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Volume 18 Number 6
Los Fresnos, Tx 78566
www.losfresnosnews.net
Los Fresnos EMS & Fire Station Receives New Equipment Allowing The Department to Do More for Los Fresnos & Cameron County Region
Down to the Wire!
Page 4
Lady Falcons Soccer
Page 4
Poem: You’re More Than a Friend to Me
Page 5
January is National Thyroid Month
Page 8
UTRGV School Of Medicine Receives Grant
Some of the new equipment on the newest fire truck. Photo by Emilio Flores, LFN Los Fresnos EMS and Fire Station is growing to be more able to help in bigger and better ways! Last week Los Fresnos News was privileged to sit down with the Fire Chief, Gene Daniels, and discuss some of the new equipment they’ve added to the Los Fresnos EMS & Fire Station. On the emergency medical services side, they’ve just got rollin’ their newest member to the fleet. It’s a multi-patient vehicle, able to carry five patients laying down, or up to nine patients sitting upright. This new vehicle has added new capabilities to the Los Fresnos EMS Medics on
call. Chief Daniels explains that it will be of great use to Los Fresnos, “What it does, is it frees up ambulance so were not taking all the ambulances. All the resources aren’t being used on one event.” He says that the ambulance was just approved to be in service, “We just got the notification that everything was completed and we could put the unit in service.” He also says, “With covid and the way it is, we’re talking about using it as hospitals because there’s a big delay in hospitals right now.” “It’s licensed as a specialty vehicle, so it’s
not something we’re gonna run every day for calls, it’s for specific events.” He further explains that this is beneficial for all the surrounding areas. Mass casualty incidents. “Since we’re regionally located in Cameron County, we can go in any direction really quick with the crew we have.” He says “And it can be rapidly deployed.” Chief Daniels says that especially with spring break coming up it makes Los Fresnos more able to serve however we need. This is big news, and some great thought went behind getting this MultiPatient Vehicle. Chief Daniels says that they designed themselves with the help of the manufacturer that built the “Amb-bus”.
And when asking what made the EMS Team come up with this idea Chief Daniels explained that just about every region of the state of Texas has what you call an “Amb-bus” as I just mentioned. So what is the amb-bus? Exactly what it sounds like. It is a large bus-like ambulance. These amb-buses are able to around carry eighteen patients! He says “But to deploy that, you’ve gotta have, you know, several medics on board,” He says that it really didn’t make sense for the area. It’s harder to staff and get it deployed when you need it. So they sat down and designed their own hybrid if you will, that better fit the needs of the area! Now let’s talk about the New Fire Engine that came into service back in October, with all the brand new bells & whistles! Chief Daniel says, “It’s a House fire truck, but we can use it for motor vehicle accidents,” He says “It’s fully equipped! …Got all the rescue equipment on it, everything we need for house fires” Some of the items include: Battery-powered rescue tools, Jaws, Cutters, spreaders, and with the technology now, they have battery-powered exhaust tools to help get some of the smoke out of an area, battery-powered chainsaws, circular saws, intercom headsets, allowing them to communicate with each other more easily, and seats
4 firefighters with plenty of room to put on any of their gear. Chief Gene Daniels says he takes his job seriously, and though the firefighters are all volunteers, he says that they could be put up against some of the best firefighters in the state. Accountability & readiness, Chief Daniels shared that last year the fire department went through an ISO audit, basically, the audit is to rate your area for insurance ratings. They are rated on a scale of one to ten, one being the best, and ten being the worst. Chief Daniels explains that the last audit was in 2009, and had a ranking of a 6Y, which is okay, but says that recently the department has received their updated rating of a 4 or 4Y. This is not only great for the department, but for the surrounding area! “So we improved our insurance rating, what that does is it lowers everyone’s insurance in our area.” “We went from a 6Y to a 4Y which is really good on Insurance ratings, it saves everyone money in their insurance… Everybody in our fire district, in the city and in the County.” It’s very difficult for a volunteer fire department to get that low of a score, but Chief Daniels attributes that to the amazing volunteers he has and the updated equipment they’ve added.
