Program Description
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Internal Medicine Residency Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center (VBMC) is a three-year, university-based training program located in Harlingen, Texas—at the southern tip of the state, just north of Mexico and 60 minutes from South Padre Island. Harlingen offers a unique blend of South Texas charm and Mexican traditions; all set in a semitropical climate that encourages year-round outdoor activities.
Established in July 2002, the residency program was originally sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). In April 2015, we proudly joined the UTRGV family, becoming part of a dynamic and expanding medical community in the Rio Grande Valley.
Program Highlights
- University-based training at a community-based academic campus
- Small program size allows for personalized attention and mentorship
- One-on-one guidance from dedicated faculty mentors
- Direct interaction with clinical faculty—no competition from fellows
- 24/7 computer access to medical journals and point-of-care references
- Inpatient rotations at a state-of-the-art 450-bed referral hospital
- Outpatient clinic with on-site radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy services
- Educational building with medical library located across the street from VBMC
- Sensible workload limits to support wellness and learning
- No overnight call requirements
- Guaranteed time off—at least one day off per week on every rotation
- Competitive resident salaries and a low cost of living in Texas
- Safe, affordable housing adjacent to the academic campus
- Semitropical climate ideal for year-round outdoor recreation
- Free, convenient parking near the hospital and continuity clinic
- Close proximity to Mexico and the Gulf Coast
- Valley International Airport just a 10-minute drive from VBMC