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
- Kaitlyn Dianne Ybanez
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Class of 2028
Hello everyone! My name is Kaitlyn Dianne Ybáñez, and I am a rising MS2 at the UTRGV School of Medicine. I am a proud RGV native and was raised in Edinburg, Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Nutritional Sciences at UTRGV Brownsville. As a member of the first cohort of the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program, I knew as a senior in high school that UTRGV SOM was my next destination. The mission the UTRGV SOM withholds is one I also share: providing and enhancing medical care to our community and I am beyond excited to serve a place I call home! As part of the Student Ambassadors Council, I would not only like to share my passions for the field in medicine with prospective students but also involve myself in making deeper bonds with all who encompass my medical school community. I find much purpose in inspiring and guiding others, as I believe that new perspectives can be reached through pure interaction. Whether it is to be a welcoming light to incoming students or to exude my enthusiasm as being part of the UTRGV SOM, I am committed to uplifting all those who I encounter in helping them navigate through their journey to medical school. Serving as a Student Ambassador combines my desire to assist students in a way that is personable and represent the UTRGV SOM in a meaningful way, which I am truly honored to give back to the community that shaped me.
- Mohammad Khalil
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Class of 2028
Hey, I’m Mohammad, a RGV native and a second year at UTRGV SOM. I attended undergrad at Columbia University, where I majored in neuroscience and behavior, and am interested in pursuing orthopaedic surgery after graduating medical school. In my free time, I love horse-back riding, fishing, hiking, and reading. A highlight of attending UTRGV SOM are the dedicated mentors who are extremely invested in their student's success. I’m thrilled to join the ambassador council this year and contribute to an awesome representation of our school.
- Andrea Argenal
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Class of 2027
Hello! My path to medicine was shaped by early exposure to the healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities, both in the U.S. and abroad. Growing up, my grandmother involved me in service projects ranging from orphanages to dispensaries in low-resource areas. Even when my role was small—sweeping floors or counting pills—I was struck by the resilience of those seeking care and the critical role that compassion plays in healing. These early experiences cultivated a lasting sense of responsibility and purpose. I became deeply aware of the disparities in access to quality care and the impact these gaps can have on individuals and families. This awareness, coupled with a growing interest in science and service, inspired me to pursue a career where I could help bridge those gaps and advocate for more equitable care.
I later worked as a medical assistant and scribe, where I developed both my clinical knowledge and my understanding of how healing requires emotional presence, not just diagnostic accuracy. Shadowing physicians, especially in emotionally charged moments, revealed how medicine is as much about empathy as it is about intellect.
UTRGV School of Medicine has been the perfect place to continue my journey. The mission to serve the Rio Grande Valley aligns with the values instilled in me through years of service. Being a Student Ambassador allows me to share my story and help others find meaning in service. UTRGV has given me the tools to combine the science of medicine with the art of healing, and I’m honored to be part of a community that values both.
- Anesu Karen Murambadoro
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Class of 2027
Hello! I was drawn to medicine by the unique opportunity it offers to be both a healer and an advocate, treating more than just physical ailments but also standing up for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, I moved to Texas to pursue my medical education at the UTRGV School of Medicine because of its strong emphasis on community-based medicine. UTRGV SOM stood out to me for its deep-rooted connection to the RGV and its commitment to providing students with hands-on experiences that serve the community directly alongside our education. Throughout my time here, I’ve been inspired by the meaningful ways we’re encouraged to engage with underserved populations and be part of a mission larger than ourselves. Serving as a Student Ambassador has been a rewarding role that allows me to share all that UTRGV and the Valley have to offer highlighting the incredible opportunities in community health and medical education while encouraging others to join us in meeting the needs of this region.
- Tabitha Abraham
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Class of 2026
I’m a fourth-year medical student (MS4) at UTRGV School of Medicine and currently serve as a student ambassador. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to represent the school at various events, connect with prospective students, and support outreach efforts. It’s been a rewarding way to stay engaged with the broader UTRGV community and help showcase what makes our program unique. Being an ambassador has also allowed me to contribute to the school’s mission while developing communication and leadership skills. It’s been a meaningful complement to my medical education and a great way to stay grounded during clinical training.
- Eddie 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 primary care 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 physician that would be able to 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.
