By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JUNE 9, 2025 – The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, the first and only school of its kind in Texas, recently welcomed its fourth class of new students, including the school’s first Luminary Scholar.

Leenette Saenz, born and raised in Palmview, Texas, was among the first to receive the Luminary scholarship as a high school senior in 2022. Now 21, and having completed an undergraduate degree in Integrated Health Sciences, she has chosen the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine as the next step of her medical education.

The UTRGV Luminary Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship that enables selected students to pursue their education debt-free. It covers all expenses for undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees, including those at the UTRGV School of Medicine and the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine.

During her undergraduate studies at UTRGV, Saenz volunteered at a nursing home and pediatric clinic, discovering her passion for both elderly and young patients. However, her family experiences in childhood inspired her to specialize in foot and ankle care.

“Throughout my childhood, my grandma would call podiatrists to her house to help my great-grandma, who had been on bed rest due to her toenails inverting,” Saenz said. “When I found out about the School of Podiatric Medicine, I had to apply. I hope to give back to my community the way that podiatrist did.”

FIRST STEPS IN PODIATRY 

Saenz and her classmates, along with their families were welcomed to the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine on May 30 during an Admitted Student Day event. The new students met school leadership at the Clinical Education Building in Harlingen and received an overview of the modular curriculum they will begin in late June. This curriculum includes biomedical foundations, advanced immunology and microbiology and a focus on cardiovascular and respiratory systems, followed by studies of the lower extremity and its biomechanics. 

Those who attended the event toured the university, concluding with a dinner alongside faculty and students from the inaugural SOPM class.

Dr. Reginald Adiele, assistant professor at the School of Podiatric Medicine, welcomed the Class of 2029, emphasizing that faculty are dedicated to supporting them as they transition into medical school. Additionally, students from the inaugural class admitted to SOPM three years ago were present to share their experiences with the new students. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Saenz shared she was excited about meeting her fellow first-year classmates and receiving advice from senior students entering their fourth year.

“I really like that we get to stay with our classmates throughout the four years,” she said. “We will work together, collaborate, study and hopefully grow into great podiatrists.”

MEET THE CLASS OF 2029

While the tour included the various SOPM labs and libraries, one member of the new cohort was already very familiar with the school. Yahia Al-Qudah, 23, was one of the first student assistants at the SOPM Library when it opened. After several semesters assisting the medical students, faculty and staff, he was inspired to apply.

“I knew this was a field that intrigued me,” said Al-Qudah, who is originally from Jordan, and lived in Harlingen for the past 10 years. 

He previously researched the association between alcohol and negative mental health at UTRGV’s Institute of Neuroscience, as well as heat-related illness with the Department of State Health Services in Harlingen.

After shadowing a podiatrist, he felt compelled to pursue his curiosity about the field.

“I’m ready to move on to the different research activities they have here on campus, whether that’s biomechanics or biomedical materials,” he said.

Another member of the Class of 2029 has first-hand experience with biomedical materials. Although Nuvia Cortez had to give up sports in her teens following scoliosis surgery, she is grateful that the titanium rods and screws in her back have allowed her to maintain mobility. This recovery period sparked her interest in medicine.

“I initially wanted to do general medicine, and I did look at other fields of medicine, but I always ended up back at feet,” said Nuvia, who was born in McAllen and raised in Edinburg. “I decided to give it an opportunity, and I liked it.”

After working as a clinical research coordinator at Futuro Clinical Trials with Dr. Joseph Caporusso, a podiatrist in McAllen, she looks forward to learning from the perspective of a medical student and future professional, especially regarding research.

“I've done research as an undergrad and in clinical trials. There are several research projects going on here, so I'm going to investigate those and see what lab I may be able to join,” she said.

Faculty members shared their support with the students, emphasizing their commitment to guiding them throughout their studies. Dr. Javier Cavazos, SOPM assistant professor and associate dean of Academic Affairs, said that the next four years are about building a strong professional foundation based on academic knowledge, technical skills and empathy.

“Trust the process we will take you through over the years,” he advised. “Don’t just look at the destination – enjoy the process and be patient with yourself.

For more information about the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, email SOPMAdmissions@utrgv.edu.

New student Sairakshitha Yalla (right) and her parents speak with UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine faculty during Admitted Students Day on May 30 in Harlingen. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)