Photo by Emilio Flores, LFN
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2 • February 9, 2022 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
COVID Drugs Offer Hope for at-risk Patients, but Officials Stress Need for Continued Precautions BROWNSVILLE & HARLINGEN — While the arrival of drugs to combat the risk of serious illness associated with COVID-19 infection is welcome, health experts are urging the community to be up to date on COVID vaccinations and continue to utilize proven COVID safety measures to slow the spread of the virus. Dr. John Austin, physician adviser at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, said the two pharmaceuticals – Paxlovid, for individuals 12 years and older, and Molnupiravir, for patients over 18 years old – are important tools in the arsenal against COVID-19 and are now available in limited supply throughout the Rio Grande Valley. However, Austin stressed that the drugs are intended for use in patients who have tested positive for
COVID-19 and are at highrisk of developing serious COVID-related illness. “These are antivirals and they work by inhibiting the virus’s ability to replicate in the body,” he said. “Currently these have to be prescribed by a physician in an outpatient setting and these drugs are intended specifically for those patients who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems, those with diabetes, cancer patients, or dialysis patients.” Austin further stressed that both drugs are not intended for those who may have been exposed to COVID-19 but have not yet tested positive, or those who have tested positive for COVID-19 but are otherwise healthy. “If someone in your family comes home and thinks they have COVID, please don’t race out and
try to get a prescription for these drugs,” he said. “These are only for people who are COVID positive and a physician thinks they are at risk of developing severe complications from the disease.” Austin said that because of both the limited supply of drugs and their intended use, they are not a substitution for COVID vaccination and safety precautions. “The supply of these drugs is extremely limited right now,” he said. “It does not preclude the strong recommendation for vaccination, wearing your masks, washing your hands, and utilizing social distancing.” Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, Physician Advisor at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville also stressed the urgent need for local residents to continue practicing proven COVID
safety measures in hopes of slowing the rate of infection throughout the community. “With research showing the Omicron variant to be a more transmissible form of COVID19, now is the time to continue to utilize the safety precautions we have all become familiar with over the last two years,” she said. “This includes wearing a highprotection mask when you are inside public places such as the grocery store or church. Examples include KN95 and KF94 masks, both of which give more protection than cloth and surgical masks. For the most protection, choose an N95 mask, which may be appropriate for people with lowered immune systems or other chronic disease.” Zavaleta said that in addition to COVID safety measures, the three-shot vaccine series remains
the greatest tool that local residents can utilize to protect themselves and their loved ones from serious illness related to COVID-19 infection. “Vaccines are our best defense against COVID infection that matters: Severe COVID pneumonia that puts you in the hospital or kills you,” she said. “We need to get everyone aged five and up fully vaccinated, and that includes a third shot for people who had their primary series five or more months ago.” Zavaleta said that local residents have responded to the healthcare community’s pleas regarding COVID-19 vaccination at higher rates than some of their counterparts throughout the United States, and that vaccination efforts must continue until everyone has received the full three-dose series.
‘It felt like I was coming home’
“Our region has done a phenomenal job so far, with approximately 90 percent of people ages 50-79 vaccinated against COVID. Now we must build on our success by encouraging parents to vaccinate their children starting at age 5, and by giving booster shots to those who are eligible as soon as possible,” she said. “Remember, according to the CDC, there are almost no health conditions that disqualify someone from getting vaccinated against COVID. In fact, most chronic health conditions make it even more important for you to be vaccinated against COVID because of the risk of severe COVID illness when chronic diseases are present. If you are still unsure about getting the vaccine, please read the guidelines on the CDC website or talk to your doctor.”
UTRGV legacy alumna joins RCVCOBE’s marketing faculty By Amanda L. Alaniz
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JAN. 28, 2022 – While she was teaching from coast-tocoast, Sunaina Chugani Marquez, Ph.D., now an assistant professor of marketing in UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, picked up a range of lessons to
integrate into her teaching. She has taught marketing at The University of Texas at Austin, San Diego State University and Baruch College (City University of New York), and has co-authored several publications about consumers and the role of marketing in business. She also was voted by students at Fowler College of Business at SDSU as
the most engaged faculty member in 2020. The UT Pan American legacy alumna now is bringing to UTRGV all the lessons she picked up along the way and has combined them with her passion for teaching. “I love telling stories. I teach consumer behavior, so I can deliver the content in a way that’s a story that draws people in,” Marquez
said. “And to be able to watch students nod their heads when I say something that lands? It feels great. There’s this connection component of teaching that I absolutely love.” COMING HOME Marquez started her first semester in Fall 2021, teaching two online consumer behavior courses. She is excited to be working
with dedicated UTRGV faculty, and to be helping students hone their skills. McAllen is Marquez’s stomping grounds. The educator graduated from UTPA with a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA. She went on to get a Ph.D. in marketing from UT Austin. Coming back to McAllen started out as a simple visit, she said, but she and her
husband decided to make it a permanent move. They had just had their first child and felt they needed some support, especially when the pandemic began to unravel across the country. She was working at San Diego State University at the time and reached out to UTRGV to inquire about the possibility of a teaching position. It all worked out.
