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UTRGV School of Medicine awarded $8M for first, largest genome modeling study
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently awarded the UTRGV School of Medicine's Department of Human Genetics $8 million to conduct the first and largest study of its kind into environmental impacts on genotype.
- Tuesday, September 19, 2023
- School of Medicine and Vice President for Health Affairs
Welcome from the Dean
It is a great privilege to join The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. UTRGV and the SOM are having a significant impact on the region through innovative medical education programs, advanced research, and high-quality clinical services. We develop medical students, residents, and scientists into the future providers and leaders who will advance our mission: improving the healthcare of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
We achieve our mission through education, clinical care, discovery, leadership, and service. At UTRGV SOM, we are developing the next generation of servant leaders, diverse physicians and scientists, and compassionate healthcare providers. We have medical residents and fellows serving in 19 hospital-based training programs across the Rio Grande Valley, and new programs underway to meet the region’s demand for quality primary and specialty care physicians.
We will positively impact the lives of so many by taking care of the people of the Rio Grande Valley - now and in the future. Being named Dean of this school with such an important mission is an incredible honor. I see my purpose as being a servant leader in providing support to the incredibly talented students, faculty, and staff who impact the patients of the RGV. The UTRGV SOM is an evolving medical school I am privileged to be part of SOM’s transformative growth and ability to offer expert training to its diverse learners.
I look forward to welcoming you to UTRGV SOM and empowering you to find your niche in medical research and clinical training. Through a strong commitment to serving the needs of the community, quality education, and patient care, we will transform the region.
Michael B. Hocker, MD, MHS
Dean, UTRGV School of Medicine

222
MEDICAL STUDENTS

249
RESIDENTS & FELLOWS

166
FACULTY MEMBERS

56
PHD SCIENTISTS
Education and Admissions
Resources
Research
At UTRGV School of Medicine, our research teams are conducting innovative medical research to improve the quality of health for families of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. We are advancing multidisciplinary research at all of our labs and institutes across the Rio Grande Valley to help bring new treatments and medical advances for improving health care.
Explore ResearchPatient Care
UT Health RGV, the clinical practice of the UTRGV School of Medicine, offers a variety of primary and specialty care services to people of all ages. With over 120 board certified and fellowship-trained doctors providing more than 30 medical specialties across 20 locations valley wide, discover how UT Health RGV is transforming the quality of patient care in the RGV.
Visit UT Health RGVCommunity
The UTRGV School of Medicine is dedicated to building a healthier and stronger community. Our initiatives such as the UniMovil mobile health clinic and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) provide primary and preventative care services to patients in medically underserved areas as part of our mission to improve the health of individuals and families in the Rio Grande Valley.
Learn MoreDiversity and Inclusion
The UTRGV School of Medicine provides a diverse and inclusive environment for all UTRGV School of Medicine faculty, students, and staff. Our focus is to attract and support individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to achieve excellence and foster innovation in education, research, and patient care.

News
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d/Deaf UTRGV medical student works toward impact on deaf community
- Courtney Austin spent her childhood in the doctor's office, where they made her feel she could do anything she put her mind to.
- Wednesday, September 13, 2023
- School of Medicine and Vice President for Health Affairs
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UTRGV med student conducting urological research aimed at helping underrepresented community
- A fourth-year medical student at the UTRGV School of Medicine is conducting urological research that may translate to better understanding and treatment for an underrepresented community. Simita Gaglani has always known her career path was in...
- Friday, September 08, 2023
- School of Medicine and Vice President for Health Affairs