Welcome to the Department of Surgery
Welcome to the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine. Our department includes an exceptional and diverse team of surgical care providers who utilize their world-class expertise in general, bariatric, endocrine, and trauma surgery to deliver compassionate, thorough, and efficient patient care and provide up-to-date training for medical students and surgical residents.
We are committed to meeting the surgical specialty needs of patients in South Texas with state-of-the-art surgical techniques, medical facilities, and resources while supporting advanced academic and clinical research.
Mission
Our mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive surgical care through increased community access to specialized surgical services, innovative research, and the education and training of future surgeons.
Vision
To lead the advancement of general and specialty surgical care through accessibility, education, training, and scientific discovery.
Values
The Department of Surgery is dedicated to:
- Serving the Rio Grande Valley community through compassionate and high-quality general and specialty surgical care.
- Exceptionally educating, training, and inspiring medical students and surgical residents.
- Conducting innovative scientific research in the surgical field.
Education
At the UTRGV School of Medicine Department of Surgery, our faculty and staff are creating the next generation of surgical leaders with innovative educational, research, and residency programs that balance a strong academic core with an exceptional community experience.
Our Educational Programs
Department Chair

Daniel Albo, MD, PhD, FACS
Contact
Maria Polanco Contreras
Assistant to the Clinical Chair
Department of Surgery
Email Department
Phone: (956) 296-1449