Student Ambassador Program
Our student ambassadors, who came from near and far, represent the UTRGV School of Medicine, providing applicants with an inside look at our medical school and community. They provide assistance to prospective students in a number of ways, including arranging medical school tours for interviewees, assist in public relations events, and communicating one-on-one with prospective students.
Student Ambassadors 2023-2024
- Philippe Dentino
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Class of 2025
Hello! My desire to practice medicine was solidified after beginning my career as a physical therapist, where I directly cared for patients and collaborated closely with integral members of medical teams. I choose the UTRGV School of Medicine after completing an internship in pediatric neurological rehabilitation hosted by clinics in Edinburg, McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Roma. I knew I wanted to return to the RGV to give back to the community members from whom I learned incredibly valuable lessons on life, family, culture, and healthcare in a truly unique area of the United States. The SOM has been tremendously supportive of my endeavors to integrate the principles of rehabilitation that I learned as a physical therapist with my ongoing development as a future physician. A small class size, genuinely resourceful faculty, meaningful community connections, and proximity to physician leaders have provided the opportunity to become fully involved with a variety of student leadership, community service, and research experiences. Serving as a Student Ambassador is a truly wonderful role to support these qualities and the success of our future physicians."
- Tabitha Abraham
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Class of 2026
My name is Tabitha Abraham, a rising MS2 at UTRGV SOM. I chose UTRGV SOM because of its mission and commitment to the community, which not only includes the region of McAllen but also the entire Valley. I am originally from Houston and received my Biomedical Science degree at UTRGV Brownsville campus. It has been a wonderful journey living in the Valley and learning about all the great things it has to offer!
- Emma Althaus
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Class of 2025
Hello! My name is Emma Althaus and I am a current MS3 at UTRGV School of Medicine. I am from Dallas, Texas, and attended undergrad at the University of Texas at Austin. I love being outdoors, running, reading, and baking in my free time. I chose UTRGV SOM because of all of the incredible people here. My peers and leaders are intelligent, welcoming, and diverse – I am always learning new things from them both in and out of the classroom. I am looking forward to another great year with the Student Ambassador Council!
- Edward Abrego
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Class of 2026
Hello everyone! My name is Eddie Abrego, and I am a proud product of the Rio Grande Valley. I was born and raised in San Benito, Texas, and have spent all my life here in the RGV. I completed my undergraduate at UTRGV in Edinburg and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Biological Sciences. While waiting during my application year, I started working at my local Family medicine clinic. While working here, I had a front-row view of the medical shortcomings that the citizens of the valley faced. This fueled my drive to one day become a frontline Primary Care Physician and give back to the community that built me. This is exactly why I chose UTRGV School of Medicine, as their primary goal is to transform the health of the RGV and build well-rounded physicians. During my 4 years here at UTRGV SOM, I hope that I can work with like-minded individuals to achieve this goal.
- Nazaneen Amjadi
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Class of 2024
My Name is Nazaneen Amjadi; I'm a Houston native and member of the class of 2024! I completed my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at UCLA followed by an MPH in Community Health Practice at the UT School of Public Health prior to starting medical school. I chose UTRGV SOM because of their mission to increase access to quality healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley. As UTRGV medical students, we are privileged to be part of a close-knit, welcoming, border community and play active roles in patient care throughout our medical training.
