Faculty & Staff

Clinical Faculty

Javier La Fontaine, DPM, MS, MEd: Professor, Dean of School of Podiatric Medicine; javier.lafontaine@utrgv.edu

Javier La Fontaine, DPM, MS, MEd

Javier La Fontaine, DPM, MS, MEd
Professor, Dean of School of Podiatric Medicine
Email: javier.lafontaine@utrgv.edu

Dr. Javier La Fontaine, UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine's inaugural dean, boasts a rich academic and healthcare background. Previously, he served as SOPM's associate dean of Academic Affairs, pivotal in securing candidacy from the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) and accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Before UTRGV, Dr. La Fontaine held critical roles at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, including professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Fellowship Director of Limb Preservation at Parkland Hospital. His expertise extends to Texas A&M University College of Medicine and Central Texas Veterans Medical Center, where he was chief of podiatric medicine. He contributed significantly at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) as associate professor of Orthopedics, division chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and residency program director at UTHSCSA and Bexar County Hospital.

Dr. La Fontaine's academic journey began at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine). He earned a Master's in Clinical Investigation from UTHSCSA (2006) and a Master's in Education from Liberty University (2021).

He is recognized for his expertise and holds board certifications from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).

Javier Cavazos, DPM, FACPM, RCPS (Glasgow): Assistant Professor, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; javier.cavazos1@utrgv.edu

Javier Cavazos, DPM, FACPM, RCPS (Glasgow)

Javier Cavazos, DPM, FACPM, RCPS (Glasgow)
Assistant Professor, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Email: javier.cavazos1@utrgv.edu

Dr. Javier Cavazos currently serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Prior to taking this role, he served as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Clinical Education. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Dr. Cavazos completed his residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio where he received specialized training in managing and treating the Diabetic Foot.

Dr. Cavazos, a native of the Rio Grande Valley, has firsthand knowledge of the devastating effects of diabetes on a community and is most proud of the positive impact his practice and patient care provided for the RGV during his twenty-five-year clinical career. Dr. Cavazos is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, serves on the Board of Directors for the American College of Podiatric Medicine (ACPM), and, in 2022, became the first Mexican-American podiatrist to serve as President for the College.

In 2020, Dr. Cavazos was honored to be inducted into the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow) and appointed as a Fellow of the Faculty.

Naohiro Shibuya, DPM, MS, FACFAS: Clinical Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean of Research; naohiro.shibuya@utrgv.edu

Naohiro Shibuya, DPM, MS, FACFAS

Naohiro Shibuya, DPM, MS, FACFAS
Clinical Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean of Research
Email: naohiro.shibuya@utrgv.edu

Dr. Shibuya earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University and Master of Science degree in clinical investigation at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

He is an Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Chairperson of the Council of National Registry Management for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). Prior to UTRGV, he served as Chief of the Podiatry Section under Surgical Services at Central Texas VA Health Care System, where he also served as a member of the Podiatric Surgical Advisory Board for the National Surgery Office, National Podiatry Field Advisory Committee for the Office of Patient Care Services under Veterans Health Administration, Chief Podiatry Consultant for VISN 17, and VA Site Director for the Baylor Scott and White Residency Program.

Academically, he was a professor of surgery at Texas A&M University, College of Medicine prior to UTRGV, where he trained hundreds of students, residents, fellows, and colleagues. He served as a Director of the Continue Medical Education Committee for the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and Chair of the Annual Scientific Conference Committee for the ACFAS. He is also a faculty of AO North America.
In research, he specializes in health services research, epidemiology, and large data analysis, leading to over 100 peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and consensus statements.
Clinically, he is a fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot, Rearfoot Reconstructive, and Ankle surgeries.

