A Future Built on Possibility: UTRGV medical student finds her voice in medicine

By Saira Cabrera

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 6, 2026 – Long before she stepped into a hospital as a medical student, Courtney Austin learned what it meant to be heard — even in silence. 

As a child who is deaf, she spent countless hours in doctors' offices, navigating a world that often struggled to understand her. But instead of limits, she found something else entirely: possibility. 

"I spent a lot of time with physicians who made me feel like I could do and be anything," Austin said.  

Now, years later, she is preparing to become one of them. Austin, a fourth-year medical student at the UTRGV School of Medicine, has matched into pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, where she will continue her training in a highly selective program focused on caring for children with complex needs.  

Her journey — as a Black, deaf woman in medicine — is one defined not only by perseverance, but by purpose. 

DIFFERENT PATH, SAME CALLING 

Austin's path to medicine was not always certain. For a time, she wondered whether the field would fully accept her. But those doubts were reshaped by personal experience, including a car accident involving her father, which exposed her to the realities of patient care, advocacy and the gaps that still exist in the health care system.   

"It inspired me to take the initiative in my goals and use that experience to make a difference," she said.   

At UTRGV, she found a place where that purpose could grow. Drawn by the school's mission and its deep connection to the community, Austin said she found more than an education — she found belonging. 

"Everyone is rooting for our success," she said. "There are always opportunities to serve the Rio Grande Valley and immerse yourself in the community."   

USING HER VOICE — IN HER OWN WAY 

Throughout medical school, Austin has not only learned how to care for patients — she has helped redefine what that care can look like. In clinical settings, she advocates accessibility. She encourages colleagues to face her when speaking, use clear masks when needed, and ensure communication remains open and inclusive.   

Her presence alone is transformative. In a field where representation remains limited — particularly for Black physicians and those with disabilities — Austin is helping expand what is possible for those who will follow. 

"I want to create a space where people feel comfortable and accommodated," she said.  

Her impact is already reaching beyond the clinic. Following a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Austin's story resonated with audiences nationwide, including families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. For many, seeing her meant believing in something new. "I showed it to my child, and they were amazed," was shared during the program. "They thought, 'I can do this too.'"  

A FUTURE BUILT ON POSSIBILITY 

As the UTRGV School of Medicine prepares to celebrate commencement on May 9 at the UTRGV Performing Arts Center, marking a decade since welcoming its first class, students like Austin represent the very mission the school was built to fulfill. 

Dr. Everardo Cobos, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, said her journey reflects the power of academic medicine to transform lives and communities. 

"Our students are not only learning how to practice medicine; they are redefining it," Cobos said. "Courtney's story is a powerful reminder that representation, resilience and purpose can change the future of health care."  

For Austin, that future is already in motion. Her goal is simple, but profound: to ensure that patients, especially those who have felt unseen or unheard, know they belong. 

"Don't focus on what you can't do," she said. "Focus on how you can do it."  

And as she prepares to walk the stage this May, one thing is certain: her journey is not defined by silence, but by the voices she is helping others find. 

On The Jennifer Hudson Show, fourth-year UTRGV School of Medicine student Courtney Austin, who will graduate Saturday, May 9, shared her journey as a Black, deaf future physician and her commitment to increasing representation and accessibility in medicine, resonating with audiences nationwide. Pictured: Dr. Ebone Bady, pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT) head and neck surgeon, and Austin’s mentor; Austin and Jennifer Hudson. (Courtesy Photo)