MD Program


Program Objectives

The UTRGV School of Medicine is committed to providing a forward-thinking medical education experience that graduates physicians dedicated to practicing scientific, evidence-based, and patient-centered medicine in any setting, but particularly in under-served communities. The curriculum provides a unique educational experience that integrates basic science disciplines, clinical skills, and professional development throughout the four-year program by incorporating and promoting:

  • Principles of evidence-based practice and scientific research;
  • Community and population-based health care;
  • Patient advocacy and cultural awareness;
  • Inter-professional collaboration and communication;
  • Ethical and professional behavior;
  • Life-long learning and problem-solving.

The school’s distinctive geographic location at the border of the US and Mexico offers a rich bicultural experience that will afford students with the opportunity to experience and to learn about border medicine and the interplay between the cross-cultural, socio-economic and environmental determinants of health.

Education Program Objectives


The Four-Year Curriculum

The general four-year curriculum is divided into two pre-clerkship years comprised of sequential and longitudinal learning modules and two clerkship years comprised of clerkships, selective clerkships and sub-internships and electives.

Curriculum Schematic


Curriculum Integration:

Woven throughout this four-year integrated curriculum are:

  • Interprofessional Education: Students are given the opportunity to experience interprofessional education and team-based care by working and learning alongside an array of disciplines that include nursing, pharmacy, physician assistants, public health, social work, behavioral health and occupational therapy.
  • Early Clinical Exposure: Students are given the opportunity to participate in direct patient interactions during the pre-clerkship years through venues such as the UTRGV Student-Run Free Clinic, Colonia UniMovil clinics, Operation Lone Stars, health fairs, and more.
  • Underserved Medicine: Student are given the opportunity to work in under-served communities, Colonias, and at the student-run free clinic, to learn about healthcare disparities and population health.

 

Associate Dean

Sambandam Elango, MD


Sambandam Elango, MD
Associate Dean for Educational Affairs
Email: Sambandam.Elango@utrgv.edu