Tyreen Heybeck, DPM: Department Chair of Podiatric Medicine, Surgery and Biomechanics, Assistant Professor of Medicine; tyreen.heybeck@utrgv.edu

Tyreen Heybeck, DPM

Tyreen Heybeck, DPM
Department Chair of Podiatric Medicine, Surgery and Biomechanics, Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: tyreen.heybeck@utrgv.edu

Dr. Heybeck obtained her Doctors of Podiatric of Medicine from Barry University in 2009. She then continued to do her residency training at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital. She moved to Houston, Texas, in 2012 to begin her professional career in private practice. She enjoys traveling and serving on medical mission trips and has been to the Yucatan Peninsula, Haiti, and Guatemala. When away from her patients, Dr. Heybeck enjoys spending time with her four kids and husband, traveling, crafting, and serving others in any way she can.

Gladys Bembo, DPM: Assistant Dean of Clinical Education; gladys.bembo@utrgv.edu

Gladys Bembo, DPM

Gladys Bembo, DPM
Assistant Dean of Clinical Education
Email: gladys.bembo@utrgv.edu

Rosemay Michel, DPM: Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Assistant Clinical Director; rosemay.michel@utrgv.edu

Rosemay Michel, DPM

Rosemay Michel, DPM
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Assistant Clinical Director
Email: rosemay.michel@utrgv.edu

Dr. Rosemay Michel obtained her Bachelor of Sciences at the University of Florida and her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1996. She completed a Podiatric Orthopedics and Surgical Residency at the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Colorado, a Fellowship in Podopediatric Surgery at North General Hospital in New York City, and a Diabetic Foot/Limb Salvage Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She served as an Assistant Professor at UTHSCSA from 1999-2007, after which she accepted a position at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina. She has been appointed Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Education at UTRGV since April 2023.

Monica Agarwal, DPM: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; monica.agarwal@utrgv.edu

Monica Agarwal, DPM

Monica Agarwal, DPM
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: monica.agarwal@utrgv.edu

Dr. Agarwal is a foot and ankle surgeon/podiatric physician with more than 15 years of experience in treating the foot and ankle. She is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey and received her doctorate from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Agarwal completed a surgical residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. She specializes in conservative and surgical treatment for all foot and ankle pathologies. Dr. Agarwal is an Assistant Clinical Professor with UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine and enjoys educating students and residents. Prior to her appointment with UTRGV SOPM and UT Health, she worked for the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System for 15 years and played an active role in surgical residency education.

Dr. Agarwal serves on the Curriculum and Admissions Committee for the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine as part of her role as clinical faculty.

John Tassone, DPM: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; john.tassone@utrgv.edu

John Tassone, DPM

John Tassone, DPM
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: john.tassone@utrgv.edu

Luis Venegas, DPM: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; luis.venegas1@utrgv.edu

Luis Venegas, DPM

Luis Venegas, DPM
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: luis.venegas1@utrgv.edu

Dr. Venegas, who serves as Medical Director for the Wound Healing Center at Harlingen Medical Center, previously practiced in podiatry and wound care in Miami, Florida, for four years. He is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatry and is a Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association.

Dr. Venegas completed a residency at a U.S. Veteran’s Administration hospital in New York, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hospital, and a fellowship in foot care and surgery at New York Downtown Hospital and at foot clinics in New York. He graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland. Fluent in Spanish and English, he also attended Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Puerto Rico, where he met his wife, Jannette.

The son of Luis Ramon and Daisy Venegas of Ponce, Puerto Rico, Dr. Venegas was always interested in the biomechanics of the human body, including how it relates to athletics, and decided to pursue a career in medicine — despite coming from a family of engineers and business people.

However, two of his sons have decided to stick with engineering, with one working as an aerospace engineer in Florida after graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the other studying mechanical engineering at the University of Houston.

A third son is a senior in high school and recently became an Eagle Scout. Dr. Venegas and his wife, Jannette — who has been his medical office administrator for more than 20 years — decided to come to the Valley in search of a family-friendly environment after living in “the big cities” (New York and Miami) for several years.

Amanda L. Killeen, DPM, FACPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg): Assistant Professor of Medicine

Amanda L. Killeen, DPM, FACPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)

Amanda L. Killeen, DPM, FACPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr. Killeen, DPM, FACPM, CWSP, FFPM RCPS (Glasg), is an Assistant Professor in the School of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Killeen earned her medical degree at Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine. She completed a residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Department of Veterans Affairs Southern Arizona Healthcare System and gained advanced training in Diabetic Limb Salvage through clinical and research fellowships at the University of Texas Southwestern.

Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Wound Management, Dr. Killeen is also a fellow of the American College of Podiatric Medicine. She is a member of several professional societies, including the Diabetic Foot Study Group and the American Diabetes Association, where she is the current chair of Foot Care and Lower Extremity Complication for the Scientific Sessions.

A prolific researcher, presenter, and author, Dr. Killeen’s academic and clinical interests focus on diabetic foot problems, including chronic wounds, recurrent soft tissue infections, and osteomyelitis. Her current interests include differentiation of recurrent versus new infection, translation of porcine models of wound healing into human, host-microbiome interaction, and stimulation of angiogenesis with oxygen. She has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals related to her areas of expertise. Her recent publications include a chapter contribution to Rutherford’s Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. She serves as an ad hoc reviewer for journals including Advances in Skin and Wound Care, Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, and Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

In 2022, Dr. Killeen received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Wound Care Podiatrist Scholarship, which is awarded annually to one podiatrist whose work focuses on patient care and improved outcomes for wound patients. Later that year she was also inducted into the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Glasgow.

In 2023, Dr. Killeen moved to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to bring her passion to podiatry students.

Naomie Jean, DPM, MPH, DABPM: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; naomie.jean@utrgv.edu

Naomie Jean, DPM, MPH, DABPM

Naomie Jean, DPM, MPH, DABPM
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: naomie.jean@utrgv.edu

Dr. Jean, DPM, MPH, FACPM is a tenured-track assistant professor at the School of Medicine, department of Podiatric Medicine.

She previously served as a Podiatric Physician at Essen Healthcare, a multispecialty group in New York City. Dr. Jean received a Bachelor of Science in Health Education & Behavior (cum laude) from the University of Florida and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Florida International University. While working as a research analyst, she was reintroduced to podiatric medicine and later earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University school of Podiatric Medicine in Miami, Florida. She completed her residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Jean is a fellow of the American College of Podiatric Medicine and a diplomate of American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She will be serving the RGV community as a Podiatric Physician & Surgeon at the Brownsville Community Health Center, Su Clinica, and Valley Baptist Medical center in Harlingen & Brownsville. Her research interests include wound care, diabetic limb salvage and public health.

Dustin Prins, DPM, MBA, FACFAS: Associate Professor of Medicine, Assistant Dean of GME; dustin.prins@utrgv.edu

Dustin Prins, DPM, MBA, FACFAS

Dustin Prins, DPM, MBA, FACFAS
Associate Professor of Medicine, Assistant Dean of GME
Email: dustin.prins@utrgv.edu

Dr. Prins is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon/podiatric physician with more than 14 years of experience in various foot and ankle pathologies. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery for Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle and Foot Surgery and board certified by the American Board of Wound Management as a Certified Wound Specialist Physician. He graduated with his undergraduate degree from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, in chemistry. He received his doctorate degree from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Master of Business Administration degree from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Master of Arts degree in sports medicine from University of Nebraska, Omaha. He finished his reconstructive foot and ankle surgical residency in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

While Dr. Prins specializes in all comprehensive foot and ankle care to all ages, including chronic wound management, his specialty is reconstructive foot and ankle surgeries to include but not restricted to open reduction and internal fixation, osteochondral lesion repair, deformity correction, and stabilization. Dr Prins also has extensive experience treating the Veteran community as he is a proud Veteran himself and wants to care for those who have given their all to protect the freedom of our country.

Prior to UTRGV, he practiced on the island of Guam, for eight years, not only serving as the foot and ankle specialist at Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, but also serving as Inpatient Wound Care Physician Director and served admirably within the senior hospital administration at the hospital and subsequently is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Prins is joined in the Rio Grande Valley with his wife of 25 plus years and six children. His hobbies include spending time with his family and all their activities, taking in the beautiful sights of the Valley and enjoying the great food.

