Name: Philippe Dentino Hometown: Houston, Texas Year in Medical School and Graduation Class Year: 2025 Undergraduate School:
William Marsh Rice University (Bachelor of Arts)
University of North Texas Health Science Center (Master of Science)
Texas Woman’s University (Doctorate of Physical Therapy)
Do you serve on any student interest groups/organizations/activities? If so, which one(s)?
Area Health Education Clinics (AHEC) Scholar
LCME Student Research CQI Group
Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG): Co-Vice President
UTRGV School of Medicine Peer Tutor
UTRGV School of Medicine Student Ambassadors: Council member
UTRGV School of Medicine Admissions Committee
American College of Physicians member
American Physical Therapy Association member
What inspired you to become a doctor? When did you know you wanted to be a doctor?
Although my interest in medicine began by closely observing the lives of my physician-parents, the desire was solidified after working as a physical therapist, where I directly cared for patients and collaborated closely with integral members of medical teams. In addition, I was inspired by the stories of resilience, healing, loss, and celebration of the individuals I met while teaching, treating, and traveling during this time.
Why did you choose UTRGV School of Medicine?
After completing an internship in pediatric neurological rehabilitation hosted by clinics in Edinburg, McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Roma, I knew I wanted to return to the Valley. I want to give back to the community members from whom I learned incredibly valuable lessons on life, family, culture, and healthcare in a truly unique area of the United States.
What specialties of medicine interest you the most? Why?
All of them! Because of my background in physical therapy and my broad interest in medical and surgical interventions, I envision my future self as a rehabilitative specialist—either as a surgeon or physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. I once heard a quote by a physician I admire, “I never want to be a grown-up; I always want to be a growing-up.”
What areas of research interest you the most? Why?
My prior research experiences focused on neurological motor control mechanisms and models to study the role of neurological rehabilitation in elderly populations to prevent injurious falls. I sincerely enjoy the process of disseminating the results of current scientific literature and uncovering their applicability to future research questions to sharpen clinical practice guidelines.
How has the UTRGV School of Medicine fostered your interest in pursuing a career in medicine?
UTRGV School of Medicine has tremendously supported my endeavors to integrate the principles of rehabilitation that I learned as a physical therapist with my ongoing development as a future physician. A small class size, genuinely resourceful faculty, meaningful community connections, and proximity to physician leaders have allowed me to become fully involved with various leadership, community service, and research experiences.
What are your plans for engaging in research this year?
During the Summer of 2022, I participated in the Medical Student Summer Clinical Externship through the Association of Academic Physiatrists at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Here, I rotated through all subspecialties of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UT Southwestern and Parkland Hospital while drafting a case report detailing the inpatient rehabilitation of an individual with a rare connective tissue disorder. Concurrently, I participated in MEDI-8127, a guided research course conducted by research faculty at the UTRGV School of Medicine. For Summer 2023, I plan to apply for additional internship experiences focusing on surgical care or research to expand my knowledge base of medicine and my future practice.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I have synesthesia! I was gifted with the strange ability to see sounds (especially music) as colors, shapes, textures, and patterns as one may experience a daydream. Once I discovered others who experience synesthesia, I immersed myself in expressing my synesthesia through music production and performance.