Ask Our Dentists by DR. ADAM LALONDE
Q: : My friend was recently diagnosed with latestage Oral Cancer. This startled all of us. She does not smoke and lives a healthy lifestyle. This was a wake-up call for ME and her whole family. Is there anything we can do to catch early signs? ANSWERED by DR.ADAM LALONDE:
Yes, Oral Cancer CAN BE detected early! You are very wise to be thinking about this. Here at Los Fresnos Dental Center, we now offer Oral Cancer screenings to all our patients as part of their dental exam & checkup, free of charge. We utilize Dr. Adam Lalonde the Oral ID system which is a simple, painless, 2 minute exam that allows us to identify oral abnormalities not visible to the naked eye. In short, this exam can SAVE your life. Here are the most recent startling facts: • 40% of new diagnosis are young, non-smokers • 50% have a 5 yr survival rate • 63% of oral cancers are found in late-stage & 8,000 deaths due to this late diagnosis • Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer • 1 out of 3 women will develop cancer in their lifetime One of the reasons we invested in & recently implemented the Oral ID system is: “The number of oral cancers has increased over a 6 yr period, where all other cancers have declined.” Oral Cancer is officially an epidemic & early detection is critical. For more information, call our office or visit us at www.losfresnosdental.com.
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CITY OF LOS FRESNOS PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING CHANGE
The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments from the public on the re-zoning of a property in Los Fresnos. The public hearing will be held on 2/28/2022 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall, 520 E Ocean Blvd., Los Fresnos, Texas.
CITATION BY PUBLICATION
CLERK OF THE COURT Sylvia Garza-Perez 974 E. HARRISON STREET BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520
THE STATE OF TEXAS In the County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, Texas To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY OF TEDDY NENDER TATUM, Deceased, GREETINGS: You are commanded to appear and answer to the APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP, filed by DARIS VICTORIA REYES GALEANO, at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 10 days from the date of service of this citation, before the Honorable County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, Said APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP was filed on November 09, 2021. The file number of said Matter being No. 2021-CPC-00371 County Court at Law IV The Style being:
Determine who the heirs and only heirs of decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled. Issued on this the 12th day of January, 2022. Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 12th day of January, 2022. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.
By __/s/Martin Obregon___, Deputy Martin Obregon
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CLERK OF THE COURT Sylvia Garza-Perez 974 E. HARRISON STREET BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520
ATTORNEY OF PERSON FILING THE CAUSE Arthur Eugene McCullough 323 E Jackson PO Box 2244 Harlingen TX 78551 THE STATE OF TEXAS
In the County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, Texas To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY OF JIMMIE DOYLE MCMINN, Deceased, GREETINGS: You are commanded to appear and answer to the Application for Independent Administration and Letters of Administration Pursuant to Section 401.0003 of The Texas Estates Code and To Determine Heirship, filed by DOYLE E. MCMINN, at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 10 days from the date of service of this citation, before the Honorable County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, Said Application for Independent Administration and Letters of Administration Pursuant to Section 401.0003 of The Texas Estates Code and To Determine Heirship was filed on January 26, 2022. The file number of said Matter being No. 2022-CPC-00036 County Court at Law IV The Style being:
IN THE ESTATE OF JIMMIE DOYLE MCMINN, Deceased
The nature of said proceeding being substantially as follows, to wit: Determine who the heirs and only heirs of decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled. Issued on this the 31st day of January, 2022. Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 31st day of January, 2022. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.
