UTRGV School of Medicine dean elected Master of the American College of Physicians

By Saira Cabrera

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 15, 2026 – Dr. Everardo Cobos, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, has been elected a Master of the American College of Physicians (MACP), one of internal medicine’s highest honors, for his contributions to patient care, medical education and the profession.

He is among 66 physicians worldwide, including five from Texas, selected for the ACP’s 2026-27 class of Masters.

RECOGNITION FROM PEERS

Mastership recognizes physicians whose careers demonstrate exceptional integrity and significant contributions to medicine through patient care, education, research, leadership, health policy and service. Candidates are nominated by their peers and approved by the ACP Board of Regents.

“This is a deeply meaningful honor because it comes from colleagues within the profession that has shaped my life and career,” Cobos said. “I am grateful to those who nominated and supported me, and I share this recognition with the students, residents, fellows, faculty colleagues and patients who have made my career in academic medicine so rewarding.”

A board-certified hematologist and oncologist, Cobos has spent more than four decades in academic medicine as a clinician, educator, researcher, mentor and institutional leader. He joined UTRGV in 2023 as professor and chair of the Department of Medicine and Oncology and was appointed dean of the School of Medicine in February 2026.

A LEGACY TAKING ROOT

At UTRGV, Cobos helps guide the growth of the School of Medicine and the broader health affairs enterprise.

“Dr. Cobos has dedicated his career to advancing medicine while investing in the people who will carry that work forward,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “His recognition by the American College of Physicians reflects the depth of his contributions as a physician, educator and leader, and we are proud to have that experience guiding the UTRGV School of Medicine.”

Brian Dean, executive vice president of the UTRGV Division of Health Affairs, emphasized Cobos’ influence on medical training and the region’s health care workforce.

“His career reflects the kind of leadership that strengthens an entire health care ecosystem through excellence in patient care, education, research and mentorship,” Dean said. “This recognition is a reflection of the lasting impact he has made on the physicians and learners he has mentored and his leadership in building a stronger health care workforce for South Texas.”

Cobos’ recognition adds to a legacy of leadership in academic medicine in South Texas. Dr. James F. Hanley III, a former UTRGV faculty member and longtime leader in internal medicine education in the Rio Grande Valley, was elected to Mastership in 2016.

BUILDING WHAT COMES NEXT

Founded in 2016, the UTRGV School of Medicine continues to expand medical education, residency training, biomedical research and specialty health care throughout South Texas.

“I am especially proud to receive this recognition while serving UTRGV and the people of the Rio Grande Valley,” Cobos said. “Our School of Medicine is still young, but it is home to outstanding physicians, scientists, educators, staff and trainees whose work reflects the strength and promise of this institution. I am privileged to serve alongside them.”

For Cobos, the honor marks another chapter in a career shaped by the patients he has helped, physicians he has mentored and communities he has served.

Cobos will be formally recognized during the ACP Convocation, held as part of ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2027, April 15-17 in Los Angeles.