Michael Higham, DPM: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; michael.higham@utrgv.edu

Michael Higham, DPM

Michael Higham, DPM
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: michael.higham@utrgv.edu

Dr. Michael Higham is a dedicated Foot and Ankle Surgeon and is a Board Qualified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at UT Health RGV. He also currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine. He graduated with honors from both Utah State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science, and Midwestern University College of Podiatric Medicine, where he received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed his surgical training at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center.

As clinical faculty at UTRGV SOPM, Dr. Higham teaches and mentors the next generation of podiatric physicians and surgeons. At UT Health RGV, Dr. Higham provides comprehensive, conservative, and surgical care of the foot and ankle. His principal professional interests include foot and ankle sports medicine, for which he instructs the course at UTRGV SOPM; biomechanics, where he was honored with the Paul H. and Carol F. Rasmussen Excellence in Biomechanics Award in 2021; and pediatric podiatry, in which he received extensive training at McClain Children's Hospital.

Graham Hamilton, DPM, FACFAS: Associate Professor of Medicine; graham.hamilton@utrgv.edu

Graham Hamilton, DPM, FACFAS

Graham Hamilton, DPM, FACFAS
Associate Professor of Medicine
Email: graham.hamilton@utrgv.edu

Dr. Graham Hamilton is a Board-Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon with over 25 years of practice experience. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and considers the three greatest blessings in his life to have been given life, to have moved to the United States, and to practice medicine.

He performed a comprehensive residency in the 1990s, at the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Santa Clara, California, emphasizing sports medicine, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, foot and ankle trauma, and diabetic limb salvage. He then joined Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California and was actively involved in resident education for almost two decades. His roles included research director and assistant residency director. During this time, he also spent 12 years as an adjunct clinical professor at the California School of Podiatric Medicine, teaching foot and ankle surgery. In 2017 he joined Palo Foundation Medical Group (PAFMG) in Dublin, California. In addition to continuing his practice, this allowed him to fulfill another passion, medical device innovation. He currently has over 15 patents. In 2022 he relocated to Texas, to be closer to his family. In Texas, he worked as an associate professor and program director at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at the School of Podiatric Medicine. The first school of podiatric medicine in the state of Texas.

He is a diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery with dual certification in both foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and has served on multiple boards within the organization, including the Surgical Skills Committee and the Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) planning committee. He has been a national speaker at the ACFAS ASC for over 20 years.

Stephanie Campbell, DPM, AACFAS: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; 956-296-2067; stephanie.campbell@utrgv.edu

Stephanie Campbell, DPM, AACFAS

Stephanie Campbell, DPM, AACFAS
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: stephanie.campbell@utrgv.edu
Phone: 956-296-2067

Dr. Campbell is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Faculty for School of Podiatric Medicine, University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Campbell attended the University of Las Vegas, Nevada for her undergraduate studies, graduating with a degree in Biology. During her undergraduate training, she participated heavily in volunteer work. She completed additional training prior to starting her medical training in the advanced science and technology summer program. Dr. Campbell received her medical school training at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in California. She served as a delegate for her class under the American Podiatric Medical Student Association, additionally serving as Liaison to the College of Podiatric Medical Education.

Dr. Campbell completed her residency training at one of the top residency programs in the country at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She served as Chief Resident in her final year.

Dr. Campbell completed her first post-graduate fellowship in foot, ankle, and leg reconstructive surgery in Southern New Mexico with focus in rearfoot surgery, total ankle replacement, trauma, reconstructive

surgery, and indigenous population medicine. She spent time training both orthopedic and podiatric

residents. She served as scientific chair for American Foundation of Lower Extremity Surgery &

Research.

She then completed a second fellowship at University of Texas Health Science Center at San

Antonio as part of the limb amputation prevention with focus on diabetic limb salvage. During that time,

she completed additional studies through University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Biotechnology in the Global Life Sciences/Healthcare Entrepreneurship Class.

She was appointed Clerkship Director for student training.

