By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – FEB. 5, 2025 – As we continue through 2025, the UTRGV School of Medicine is building on its momentum and advancing its mission to transform healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley.

Last year, 2024, marked a period of breakthroughs, innovative ideas and bold strides for the medical school. From expanding healthcare access to pioneering new research in Alzheimer’s, cancer and diabetes, the UTRGV School of Medicine tackled the Rio Grande Valley’s unique health challenges head-on.

PROGRESS IN MEDICAL EDUCATION

This past year, the UTRGV School of Medicine welcomed its ninth cohort and expanded residency programs, including internal medicine, in collaboration with HCA Gulf Coast Division. The Class of 2028 joined students from diverse backgrounds with a common mission: to serve the unserved and transform the community's healthcare needs together. 

A $17.5 million grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which supported the growth of residency programs throughout the Valley, enhanced opportunities for resident physicians at the UTRGV School of Medicine.

Programs like the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program and other initiatives are fostering a new generation of homegrown physicians, ensuring that talented students from the Valley can pursue their dreams of becoming doctors while remaining connected to the communities they aim to serve.

“As part of the first cohort of the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program, I knew as a senior in high school that UTRGV was my next destination,” said Kaitlyn Dianne Ybanez, a student in the Class of 2028. “I also share the mission of the UTRGV School of Medicine: to provide and enhance medical care for our community. I am beyond excited to serve the place I call home.”

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The UTRGV School of Medicine proudly welcomed its Class of 2028. Among the new students is Kaitlyn Dianne Ybanez, a Rio Grande Valley native inspired by the optimism of physicians in her life. She aspires to advocate for healthcare education in her hometown community. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

RESEARCH MILESTONES

In 2024, researchers at the UTRGV School of Medicine achieved major breakthroughs in addressing chronic conditions prevalent in the RGV. The establishment of the Center for Human Genetics marked a significant milestone.

“Our work on imaging genomics is critical for understanding diabetes and obesity, but also brain disorders and liver diseases, which are closely tied to metabolic health,” said Dr. Sarah Williams-Blangero, chief of the Division of Human Genetics and director of the South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute. “Now we can conduct these studies here in the Valley instead of relying on facilities elsewhere.”

Cancer research has also progressed, fueled by an $18.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI). The grant will focus on breast, liver, cervical and colon cancers, which are the leading causes of cancer deaths in the Rio Grande Valley.

“This grant will allow us to establish the first biomedical research facility of its kind in the region, offering a unique opportunity to address these health inequities and improve outcomes for the 1.3 million Valley residents,” said Dr. Subhash Chauhan, director of the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research and principal grant investigator.

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UTRGV opens its new Center for Human Genetics Building on the Brownsville Campus 

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LOOKING AHEAD

In 2025, the UTRGV School of Medicine will continue to build on its successes. The UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center is set to open later this year, providing cutting-edge treatments and expanding access to care in the region. Additionally, through innovative programs in academic medicine and hands-on training in the underserved areas of the Valley, students will gain valuable experience while addressing critical healthcare gaps and further transforming the region's health.

“The opening of our cancer center is a significant step in fulfilling our commitment to transforming healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Dr. Michael Hocker, UTRGV School of Medicine dean and senior vice president of UT Health RGV.  “By providing comprehensive cancer care here in our community, we alleviate the necessity for Valley residents to endure the hardships of traveling outside the region for essential healthcare services.” 

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Valley native bringing advanced oncology services to UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center

Graduate Medical Education physicians are having an impact on healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV Valley physician brings innovative depression therapy to Valley patients 

Serving Our Own: UTRGV School of Medicine’s Student-Run Clinic providing free healthcare services to underserved communities

Researchers at the Center for Human Genetics will investigate the genetic factors contributing to prevalent diseases in the Rio Grande Valley, such as diabetes and obesity. Their goal is to enhance the health and quality of life for local residents. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)