By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JULY 25, 2024 – For Daniel Hernandez, manager of oncology pharmacy services at UT Health RGV, healthcare has been the family business. 

"I come from a family of pharmacists," Hernandez said, "and I knew I wanted to be a pharmacist when I was in ninth grade. From then on, I made sure I did everything I could to be prepared for getting into and completing pharmacy school."

A native of San Benito and graduate of the UT Austin College of Pharmacy, Hernandez has more than two decades of experience in a career dedicated to serving others.

With the construction of the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center nearing completion in early 2025, Hernandez said, he is eager to bring advanced oncology (cancer care) pharmacy services to patients across the Rio Grande Valley.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CARE

Hernandez's career has taken him through a variety of settings, from hospitals to retail pharmacies, before finding his true calling in oncology pharmacy.

"I have developed a love for working together as a team to help our patients in their cancer journey," he said. "I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my career. I found something I could be passionate about, which could not have happened at a better time as there has been an explosion of new research and treatments in the oncology setting."

With oncology pharmacy evolving rapidly, Hernandez is at the forefront of bringing those advancements to the Valley. His role at the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center will involve managing and overseeing oncology pharmacy operations, including the infusion pharmacy practice and the specialty retail pharmacy practice.

"What will make our specialty pharmacy stand out above mail-order specialty pharmacies is that we will have direct access to the patient's electronic medical records and real-time lab and treatment data," he said. "We are right there with the patient, as part of their oncology team, which includes nurses and oncologists, and we play a key role in providing comprehensive cancer care to patients."

Pictured is Daniel Hernandez providing patient education services to Aurora Tamez, UT Health RGV’s first patient to receive chemotherapy infusions, to ensure she feels informed and supported throughout her cancer journey. Part of Hernandez's role at UT Health RGV is to go over the patient's treatment plan, possible side effects, and medication management strategies. The UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, which will open early next year, will provide patients with comprehensive cancer care and state-of-the-art treatment options in a dedicated facility. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

Hernandez said this line of service will allow the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center to provide more personalized and timelier medication adjustments, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective and tailored treatment possible.

"Once our cancer center opens early next year, I will be interacting daily with the oncologists and cancer care team, discussing everything from dose modification recommendations to supportive care measures for patients," he said. 

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

Hernandez said his journey back to the Valley has allowed him to profoundly impact the community he loves and address a significant shortage of pharmacists in the region. 

"The most important thing is access to care," he said. "There is a shortage of oncology care in the Valley, and the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center will not only help fill that shortage but also provide the highest quality of care to Valley patients."

Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president of UT Health RGV, said construction of the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center marks a significant milestone for patients in South Texas.

"Many residents in the Valley currently face long travels to access essential cancer treatments due to limited local options," he said. "The opening of the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center will address this gap, providing our community with advanced, accessible care here in the Valley. This center represents a crucial step forward in improving patient care and outcomes for our region."

LOOKING AHEAD 

With the center's opening on the horizon, Hernandez said, he looks forward to the future of oncology care in the Valley. 

"It's an exciting time to work in oncology," he said. "The advancements in medications used to treat cancer are mind-blowing, and I am thrilled to help bring these innovations to the area."

Hernandez said the cancer and surgery center also will serve as an essential avenue for research into new cancer treatment options.

"Given the high rates of certain cancers in the Valley, it's inspiring that our center will also offer an opportunity for groundbreaking cancer research here at home," he said. "Our pharmacy will play an essential role in these research initiatives."

He said Valley residents can look forward to improved access to high-quality cancer care and a continued commitment to transforming the region's health.

"The Rio Grande Valley often has been overlooked or underestimated," Hernandez said. "This center is something Valley residents deserve, and we're here to help."

A Rio Grande Valley native, Daniel Hernandez brings dedication and expertise to the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, where he plays a pivotal role in patient care in the fight against cancer. Pictured is Hernandez with Magdalena Ostos-Germain, oncology nurse at UT Health RGV, as they prepare chemotherapy treatments for a UT Health RGV patient, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)