By Saira Cabrera

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 12, 2025 – Since the UTRGV School of Medicine opened its doors nearly a decade ago, almost 300 medical students have graduated, and Saturday’s commencement added 50 more to this esteemed group.

The May 10 celebration at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg officially marked the transition from medical students to doctors. The ceremony featured the graduates walking across the stage to receive their Doctor of Medicine degrees in front of family and loved ones, highlighting the school's ongoing commitment to serving the Valley and beyond. 

"Class of 2025, you are a testament to our promise to train diverse and talented physician-scientists for the benefit of our region and beyond. This is proof that what starts in academic medicine changes the future of medicine," said Dr. Everardo Cobos, interim dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine.

The 50 students from the school’s sixth cohort will now participate in medical residencies across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas and the nation. 

The May 10 ceremony at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex celebrated the transition from medical students to doctors, with graduates receiving their Doctor of Medicine degrees in front of family and friends. Pictured is Dr. Everardo Cobos, interim dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, presenting Myung-Jin Cha with her diploma. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez Zuniga)

FEELING OF GRATITUDE

Dressed in his black and green regalia, graduating medical student Hector Trejo shared his profound appreciation for reaching this major accomplishment.

“What an overwhelming feeling of gratitude,” said Trejo, a Valley native of San Carlos who will become a practicing internal medicine resident physician. “I am filled with an undeniable sense of honor and responsibility.” 

Another appreciative graduate is Carlos Cisneros, who will be a pathology resident physician at the University of Colorado Denver.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity the School of Medicine provided me as a medical student to return after undergrad to care for the community that raised me,” Cisneros said. “I will use my training and experiences here to represent the Valley well.”

NOBLE PURSUIT OF MEDICINE

In his remarks to the Class of 2025, Cobos reminded the graduates of the significance of their “longer white coats,” a symbol worn only by practicing physicians.

“In this noble pursuit of medicine, you must remember that it is not merely a symbol of authority or distinction. What you are receiving today is your affirmation to accept the responsibility that comes with this profession,” Cobos said. “It is a sacred oath that you are embracing, to serve humanity with unwavering empathy, humility and steadfast commitment.” 

All smiles after receiving their diplomas at the UTRGV School of Medicine Commencement are Class of 2025 members Andrew Ryan Kolodziej and Dr. Toluwani Oluwatise Akinpelu. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez Zuniga)

EAGERNESS TO SERVE

Shuaibahmed Arab, a graduating medical student from Plano, stood proudly in his regalia, ready for the future and prepared to serve his community. Arab is headed to Spartanburg Medical Center in South Carolina for a general surgery residency.

"Every experience and opportunity provided by the UTRGV School of Medicine has made me who I am today,” said Arab. “I feel confident in my abilities to continue into residency and perform at an exceptional level. Not only as a resident, but also as a contributing member to my community.” 

The medical graduates, including Victoria Jacobsen, from The Woodlands, are about to embark on their medical residency programs this month, marking a new phase in their careers. 

“The past four years of medical school have shaped me in ways I didn't know I needed,” said Jacobsen, who will practice in a pediatrics residency. “This journey has transformed me into a more passionate, skillful and cognizant person.”

Reflecting on this significant achievement, Anthony Alanis from Houston said he is grateful for the support of family and loved ones, not just on this big day, but throughout the years. 

“I will always remember the beautiful smiles that packed this auditorium today,” said Alanis, who will join a radiation oncology residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Also, sharing in Alanis’s joy was Brownsville native Nura Salhadar, who will soon begin an internal medicine residency at Florida International University.  

“Congrats, Class of 2025, we did it,” Salhadar said. 

Celebrating the graduation of 50 new doctors this Saturday, the UTRGV School of Medicine has now seen nearly 300 students graduate since its opening nearly a decade ago. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez Zuniga)