By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – AUG. 9, 2024 – A group of UTRGV medical students, faculty, and staff spread out across the Valley recently to provide much-needed medical services to underserved areas of the community. 

This year, the medical students were part of the 25^th anniversary of Operation Border Health Preparedness, or OBHP, an initiative organized by the Texas Department of State Health Services that brings medical care to South Texas residents who might otherwise not have access to important preventative services like vital signs screenings, immunizations, hearing tests, vision exams and medical exams, amongst others.

Held across five locations in Brownsville, San Juan, Rio Grande City, Raymondville, and Laredo, OBHP is a volunteer collaboration between the UTRGV School of Medicine, Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and several other local partner organizations, that provides healthcare services at no cost to residents.  

Dr. Kelsey Baker, assistant dean of Pre-Clerkships and assistant professor of Neuroscience at the UTRGV School of Medicine, said OBHP is valuable on many levels. 

“This event provides our UTRGV medical students with an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, while serving the communities where they live and study, and someday, will work as doctors,” she said. “This is a practical part of our School of Medicine’s commitment to academic medicine.”

SERVING OUR OWN

Weslaco native and first-year medical student Maci Oestreich said volunteering at the event was a rewarding experience that allowed her to experience firsthand the community’s critical healthcare needs.

"This event hits home for me," Oestreich said. "I've seen the persistent problems in colonias, such as limited access to healthcare and the economic barriers healthcare sometimes presents."

The opportunity to serve her community as one of their own was incredibly fulfilling and motivating, she said. 

"This experience has been amazing because it focuses on uplifting the community," she said. "It's also been great to get a glimpse of being a doctor, working directly with patients by participating in vaccinations and physicals. I've truly enjoyed it."

Baker said students participating in the event are encouraged to engage with patients thoughtfully and thoroughly.

UTRGV School of Medicine medical students, faculty, and staff volunteered their skills at this year's Operation Border Health Preparedness event, providing free health services such as vital signs screenings, immunizations, hearing tests, vision exams, and medical exams to underserved residents. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

"It's vital for our students to get this experience," Baker said. "For example, one of our students noticed a patient struggling to understand a form, and they took the time to clarify the questions. They discovered the patient hadn't received certain vaccines, which led to a great discussion about the importance of effective patient communication."

Baker also highlighted the collaborative aspect of OBHP, noting its value for interprofessional education.

"Our students work alongside physician assistant (PA) and nursing students, learning to collaborate with future colleagues," she said. "It's a great way for our UTRGV medical students to understand the importance of teamwork in healthcare."

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

Smaran Marupudi, a second-year medical student at the UTRGV School of Medicine, said events like OBHP also provide valuable research opportunities.  

With the help of Dr. Maria Villegas, adult and pediatric dermatologist at UT Health RGV and assistant professor of surgery at UTRGV School of Medicine, Marupudi is researching skin cancer.

"Recent data shows that Hispanics present a higher percentage of late-stage skin cancer cases, especially those without health insurance," Marupudi said. "We're providing this screening to bring dermatologic care to those who can't afford it and to encourage them to seek further care. Seeing the limited data on skin cancer in Hispanics made me want to bring this care to those who need it most."

Baker said students not only gain hands-on experience, but also learn the importance of research.

"If a student has an idea to target specific health issues, the county is eager to collaborate with us," she said. "I encourage students to think about ways to promote healthcare in the Valley and to explore research questions. Research isn't something to be intimidated by."

CULTURE OF SERVICE

This year, OBHP was held from July 22 to July 26. More than 2,000 Rio Grande Valley residents passed through the doors of OBHP to receive medical services, many of whom had waited months for this opportunity.

Sean Corcoran, a first-year UTRGV medical student from Yorkton, Virginia, said the experience was eye-opening.

"Where I come from, it never crossed my mind that so many people go without healthcare for such a long time," Corcoran said. “Seeing the number of people who haven't seen a doctor in years is astonishing. It's been gratifying to help, even in small ways. Everyone is so appreciative, and many plan their whole year around this event. It's amazing." 

Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president of UT Health RGV, believes that the willingness of students, faculty and staff to dedicate their time and skills to events like OBHP reflects the school's core values.

"These volunteers exemplify our deep commitment to serving our communities," Hocker said. "Their volunteer efforts at events like OBHP are a testament to the culture of service we strive to cultivate at the UTRGV School of Medicine."

Due to financial barriers, many Rio Grande Valley residents depend on events like Operation Border Health Preparedness to receive medical services. Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president of UT Health RGV, speaks with students on the importance of service in the medical profession. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)