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    Founded in 2013, the UTRGV School of Medicine educates students and graduate physicians, provides patient care, and performs advanced scientific research.

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    The UTRGV School of Medicine offers an innovative, competency-based medical education to create the future leaders in medicine, research, and patient care.

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    UTRGV School of Medicine (SOM) is transforming and enriching the lives of the people of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

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    With over 15 departments and institutes, discover how the UTRGV School of Medicine is transforming medical education, patient care and research.

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    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • Institute of Neuroscience
    • Internal Medicine
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    • Neuroscience
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Surgery
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Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity


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Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity

Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the mission of The UTRGV School of Medicine is to educate a diverse group of students and future biomedical scientists. That is why we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all UTRGV School of Medicine faculty, students, residents, fellows and staff.

By creating a more inclusive academic medicine community, we will fulfill our vision to be a leader in the creation of a diverse and representative workforce, the stimulation of biomedical innovation, and the delivery of patient-centered care for the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

UTRGV SOM Endorsement of AAMC Diversity & Inclusion Definitions

School Endorsement of AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion Definitions

To complement our school-specific definition of diversity, we also ask our faculty and staff to recognize the operable and formal definitions of diversity, inclusion and health equity established through extensive collaboration and deliberation of the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Diversity and Inclusion: Through extensive collaboration and deliberation, the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Diversity and Inclusion established the below-listed definitions of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity, which have become operable formal definitions for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.

Diversity 
  • Diversity as a core value embodies inclusiveness, mutual respect, and multiple perspectives and serves as a catalyst for change resulting in health equity. In this context, we are mindful of all aspects of human differences such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability, and age.

Inclusion

  • Inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity. Inclusion is achieved by nurturing the climate and culture of the institution through professional development, education, policy, and practice. The objective is creating a climate that fosters belonging, respect, and value for all and encourages engagement and connection throughout the institution and community.

Health Equity

  • Health equity is when everyone has the opportunity to attain their full health potential, and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstance. 

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Diversity Programs

Diversity Programs

Diversity Categories

Diversity Categories

Diversity Strategic Plan

Diversity Strategic Plan

Diversity Policy

Diversity Policy

Caring for Our Community

Caring for Our Community

Reports and Data

Reports and Data

Diversity Team Diversity in Action Diversity Education Series

Diversity Leadership (SOM)

Sofia Hernandez, MPA


Sofia Hernandez, MPA
Chief Diversity Officer
Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity

 

Portrait photo of Dr. Valdez wearing red dress

Adela Valdez, MD, MBA
Associate Dean
Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity
Welcome Message

Contact

Sofia Hernandez
Chief Diversity Officer
Email: Sofia.Hernandez@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1951

Resources

  • For Students
  • For Faculty
  • Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
  • Non-Discrimination and Complaint Procedure
  • Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Office of Institutional Equity Division of Operations

Helpful Links

  • Diversity & Inclusion Education Series
  • Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity
  • Student Mistreatment
  • UTRGV Center for Diversity and Inclusion
  • Faculty Development Calendar

Campus Locations


Edinburg

1201 West University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78501
(956) 296-1600

Harlingen

2102 Treasure Hills Boulevard,
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 296-1600

Brownsville

One West University Boulevard,
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 296-1600

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