Texas Border Business
By Jennifer L. Berghom
Edinburg, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and Division of Health Affairs welcomed more than 1,000 middle and high school students during UTRGV HESTEC Week 2018.
Students visited tables staffed with faculty, students and staff, who provided information on the various health professions programs UTRGV has to offer. The students also heard from Dr. John H. Krouse, executive vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, and current medical students about what to expect when entering medical school and what they should do to prepare for a career in the health professions.
“We are happy to have the support and collaboration from the School of Medicine to support and expand on the opportunities HESTEC affords students and teachers,” said Velinda Reyes, assistant vice president for Community Programs and Operations.
Leo Rivas, a 17-year-old junior from Sharyland High School, said he didn’t realize how big UTRGV is and how much it has to offer students.
“It’s a cool place to come to school. It’s a good option,” said Rivas, who is considering a career as a sports physician or a psychologist.
He said he understands that it takes lots of hard work and commitment to pursue a career in the health professions, and he appreciated hearing from Krouse and the medical students about that.
“I think it’s rewarding to be a part of the medical field,” he said. “I love the human body and how it works and helping people. It makes you feel good.”
Shyla Quintero, a 17-year-old junior from Weslaco High School, said she liked how honest the medical students were about what it is like to be in medical school.
“They show you that you have to go through hard work to make it to where you want to be,” said Quintero, who is considering a career either in nursing or physical therapy.
