Meet Cristina Zapata, a UTRGV Unsung Hero

Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

Cristina Zapata, a Medical Simulation Specialist at UTRGV's Clinical Skills Center in Edinburg, plays a vital role in medical students' hands-on training. With eight years at UTRGV, she sets up task trainers, manages simulation recordings, and sometimes steps in as a Standardized Patient.

Zapata finds fulfillment in interacting with students and contributing to their learning experience. Her deep connection to UTRGV’s mission and the impact on the Rio Grande Valley drives her commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
Currently, I am a Medical Simulation Specialist here at the Clinical Skills Center (Medical Education Building).

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I just completed my eighth year in March.

DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY:
It depends on the day. Most days, I am either setting up task trainers for our medical students, running our Simulation IQ platform that records all student-patient encounters, or, on rare occasions, stepping in as a Standardized Patient.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is interacting with our students each week as they encounter various scenarios with task trainers or standardized patients.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY OR STORY ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
Being a part of the students' activities is my favorite. I love being involved in their hands-on training experience.

TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
Most people don’t know that I used to be a Standardized Patient myself before becoming the Standardized Patient Educator, and now I am a Medical Simulation Specialist.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
I believe in UTRGV and its mission and the good it brings to the RGV. My family and friends are here, so being part of the School of Medicine and contributing to the training of future health professionals means a lot to me. Knowing my loved ones are in the hands of capable and compassionate healthcare providers is why I am committed to my job.