Furthermore, she is a surgical textbook author and has served as an editor for multiple peer-reviewed journal articles. She is currently working on research related to lower extremity amputations, difficult nonhealing wounds, wound grafting, and nerve surgery.

Dr. Campbell is a member of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and Texas Podiatric Medical

Association.

Jose Ayala, DPM: Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine; jose.ayala@utrgv.edu

Jose Ayala, DPM

Jose Ayala, DPM
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
Email: jose.ayala@utrgv.edu

Pre-Clinical Faculty

Claudia Biguetti, PhD, MS, DDS: Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Assistant Professor of Medicine; claudia.biguetti@utrgv.edu

Claudia Biguetti, PhD, MS, DDS

Claudia Biguetti, PhD, MS, DDS
Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: claudia.biguetti@utrgv.edu

Dr. Claudia Biguetti received her D.D.S. from the University Sagrado Coração (Brazil) in 2012. From 2012-2018, Dr. Biguetti trained to be a researcher in the field of osteoimmunology and biomaterials, receiving her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in 2014 and 2018, respectively, from the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil). In the meantime, she also worked as a clinician and as a basic sciences adjunct faculty for health professions courses in private and public higher education institutions and Health-related institutions in Brazil.

To further pursue her research and higher education career, Dr. Biguetti relocated to the US in 2020 to perform her postdoctoral studies in Biomedical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. In June of 2022, Dr. Biguetti joined the School of Podiatric Medicine at UTRGV as an Assistant Professor, where she is also a Principal Investigator for the Research Lab of Regenerative Medicine. Her Research Lab focuses on understanding immunomodulatory mechanisms related to successful bone healing and integration of biomaterials. Her long-term goal is to translate bench findings into more predictable treatments for patients who are susceptible to impaired tissue healing.

Reginald Adiele, PhD: Assistant Professor of Medicine; reginald.adiele@utrgv.edu

Reginald Adiele, PhD

Reginald Adiele, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: reginald.adiele@utrgv.edu

Dr. Reginald Adiele is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the College of Podiatric Medicine, University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, Texas. He is a graduate of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Sciences from the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, PE, Canada with a research focus on Mitochondrial Toxicology and Physiology. He completed his Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuroscience of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as a Canada Institute of Health Research-Training in Health Research Using Synchrotron Techniques (CIHR-THRUST) Fellow at the Cameco Neuroscience Research Center, Saskatoon City Hospital, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, SK, Canada.

Dr. Adiele held several academic positions, including lecturer at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Public Health, Concordia University of Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON, Canada; Department of Forensic Sciences, Arizona State University, AZ, USA; Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Western Veterinary College, University of Saskatchewan, SK, Canada and Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Texas RGV.

Dr. Adiele’s research is focused on molecular, biochemical, cellular, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic defects in inflammatory, demyelinating, neurodegenerative diseases of the Central Nervous System (CNS), including Multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson Disease (PD), and other Brain Disorders.

Hagner Andrade, MD: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; hagner.andrade@utrgv.edu

Hagner Andrade, MD

Hagner Andrade, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: hagner.andrade@utrgv.edu

Dr. Hagner Andrade obtained his MD in 2003 in Brazil. He completed his Residency in General Surgery in 2006 and Plastic Surgery in 2016. In the meantime, he worked as a clinician in public and private healthcare.

That experience has contributed to his holistic view as a physician. In 2018, he joined a Master's program at the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo (Brazil), where he had the opportunity to combine his medical and illustration skills to develop a Plastic Surgery Atlas on Cleft Lip and Palate.

In June 2022, he joined the School of Podiatric Medicine at UTRGV as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, where he teaches Clinical Skills and other subjects in the Basic Sciences Curriculum.