By _/s/Martin Obregon_________, Deputy Martin Obregon
4 • February 9, 2022 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Down to the Wire! Los Fresnos Defeats Harlingen in a Thriller
By Ruben Rodriguez Los Fresnos News
Has anyone ever heard the phrase “Lightning never strikes in the same Place” before? Well that proved to be the case as the Los Fresnos Falcons hosted the Harlingen Cardinals in their second and final meeting of the 20212022 Basketball season. In the first meeting on January 7, Harlingen and Los Fresnos battled throughout the game that could’ve gone either way. However the Cardinals walked away with the win as Evan Vasquez drove in the game winning layup with .5 seconds left to defeat Los Fresnos 51-50. Now fast forward to their second meeting, both the Cardinals
and the Falcons have gone 3-3 in district play. Heading into the matchup, Harlingen was 6-3 in district, tied for 2nd place with Harlingen South and Brownsville Hanna. Los Fresnos was 3-6 tied for 6th with Brownsville Rivera. From the start, both the Cardinals and Falcons aimed to take control as Darius Garcia, Edsson Picazo and Keane Ogao combined for 12 points, while Harlingen’s Ryan Sanchez and Ian Solis combined for 10 points. The second quarter saw Los Fresnos taking control as Picazo led the scoring with 11 points at the half, Garcia followed with seven. Sanchez led the scoring for the Cardinals with seven. Los Fresnos took control and went on a
dominant run on both offense and defense. Salazar and Garcia combined for 18 points as The Falcons continued to keep the lead heading into the Fourth Quarter as Harlingen, led by Sanchez amplified and increased the offensive attack and closed the Falcon lead down to one. However, excellent shooting from the Free Throw Line and great playmaking led by Ogao, Salazar, Picazo and Garcia resulted in the Falcons defeating the Cardinals 52-51. Final scorers for the Falcons include Picazo with 15, Ramirez with 2, Salazar with 12, Ogao with 10, Garcia with 9 and Capetillo with two. Los Fresnos improves to 4-6 in district play.
Named RSL’s ‘Player of the Game’. “Edson Picazo nets 15 and leads the way ad Los Fresnos outlasts Harlingen 52-51 in a thriller.”
Lady Falcons Soccer
Los Fresnos Falcons Team picture celebrating Head coach, Marco Hinojosa’s birthday. Photo from Marco Hinojosa’s Twitter.
“Great team effort by the Lady Falcons against Rivera HS. #13 with another Top hattrick! #4, #2, #7, #5, #1, #31 with a clean sheet (3). Next Game is vs. Weslaco” - LFHS Girls’ Soccer Twitter
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The Next Chapter Poem
You’re More Than a Friend to Me You’re my buddy next door Whom I couldn’t love more You’re a friend who is always there When no one else cares You’re a friend who loves to chat And always makes me laugh You’re a friend who loves to dance And teaches me every chance You’re a friend who helps me volunteer Which always brings me cheer You’re a friend who likes to dress up And lets me do her makeup I’m not going to lie, but I couldn’t have Asked for a better friend Who will always be by my side
Want your story in the paper? This story continues next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from a local author. You can submit your own original story for publication at our Facebook Page.
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THEME: VALENTINE’S DAY ACROSS 1. Fantasy sports data 6. Accounting acronym 9. Stark daughter on “Game of Thrones” 13. Branch of economics 14. All talk, no action type of service 15. Relating to symmetry,
in geometry 16. Base-8 numeral system 17. “____ the land of the free...” 18. Lots and lots 19. *Actor Ryan of “Blue Valentine” 21. *Desdemona’s suspicious husband 23. Big fuss 24. Nose-in-the-air type 25. Uber alternative
28. One on a pedestal 30. Moderately wide 35. Eye layer 37. Twelfth month of Jewish year 39. Cheese-covered chip 40. Popped relief? 41. *”Love, ____” movie 43. Splints site 44. Muhammad’s teachings 46. Orchestra instrument 47. Past of heave
48. Avoids work, in British slang 50. Give off 52. Dose of sunshine 53. Back seat 55. Hair-raising product 57. *____ valentine, an opposite of love note 61. English author perhaps best known for “The Canterbury Tales” 65. Like Mary-Kate and Ashley 66. Pooh’s “wise” friend 68. Bring to an end 69. Potassium nitrate 70. Farm sound 71. Arm bones 72. Back talk 73. Uniting conjunction 74. Imposter DOWN 1. Smoke plus fog 2. Comes in hard or soft shell 3. Parts of a play 4. ____-____-la 5. Plural of solidus 6. Heidi’s shoe 7. *Sweetie follower 8. Cook’s cover 9. Wheel holder 10. Cambodian money 11. Two-masted vessel 12. “The Sun ____ Rises” 15. Trash can for fireplace (2 words) 20. Source of lymphocytes, pl. 22. Pull along 24. Dormant state 25. *Famous archer 26. Dispatch boat 27. “____ and whistles” 29. Hodgepodge 31. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible’s son 32. Blood of the gods, Greek mythology 33. Seven days postmortem 34. *Hive-related endearment 36. Unfortunately, exclamation 38. Rumpelstiltskin machine 42. Stallion’s cry 45. Business combination 49. Old Man’s turf, according to Hemingway 51. Darjeeling server 54. Smell, usually pleasant 56. Calms 57. Ford Transit and such 58. Pelvic parts 59. Lice eggs 60. Augments 61. Oaf 62. Scoop holder 63. Biblical twin 64. Donna or Lou 67. Got a blue ribbon
