The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Message from the Dean

SOM Dean

It is a profound honor to be part of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, the leader of academic medicine in our community. Our mission is to nurture the next generation of medical students, residents, and scientists, who will become the driving force behind our goal: Transform healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. UTRGV and the School of Medicine are at the forefront of healthcare transformation in our region, with our innovative medical education programs, advanced research, and high-quality clinical services making a significant impact.

We achieve this mission by addressing our five pillars: Education, Clinical Care, Discovery, Leadership, and Service. At the UTRGV School of Medicine, the next generation of servant leaders, diverse physicians and scientists, and compassionate healthcare providers is being developed to care for the region we call home.

Our medical residents participate in hospital-based training programs across the Rio Grande Valley, and new programs are underway to meet the region’s demand for quality primary and specialty care physicians, plus the addition of our new UT Health Cancer and Surgery Center, slated to open in 2025. Plus, the addition of more than 200 medical graduates to date.  
Now and in the future, everything we do at the UTRGV School of Medicine is centered on positively impacting the lives of so many by taking care of the people of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Being appointed as the Interim Dean of this academic medical center with such a vital mission is an incredible honor, which I don’t take lightly.

The UTRGV School of Medicine is not just a place of learning, but a dynamic institution that is constantly evolving. I am privileged to be part of its transformative growth and its ability to offer expert training to its diverse learners and faculty. The opportunities for growth and learning here are boundless, and I look forward to seeing the impact you will make.

I eagerly look forward to welcoming you to the UTRGV School of Medicine and empowering you to find your niche in medical research and clinical training. Your unique perspectives and contributions will be instrumental in our mission to transform the region through a strong commitment to serving the community's needs, quality education, and patient care. V’s up!

Sincerely,

Everardo Cobos, MD, FACP

Interim Dean, UTRGV School of Medicine 
Chair, Department of Medicine and Oncology