Heather Davis-Lopez recognized for work in patient care, education, advocacy and breast health outreach


  Friday, October 9, 2026
  Around Campus, Awards, Health, Faculty Focus, Community, Accolades

By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 9, 2026 – Heather Davis-Lopez, a clinical assistant professor in The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Physician Assistant Studies Program, is one of 15 physician associates named a 2026 America’s Top PA by Point of Care Network (POCN), a professional network for nurse practitioners and physician associates.

Announced during National PA Week, the peer-nominated award recognizes PAs for leadership in patient care, support for peers, education and community service. Davis-Lopez’s work includes caring for patients, advocating for PAs across Texas, promoting breast health in the Rio Grande Valley and preparing future clinicians at UTRGV. 

“Being named one of America’s Top PAs is an incredible honor, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the opportunity to represent the profession and the community that have given me so much,” Davis-Lopez said. “My experiences caring for patients in the Rio Grande Valley have shown me firsthand the challenges many families face in accessing healthcare, but they have also taught me the importance of compassion, connection and meeting patients where they are.”

A certified physician associate with nearly a decade of experience in clinical practice and medical education, Davis-Lopez has worked primarily in urgent care, treating patients of all ages with acute illnesses, injuries and other time-sensitive conditions. Her background also includes pediatrics and occupational medicine.

Davis-Lopez serves as president of the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants. Her advocacy has included legislative engagement and testimony before the Texas House Committee on Public Health.

She also is president and co-founder of the Titi’s Tatas Foundation, established in 2024 after her friend Elvia Gibbs noticed a change during a breast self-exam and was diagnosed with breast cancer, despite having no family history of the disease. Gibbs’ experience prompted the founders to focus on breast health education and access to care in the Valley, including for younger women who may not yet qualify for routine mammograms.

Since its founding, the foundation has directly assisted approximately 100 women with financial support for diagnostic exams, help navigating care after a diagnosis and Warrior Kits for those undergoing treatment. It also has offered free quarterly breast health workshops in 2025 and 2026. 

“Our goal has always been to ensure that women in the Rio Grande Valley feel educated, empowered and supported throughout their breast health journey,” Davis-Lopez said. “If sharing Elvia’s story encourages even one woman to recognize a change in her body and seek medical attention, then we’re fulfilling the mission that inspired us to start this foundation.”

Davis-Lopez joined UTRGV in April 2025 and has taught approximately 226 students across three cohorts. She said her experiences with patients and community advocacy shape how she prepares students for clinical practice.

“I want my students to understand that being a great PA goes beyond knowing the medicine. It means listening to patients, thinking critically, advocating for their needs and recognizing the impact they can have on someone’s life,” she said. 

For Davis-Lopez, the opportunity to teach also means encouraging future PAs to serve the communities that helped shape them.

“My hope is that we inspire them not only to become excellent clinicians, but also to put down roots, give back and continue serving the Rio Grande Valley,” Davis-Lopez said. “To me, that is where the greatest impact of this profession lies.”

 

 UTRGV — The Valley’s University

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is The Valley’s University, deeply rooted in the communities it serves and committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across the region. From keeping a high-quality education affordable and expanding healthcare services to preparing the workforce, advancing research, and supporting economic growth, UTRGV is putting its people, expertise and resources to work for the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley and UTRGV rise together, building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous region.