6 • February 9, 2022 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
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Americans Lose 200 Hours of Sleep Over Debt Stress
February 9, 2022 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7
Vote for George Rivera
A Proven Community Leader Chair, Small Cities Coalition for the RGV Member, Small Cities Board of Texas Mayor, City of Palm Valley 7 years Member, Valley Environmental Coalition Advisor, Hidalgo County Judge for Border International Cross Trade (StatePoint) A new research study looking at how debt affects daily lives reveals that the true cost of debt is more than making the minimum payments. Having debt can also be detrimental to mental and physical health, and impact life decisions. Commissioned by National Debt Relief and conducted by OnePoll, the survey finds that the average American loses over 200 hours of sleep annually over their outstanding financial obligations and has three “debt nightmares” a week. In fact, seven in 10 feel like a “black cloud” hangs over them when they have to pay a bill or loan, and 71% feel debt has permanently affected them mentally. Those surveyed report an increase in anxiety (38%), stress (33%) and moodiness (32%) because of their debt problems, and 69% of respondents who have been in debt say it’s made them withdraw from the things they love. The survey also reveals a vicious cycle -- while 77% of people would feel guilty spending money on leisure items knowing they’re in debt, three in five respondents also admit to feeling pressured to spend money they can’t afford to hide their financial situation. Unfortunately, debt is not just personal. The survey suggests
that debt can also place a burden on families and couples. In fact, people worry about debt so much that nearly three in five have even considered putting off marriage to avoid inheriting their partner’s debt and 54% believe having a partner in debt is a major reason to consider divorce. Half of respondents are also afraid of eventually inheriting their parents’ debt. Experts say that when it comes to combating both debt, and the negative feelings it creates, it’s important to be open with loved ones. “Hiding debt can lead to feelings of loneliness and embarrassment around friends and family, or pressure to buy things you can’t afford,” says Natalia Brown, National Debt Relief’s chief client operations officer. “Tell your loved ones your financial situation so they know your limits.” Brown also recommends adopting practices that improve your financial outlook in the short- and longterm while helping you avoid future debt. This includes having smart spending habits that align with your budget, getting health insurance to avoid exorbitant outof-pocket spending on medical care, and setting up automatic savings. With these practices, Brown hopes more people will be prepared to pay a surprise $400
bill, which the Federal Reserve reported 40% of Americans would struggle to pay. Debt management can be complicated, particularly if you owe multiple creditors or if your debt feels overwhelming. It’s no surprise that nearly three-quarters of those polled wish there were tools and resources available to help them when they were at their worst in debt. To help you pay off your debt faster or even lessen the amount you owe, Brown suggests enlisting the help of a service such as National Debt Relief, which negotiates with creditors on your behalf to significantly reduce your debt, so you can be debt-free in as little as 24-48 months. As a top-rated debt relief company, National Debt Relief has helped hundreds of thousands of clients over the past decade resolve over $9 billion in unsecured debt on everything from personal loans and medical bills to credit cards and student debt. To learn more, visit nationaldebtrelief.com or call 1-800-781-5141. With the ability to adversely impact mental health and harm relationships, debt is clearly more than just a financial burden. But there’s good news -- a majority of Americans agree that getting out of debt feels like they’re retaking control of their lives -- and there are debt resources out there to help.
Past Member, UTRGV Medical School Physicans Search Committee Past Board Member, Harlingen Metropolitan Planning Organization
Republican Primary PO Box 531213 | Harlingen, TX 78553 | 956-990-3737 | george@votegeorgerivera.com www.facebook.com/votegeorgerivera
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8 • February 9, 2022 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
January is National Thyroid Month UT Health RGV doctors urging awareness, check-ups surgery, or simply want the nodules reduced for cosmetic reasons.
