RIO GRANDE REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN GOOD HANDS

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

Rio Grande Regional Hospital (RGRH), part of the HCA Healthcare family, warmly welcomed Laura Disque as its new CEO on April 1, 2023. With a heart for service, Disque brings over 28 years of healthcare experience to her new role, having previously served as RGRH’s Chief Operating Officer and Ethics and Compliance Officer. Her journey at the hospital began in 1995 when she started her nursing career.

Hailing from Pharr, Texas, Disque’s dedication to helping others and giving back to her community shines through her work. As Chief Operating Officer, she spearheaded strategic initiatives such as the opening of a 15-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit at RGRH. Additionally, she championed the acquisition of the hospital’s fourth and fifth surgical robots, making RGRH the only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley to house five surgical robots in one department. This remarkable achievement has positioned RGRH as a leader in robotic facilities south of San Antonio and the first in the region to be acknowledged as an epicenter for surgical robotics.

With a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix and certification as a gastroenterology registered nurse, Disque completed the prestigious HCA Healthcare Executive Development Program in December 2022. She serves as a governor-appointed member of the Texas Board of Nursing and the community advisory committees for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing and South Texas College Nursing & Allied Health. Disque is also an active member of the Texas Nurses Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a mentor for HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division colleagues.

In recognition of her accomplishments, Disque received heartfelt accolades as an International Women’s Day Honoree from the McAllen International Airport in 2022 and as a Woman of Distinction for Healthcare by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

As she takes the helm as RGRH’s CEO, Disque is enthusiastic about leading a talented team committed to providing exceptional healthcare in a nurturing work environment.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to serve as Rio Grande Regional Hospital’s CEO and to lead a talented team that is truly vested in providing quality healthcare in a positive work environment,” said Disque.

She is confident that her leadership and clinical expertise will drive the hospital’s growth in service lines and brand expansion in the Rio Grande Valley.

“I look forward to cultivating new relationships, working closely with our board of trustees and medical staff, developing leaders, and ultimately fulfilling our mission to improve human life,” stated Disque.

Disque and her husband, Ted, have four children, one son-in-law and one granddaughter. She is the daughter of former Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios Jr., the late Mary Palacios of Pharr, and daughter-in-law of Joe(†) and Karen Disque of McAllen.

BRAVO! VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Photography by: Tiffany Miranda

On March 3, Bert Ogden BMW presented Bravo! VSO, the annual gala event for the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and silent and live auctions followed by a command performance of the Symphony’s string orchestra. Funds raised will support the Symphony’s education and artistic programs next season. To join the VSO’s mailing list for next year’s event, visit valleyorchestra.org.

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT A GOOD LIE MIGHT BE HELPFUL?!

Photography by Charlie Luna

On March 21st, the American Advertising Federation - Rio Grande Valley (AAFRGV) hosted its monthly luncheon at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. Brenda Hernandez, freelance creative director, and copywriter, took the group on a wild ride through the idea of lying. Unpacking how flexing our deceptive muscles can lead to creative ideas and innovation in advertising. The AAF RGV hosts monthly events for members and the public to support the advertising, public relations, and marketing community. To learn more, visit AAF-RGV.org.