Miguel A. Lopez

Medical Student Spotlight

Name: Miguel A. Lopez
Hometown: Edinburg, Texas
Year in medical school: 2nd
Graduation class year: Class of 2026

What inspired you to become a doctor?

My family has only had one doctor: my tío [unlce], Dr. Ruben Lopez, a cardiothoracic and trauma surgeon. Thus, since I was young, he has inspired me to become a doctor. During his practice, he saved many lives by performing open heart bypass surgery both on and off-pump. I recall witnessing the beautiful fruits of his skills when he performed this surgery on my maternal grandfather. Thankfully, Dr. Lopez's involvement in the surgery brought peace of mind to my family. While I did not fully understand his impact on the community in my younger years, as I matured, I realized the legacy he left in the Rio Grande Valley during his tenure at both the Valley Baptist and Harlingen Medical Hospitals.

Unfortunately, Dr. Lopez passed away in 2015 from brain cancer. However, to this day, I have kept his funeral program and often reread some of the beautiful words he shared at the end of his life, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.

Dr. Ruben Lopez, my father's brother and my tío [unlce], has greatly inspired me. As I have progressed through my medical education, I let these words remind me of his legacy and the one I want to establish for my family.

Why did you choose the UTRGV School of Medicine?

I want to be part of a new generation of physicians that graduated from this institution. Since its inception, the UTRGV School of Medicine has established a new legacy across Texas and, most importantly, the Rio Grande Valley. Thus, as a future physician, I want to proudly say that I was part of this legacy and helped solidify it as one of the best in the nation, no matter where I practice.

The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of academic medicine impacts you the most? (Educational, clinical, research, etc.)

Collaboration within our medical education is an aspect of medicine that impacts me the most. Throughout the past year, I have been in a class filled with some of the brightest minds. My favorite aspect of medical school is learning from these individuals. Our interactions and collaborative efforts in/out of class allow me to witness different medical perspectives. My friends speak of their previous medical experiences, which fields interest them most, and even help explain specific concepts relevant to our curriculum. Furthermore, it's extraordinary to see their sheer determination each day. Their academic drive has been a source of inspiration, as it further motivates me to walk beside them as we all strive for success in medicine.

What specialties of medicine or research interest you the most? Why?

I am interested in the fields of dermatology and cardiology. I frequently visited my local dermatologist at a very young age, as I suffered from acne for many years. Similarly, my family suffered from various skin-related issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and some cancers. Thus, over the years, I have taken an active academic approach and learned much about the different skin diseases and cancers that commonly affect our society.

Recently, I put what I learned into practice through my involvement with the AHEC [Area Health Education Centers] Scholars Program. At one of our AHEC events, I collaborated with a classmate to make a brochure promoting skin protection through sunscreen and specific clothing. Due to my previous experiences, I am very motivated to pursue a career in dermatology.

Similarly, many members of my family have had heart-related issues. For example, when I was in middle school, my father and maternal grandfather had open heart surgery due to coronary artery disease. To add, one of my biggest inspirations growing up was my uncle, Dr. Ruben Lopez, the only physician in my family, who practiced as a cardiothoracic and trauma surgeon. Thus, cardiology is an additional field I am interested in going into.

What is one interesting fact others might not know about you?

I have experience as a mariachi violinist! I have been playing the violin for 12 years. When I entered high school, I participated in the mariachi ensemble throughout my four years. During this time, I also worked with different groups in the Valley that performed at quinceañeras [sweet 15] and weddings.

In my third year of college, I joined the UT Austin mariachi ensemble, "Mariachi Paredes de la Universidad de Texas." Despite being part of the group during the pandemic, I had a tremendous experience with the group. Throughout the year, we were able to perform music for our family and friends through our pre-recorded music videos on Facebook.