Message from the Dean
It is a great privilege to join The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. UTRGV and the SOM are having a significant impact on the region through innovative medical education programs, advanced research, and high-quality clinical services. We develop medical students, residents, and scientists into the future providers and leaders who will advance our mission: improving the healthcare of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
We achieve our mission through education, clinical care, discovery, leadership, and service. At UTRGV SOM, we are developing the next generation of servant leaders, diverse physicians and scientists, and compassionate healthcare providers. We have medical residents and fellows serving in 19 hospital-based training programs across the Rio Grande Valley, and new programs underway to meet the region’s demand for quality primary and specialty care physicians.
We will positively impact the lives of so many by taking care of the people of the Rio Grande Valley - now and in the future. Being named Dean of this school with such an important mission is an incredible honor. I see my purpose as being a servant leader in providing support to the incredibly talented students, faculty, and staff who impact the patients of the RGV. The UTRGV SOM is an evolving medical school I am privileged to be part of SOM’s transformative growth and ability to offer expert training to its diverse learners.
I look forward to welcoming you to UTRGV SOM and empowering you to find your niche in medical research and clinical training. Through a strong commitment to serving the needs of the community, quality education, and patient care, we will transform the region.
Michael B. Hocker, MD, MHS
Dean, UTRGV School of Medicine