By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 23, 2025 – The clock strikes 3 a.m., and before the sun rises over the quiet stretches of the Rio Grande Valley, Smaran Marupudi is already starting his day.

Marupudi, a rising third year medical student at the UTRGV School of Medicine, is working toward one of the most competitive specialties in the country: dermatology. With limited hours in the day, Marupudi begins before sunrise, making time for both the demands of medical school and the outreach projects he values.

His motivation, he says, began early in life.

“Like many teens, I had issues with my skin and I made frequent visits to dermatology offices,” he said. “Those visits opened my eyes to the impact dermatology can have, not just in treating conditions, but also in restoring confidence and comfort in one’s own skin.”

This May, during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Marupudi is using his passion to raise awareness and promote prevention, especially in sun-drenched areas like the Valley.

WHY AWARENESS MATTERS

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans expected to develop it in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Early detection leads to high survival rates, but prevention and awareness are key.

“In the Valley, we see many individuals with significant sun exposure due to their jobs or lifestyle,” said Dr. Maria Villegas, adult and pediatric dermatologist at UT Health RGV and assistant professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine. “Unfortunately, many don’t recognize the signs of skin cancer or think it could happen to them.”

Villegas, who mentors Marupudi, said education is essential.

“We need voices like Smaran’s, students who are driven not just by medicine, but by outreach and advocacy,” she said.

PURPOSE THROUGH PREVENTION

Marupudi said the support he has found at the UTRGV School of Medicine has helped him launch meaningful initiatives.

“One thing I love about UTRGV is how accessible the faculty are. It’s not just about exams but about becoming the doctor your community needs,” he said.

During Operation Border Health Preparedness, a large-scale public health event, Marupudi and fellow UTRGV medical student Natasha Quailes joined Villegas in providing free skin cancer screenings to underserved communities.

As they screened patients, he noticed patterns: unnoticed sun damage, delayed care, and misunderstandings about skin health.

“I realized so many cases could be avoided or caught earlier with better education and preventive tools,” he said.

To address that, he and his classmate Jared Hensley co-founded Sun Smart Leaders, a student-led initiative that combines sun-safety education with early exposure to careers in medicine.

At one of their first events at the Harlingen School of Health Professions, students learned about skin health and even practiced suturing with medical students.

“It was important to me to make dermatology feel accessible, both as a health topic and as a career,” he said. “We want students to know they have the power to take care of their skin and to imagine themselves in white coats one day.”

STAYING SUN SAFE

Villegas recommends simple but crucial steps:

• Use sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher).
• Wear protective clothing.
• Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Perform regular skin checks.
• Never ignore a sunburn.

Villegas says even minor adjustments can greatly improve skin health, a message that resonates with Marupudi as he works toward a future where sun safety is part of everyday conversation.

“Becoming a doctor isn’t just about treating patients, but also about shaping public health and making a lasting impact on society,” he said. “If I can help just one person avoid a serious diagnosis by starting the conversation early, then I know I’m on the right path.”