching for him is about instilling a continuous learning mindset, "no matter where you might be."

"My goal is to ensure that our educational programs have a lasting impact by enhancing patient care and increasing global health awareness," Razzaque said. "Our school has talented students who all have the potential to become healthcare leaders."

As part of his work at Harvard, Razzaque participated in the Human Resources for Health (HRH) Program in Rwanda, East Africa. The program, developed in response to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, an ethnic group of the African Great Lakes region, aimed to rebuild a healthcare system devastated by conflict.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the conflict resulted in the physical destruction of hospitals as well as the displacement of more than 80% of the country's healthcare providers.

As part of that program, Razzaque mentored Rwandan health professionals and worked to establish sustainable healthcare training projects that could endure long after the initial intervention.

He said the experience shaped his approach to medical education, which he now brings to the UTRGV School of Medicine.

“As healthcare providers, it's in our nature to help people," he said. "The experience showed me the profound difference that strategic education and mentorship can make in underserved areas. It reinforced the idea that, by applying these insights, we can address health challenges abroad and in regions like the Rio Grande Valley."  

This global mindset, Razzaque said, can equip future healthcare leaders to make a tangible difference in the communities they serve.

CULTIVATING FUTURE LEADERS

At the UTRGV School of Medicine, Razzaque sees immense potential for improved care in a historically medically underserved region.

He believes preparing medical students to meet the needs of the Valley is not just about creating physicians.

"It’s also about cultivating future leaders who are deeply committed to the health and well-being of their communities," Razzaque said.

Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president of UT Health RGV, said Razzaque's dedication to shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders is part of the school's mission to transform healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley.  

"Dr. Razzaque's commitment to excellence in education and research is an incredible asset to our institution," he said. "His global experience and innovative approach are helping to transform medical education at UTRGV."

As part of the school's mission to transform the health of the Valley and beyond, Razzaque hopes to share his global perspectives and motivate his medical students to have a local impact.

"The healthcare profession demands dedication and resilience," he said. "Always remember that the primary purpose of medical education and research is to alleviate suffering and improve health by making a lasting local impact in your communities."