Welcome to the Institute of Neuroscience
The Institute of Neuroscience (ION) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine is a world-class center of excellence in brain health education, research, and personalized treatment serving the Rio Grande Valley community and beyond.
Transforming Brain Health in the Rio Grande Valley and Beyond
The Vision for the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience is to transform brain health in the Rio Grande Valley and Beyond and act as a catalyst for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary excellence in research, education, clinical care, and community partnership to advance brain health.
Faculty at the Institute of Neuroscience include nationally and internationally renowned scientists and master clinicians from several departments at the UTRGV School of Medicine, including Departments of Neuroscience, Human Genetics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Behavioral Health and Internal Medicine. Their expertise includes neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, bipolar disorder, early psychosis, addiction, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders and brain injuries among others. It also includes molecular geneticists, biomedical engineers, cognitive neuroscientists and expertise in neuroimaging and neuromodulations.
The Institute of Neuroscience houses an advanced neuroimaging suite that includes a 3T MRI and CT/PET scan machines as well as an infusion suite that can accommodate four patients simultaneously. ION houses a Clinical Research Unit with a dedicated clinical research laboratory and sample processing space, and a dedicated research pharmacy in addition to several medical and behavioral examination rooms, and small and medium-size meeting rooms. Additionally, ION also houses two neuromodulation laboratories dedicated to neuropsychiatric disorders and neurorehabilitation research, and an active community outreach program. ION also hosts the Department of Neurology and the Department of Neuroscience.
Research at the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience (ION):
The UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience participates in world-class clinical and scientific research in the areas of:
- Addiction & Mood Disorders
- Alzheimer Disease
- Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
- Depression and Alcohol Use Disorders
- Neuromodulation Research
- Epilepsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Stroke Recovery
View Current Research at ION
Clinical Trials and Research:
In addition to treating neurological issues, our scientists conduct multidisciplinary research to develop our understanding of the functions and mechanisms that impact brain health. From clinical trials to advance medical science, some of the research at ION will focus on experimental treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke recovery, and involve medical students in the research.
If you are interested in participating in a research study, complete our online form below.
Participate in a Research Study
Education
At the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience, our faculty and staff are dedicated to educating the next generation of neuroscience leaders, with emphasis on under-represented minorities, for the Rio Grande Valley and the nation through high-quality professional and graduate degree programs in the biomedical sciences.
Additionally, medical students will be able to train with world-class faculty, physicians, and research scientists as people in South Texas will be able to get diagnosed and treated close to home. The UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience will open a broader pathway to brain health and provide the expert access to healthcare everyone should have.
Our Educational Programs
Patient Care
In affiliation with our UT Health RGV clinical program, our world-renowned neurologists, other clinical specialists, and scientists work together to create personalized diagnostic and treatment plans for every patient. The Institute of Neuroscience provides the highest-quality neurological care and cutting-edge research in the Rio Grande Valley.
To make an appointment or find a doctor, please visit our UT Health RGV Institute of Neuroscience website to view all services and treatments available.
UT Health RGV Institute of Neuroscience
News
As UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience opens, director Salloum stresses healthcare access for the Valley
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – When Dr. Ihsan M. Salloum arrived in the Rio Grande Valley in August 2020, his hope was to contribute to big improvements in healthcare.
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UTRGV’s Institute of Neuroscience poised to provide innovative medical services for South Texas
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – The UTRGV School of Medicine is expanding crucial medical services for the Rio Grande Valley with its Institute of Neuroscience (ION), set to open Oct. 26 in Harlingen.
Read MoreDirector
Ihsan M. Salloum, MD, MPH, DLFAPA
Director, Institute of Neuroscience
Contact
Ihsan M. Salloum, MD, MPH, DLFAPA
Sujata G. Krishnan Endowed Chair;
Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long Distinguished Professor;
Director, Institute of Neuroscience;
Founding Chair, Department for Neuroscience, UTRGV School of Medicine
Email:Ihsan.Salloum@utrgv.edu
Nora Campos
Administrative Coordinator
Email:Nora.Campos@utrgv.edu
Phone:(956) 296-5525
Michael Dobbs, MD, MHCM
Professor & Chair, Neurology
Medical Director, Institute of Neuroscience
Chief Medical Officer, UT Health RGV
Email:Michael.Dobbs@utrgv.edu
Amanda Mercado
Administrative Analyst
Department of Neurology
Email:Amanda.Merchado01@utrgv.edu
Phone:(956) 296-1537
