Welcome to the Department of Population Health & Biostatistics
Our department works with clinic and community partners to translate new discoveries into clinical and preventive practice in the Rio Grande Valley population with the goal of improving the overall health of this U.S. - Mexico border region.
About
The Department of Population Health and Biostatistics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is dedicated to the study of social determinants of health with particular emphasis on the population of the Rio Grande Valley, a region that possesses exceptional natural beauty. Its population is predominately Hispanic and known for its strong family values, rich binational heritage, as well as suffering disproportionately from chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
The Department’s research expands on existing studies, conducts new research in population health ensuring strong biostatistical approaches are used to make new discoveries. The department works with clinic and community partners to translate new discoveries into clinical and preventive practice in the Rio Grande Valley population with the goal of improving the overall health of this U.S. – Mexico border region.
Department Chair
Leonel Vela, MD, MPH
Contact
Syndi Ortiz
Assistant to the Clinical Chair
Population Health & Biostatistics
HCEBL 3.124
Email: Syndi.Ortiz@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1460
