By Saira Cabrera

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – FEB. 6, 2026 – Before Dr. Everardo Cobos donned a white coat and led cancer programs nationwide, he spent weekends with his father, a gardener, learning discipline, humility and pride in hard work under the blazing sun. 

Those values shaped his medical career and leadership at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he was recently appointed dean of the School of Medicine, effective Feb. 1. Cobos has served as interim dean since summer 2025.

CREATED TO SERVE

Cobos' journey – from an immigrant family in the El Paso border community to the highest academic leadership role at the School of Medicine – mirrors the aspirations of many Valley-native students the school was created to serve. 

"Dr. Cobos embodies what this medical school stands for," said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. "He understands this community because he comes from a community like it. His leadership, experience and compassion position us well to continue transforming health care in the Rio Grande Valley."

A board-certified hematologist and oncologist, Cobos also serves as chair of the Department of Medicine and Oncology and practices with UT Health RGV.

His career spans more than four decades in academic medicine, oncology and institutional leadership, including service at UCLA, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Kern Medical, as well as prior leadership of oncology programs across Texas. 

As interim dean, Cobos guided the School of Medicine through a pivotal period of growth and led one of the most significant milestones in Valley health care: the opening of the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center in McAllen. The center brings comprehensive, academic-level cancer care closer to home for a region long burdened by high cancer rates and limited access to specialty services.

THE NEXT DECADE

"This school exists because talent is everywhere, but opportunity has not always been," Cobos said. "Our mission is to train physicians who understand this region, stay rooted here and serve with excellence and compassion."

Since opening in 2016, the UTRGV School of Medicine has graduated nearly 300 physicians, many of whom remain in South Texas. Its Graduate Medical Education programs have trained more than 400 resident physicians across multiple specialties, building a pipeline of Valley-made doctors committed to underserved communities.

Cobos' appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as the School of Medicine celebrates its 10th anniversary and prepares for another decade of growth, impact and service to the Rio Grande Valley.

During the 2026 State of the School in January, Cobos outlined an ambitious vision for the School of Medicine's next phase of growth, emphasizing expansion in clinical services, research, graduate medical education, and increasing medical student enrollment as the UTRGV Division of Health Affairs becomes fully established. 

THEY BELONG HERE

Brian Dean, interim executive vice president for Health Affairs, said Cobos' appointment reflects both trust and momentum.

"Dr. Cobos leads with empathy and purpose," Dean said. "His story resonates deeply with our students, our faculty and our patients – and his vision will guide the School of Medicine into its next decade." 

For Cobos, the appointment is both professional and personal. 

"I see myself in our students," he said. "Many are first-generation. Many come from border communities. If my story shows them anything, I hope it's that they belong here – and that this school exists for them."

With Cobos as dean, university leaders say the UTRGV School of Medicine remains firmly committed to its founding promise: transforming health care in the Rio Grande Valley by creating opportunity, advancing discovery and serving the community that shaped it.