Othman Ghribi, PhD: Professor of Medicine; othman.ghribi@utrgv.edu

Othman Ghribi, PhD

Othman Ghribi, PhD
Professor of Medicine
Email: othman.ghribi@utrgv.edu

Dr. Ghribi obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology from the University of René Descartes, Paris, France, in 1994, worked as a Clinical Pharmacologist at Ville-Evrard Hospital, France (1994-1996), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Quebec, Canada (1996-1999). He joined the Department of Pathology at the University of Virginia as Research Assistant Professor (1999-2004) before accepting a tenure track position at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences (2004-2020), where he was promoted to Full Professor of Biomedical Sciences in 2016. In February 2021, Dr. Ghribi joined Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine as Professor of Pharmacology and accepted a position of Professor of Pharmacology with tenure in March 2022 at the School of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Ghribi is a passionate educator who contributed to developing graduate and medical curriculums, directed several courses, and mentored several Ph.D. and MD/Ph.D. students. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Gamble Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research or Creative Activity and Service, the Thomas J. Clifford Faculty Achievement Award for Excellence in Research, and the Outstanding Instructor Award for medical student teaching.

Sabyasachi Maity, PhD, MS: Associate Professor of Medicine; sabyasachi.maity@utrgv.edu

Sabyasachi Maity, PhD, MS

Sabyasachi Maity, PhD, MS
Associate Professor of Medicine
Email: sabyasachi.maity@utrgv.edu

Hooman Mir, DPM, MS, FAPWCA: Assistant Professor of Medicine; hooman.mir@utrgv.edu

Hooman Mir, DPM, MS, FAPWCA

Hooman Mir, DPM, MS, FAPWCA
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: hooman.mir@utrgv.edu

Dr. Hooman Mir, DPM, MSci, FAPWCA, is a DPM Physician with a Fellowship Board Certification in Wound Care. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Faculty Senator at UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine and recently completed the "Training To Teach In Medicine" program at Harvard School of Medicine. Dr. Mir graduated from the UT Pre-Med Program, obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree from Temple School of Podiatry Medicine, and completed his Surgical Internship Training at Mount Sinai Hospital. He has also acquired expertise in Clinical Investigation, Healthcare Policy, and Patient Safety.

Dr. Mir is notable as the first DPM Physician to receive full NIH Tuition Reimbursement for his Physician-Master's Degree in Clinical Investigation at UT Health Science Center. He is an International Medical Lecturer and Physician-Consultant, delivering lectures and conducting workshops globally. His research interests encompass Diabetic Patient Education, Simulation Medicine Application, and Diabetic Wound Care management. Based in Austin, he enjoys hobbies such as BBQ cooking, swimming, GoPro travel photography, and cinema. He divides his time between Austin, San Diego, NYC (Brooklyn), Tehran, and London.

Hafizur Rahman, PhD: Assistant Professor of Medicine; hafizur.rahman@utrgv.edu

Hafizur Rahman, PhD

Hafizur Rahman, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: hafizur.rahman@utrgv.edu

Dr. Hafizur Rahman is an Assistant Professor in the School of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Before joining UTRGV, he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and M.S. in Ocean and Mechanical Engineering from Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Rahman is the director and Principal Investigator of the Applied Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity (ABLE) laboratory. His research aims to improve mobility, functional independence, walking performance, and quality of life in patients with foot and ankle deformities, using advanced gait biomechanical analysis, finite element modeling, musculoskeletal modeling and simulation, and variability analysis.

His current research is supported by the University of Texas Rising STARs grant, UTRGV Faculty Seed Research grant, and UTRGV Start-up grant. Previously, he received several grants as PI, including VA SPiRE grant, NASA Nebraska Space Mini grant, and a University of Nebraska Research Collaboration Initiative grant.

Stephen Robinson, MD: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine; stephen.robinson@utrgv.edu

Stephen Robinson, MD

Stephen Robinson, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: stephen.robinson@utrgv.edu

Carlos Soneira-Ruiz, MD, MS: Associate Professor of Medicine; carlos.soneiraruiz@utrgv.edu

Carlos Soneira-Ruiz, MD, MS

Carlos Soneira-Ruiz, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Medicine
Email: carlos.soneiraruiz@utrgv.edu

Nitin Vishwakarma, MBBS, MS: Assistant Professor of Medicine; nitin.vishwakarma@utrgv.edu

Nitin Vishwakarma, MBBS, MS

Nitin Vishwakarma, MBBS, MS
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: nitin.vishwakarma@utrgv.edu

Dr. Vishwakarma obtained his MBBS from NSCB Medical College in April 2000. He worked as the Resident Medical Officer in clinic at the Hazira Gas Processing Complex, ONGC (India) from September 2000 to September 2001. He participated in the Master of Surgery program at GR Medical College from 2003 to 2006, during which he worked as a resident in the Department of Anatomy and completed his thesis on the topic, "A Study on Sexual Dimorphism of Human Permanent Maxillary and Mandibular Canines."

After completing his MS in 2006, he started his teaching career in November 2006 as Assistant Professor of Anatomy at the Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences (India). He has been teaching anatomy and its subdisciplines (neurosciences, histology, embryology, radiological anatomy and functional anatomy) for more than 20 years and he has taught medical students in various institutions in India and abroad. He was Associate Professor at Xavier University School of Medicine (Aruba) from 2011 to 2012 and at Spartan University School of Medicine (Saint Lucia) from 2012-2013.
Before coming to the United States, he was faculty in College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the National University of Science and Technology (Oman) from 2013 to 2011. He was Course Director of Neurobiology (8 credit hour course), Human Structure (18 credit hour course) and Anatomy II (11 credit hour course).

He completed training in plastination techniques in December 2017 at the University of Murcia (Spain) under the aegis of International Plastination Society, in which he learned and did hands-on training to do solid organ plastination (S-10 method) and sheet plastination (P-40, E-12 method).

As part of his continuous endeavor to improve pedagogy and experiment with teaching methods, he successfully implemented Flipped Teaching and Team-Based Learning to study Clinical Anatomy of Brainstem. He implemented this teaching method later in teaching other clinically important topics in Human Structure and Anatomy II course. He facilitated and experimented with various other teaching methods: Case-Based Learning, Presentation-Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning. He did his fellowship in teaching and research at the International FAIMER Institute (IFI) in Philadelphia from 2021 to 2023. Foundation of Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, or FAIMER, is funded by ECFMG (USA) and is created to promote medical education and research internationally. During the fellowship he researched novel methods of teaching to improve integration and self-directed learning.

He was the Lead of Sub-committee on Curricular Integration. Under guidance from Medical Education Unit, he complied the Manual on Problem-Based Learning and worked to implement Problem-Based Learning in COMHS.

He is presently working as Assistant Professor in School of Podiatric Medicine (SOPM), University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is module lead of Lower Extremity Anatomy.

He is continuing his research on Flipped Teaching, Distance Education, Team-Based Learning, Problem-Based Learning and Case-Based Learning, along with various topics of Clinical Anatomy.
During his free time he enjoys spending time with family, helping to cook delicious food, watching Bollywood shows and traveling to newer destinations.

Yahan Wei, PhD: Assistant Professor of Medicine; yahan.wei@utrgv.edu

Yahan Wei, PhD

Yahan Wei, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: yahan.wei@utrgv.edu

Dr. Wei is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the School of Podiatric Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (SOPM-UTRGV). Before joining UTRGV in 2023, Dr. Wei was a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. She obtained her PhD in Biology from Ohio University. Dr. Wei is a microbiologist with broad expertise in bacterial pathogenesis. In the past, she has conducted systematic research on bacterial physiological responses to dynamic environments inside and outside of the host, including 1) characterized the molecular mechanisms of iron-and temperature-dependent regulation of virulence genes in gram-negative bacterial pathogens Shigella dysenteriae and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and 2) identified the detailed biosynthetic pathways of membrane components in mitis group streptococci (MGS), whose major members (i.e. S. mitis, S. oralis, and S. pneumoniae) are opportunistic pathogens.

Her current research goal is to use genetic, genomic, and biochemical techniques to further the understanding of bacterial pathogenesis, specifically focusing on characterizing the roles of bacterial membrane components in host-microbe interactions and the effects of host lipid metabolites on bacterial behaviors associated with the infection processes.