(UTRGV Photo by David Pike) higher than the Texas rate By Karen Villarreal of 11.7 per 100,000. In Texas, the incidence RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JAN. rate for thyroid cancers differs by gender, with 27, 2022 – Research women at 17.5 percent, and data show that early and men substantially detection of conditions lower at 6.3 percent. caused by the thyroid The rate for women in gland can be imperative, Cameron County was 18.6 as those conditions can percent, and 19 percent worsen slowly over time. in Hidalgo County. January is National Information on the rate Thyroid Month, and doctors at UT Health RGV for men in Cameron and Hidalgo counties was not have been encouraging available. the Rio Grande Valley In the McAllenpopulation – where rates Edinburg-Mission of thyroid disease are Metropolitan Statistical high – to be vigilant and Area, according to the not put off diagnosis and Texas Cancer Registry, 74 treatment. of 93 new cases last year Area doctors say that, were women, with six for the Rio Grande Valley expected deaths. and Texas as a whole, the The Brownsvillenumber of thyroid-related Harlingen MSA had 47 cancers is cause for new cases, 75 percent of concern. Data from the American which were women, and two deaths. Cancer Society projects Texas will have the DETECTION & second-highest number TREATMENT of estimated new cases in UT Health RGV’s Dr. 2022, with 3,490, behind Henry Reinhart – the California with 4,990. Data also projects Texas only board-certified, will have the third-highest fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon in the number of estimated area – also is the only deaths from thyroid cancer this year, with 150, physician in the Mid- and Lower-Valley areas now behind California’s 310 treating certain thyroid and Florida’s 160. conditions with radio In Hidalgo and Willacy frequency ablation, a counties, the invasive new and leading edge cancer incidence rate is treatment modality. 12 per 100,000, slightly
Reinhart, MD, FACS, said he sees, on average, 40 patients a month at UT Health RGV for thyroid problems. “The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, and it regulates the production of hormones that are involved with body temperature, digestion and other body processes,” he said. “People may not realize the severity of the issue. Left untreated, thyroid disease can be devastating to the heart and other organs.” When the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little hormone, the patient has hypo- or hyper-thyroid issues, which sometimes can be managed with medication. The first line of detection of thyroid problems is a TSH test, which may be followed by a neck ultrasound. Large nodules can also be present around the thyroid gland – both cancerous and benign – which can make it hard to swallow or breathe and can cause voice changes. “If they do have a thyroid nodule, they may need a biopsy to identify if it’s cancerous,” Reinhart said. Some patients require additional treatment,
THE LEADING EDGE Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is the fastest way to shrink large nodules without more invasive surgery, Reinhart said. “Patients who don’t want – or can’t have – surgery may experience relief from their symptoms via RFA treatment,” he said. During RFA, a needle is inserted, and radio waves generate heat to shrink the nodule, allowing the tissue around it to be carefully preserved. Overall, thyroid surgery can be technically challenging, Reinhart said, but very rewarding. “It takes a special set of hands,” he said. “I like that I can help people have a long, full life.” ULTRASOUND In addition to Reinhart, UT Health RGV’s Dr. Rachel Giese, MD, specializes in diagnosing patients with thyroid issues using medical tools like ultrasound. Giese, an otolaryngologist (ENT) and head and neck cancer surgeon, said ultrasound of the thyroid gland helps them identify and biopsy nodules. “Many patients have thyroid nodules and never realize it. In most cases that is fine because most thyroid nodules are not cancerous,” she said. “As a specialist, I like having a thyroid ultrasound in office because I can examine the patient myself. And ultrasound images help us show patients their own nodules,” she said. “Pictures make things clearer than an explanation alone.”
Dr. Henry Reinhart, UT Health RGV endocrine surgeon, is the only board-certified, fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon in the area. He is the only physician in the Midand Lower-Valley areas now treating certain thyroid conditions with radio frequency ablation, a new and leading edge treatment modality. (Photo by UTRGV School of Medicine)
Dr. Rachel Giese, UT Health RGV Otolaryngologist (ENT), Laryngologist, Head & Neck Cancer surgeon, specializes in diagnosing patients with thyroid issues using medical tools like ultrasound. (Photo by UTRGV School of Medicine)
UTRGV School Of Medicine Receives Grant Meeting the healthcare needs of border residents By Saira Cabrera RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – FEB. 1, 2022 – The UTRGV School of Medicine has been awarded a grant to help meet the healthcare needs of Hispanic communities on the South Texas border. The $5,000 grant from The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine Academy of Health Science Education is for a nine-month certificate pilot program – “Better Teachers, Better Healthcare for Historically Underserved Hispanics at the Border: MedEd Teaching Certificate Program” – meant to focus on innovative medical education and best teaching practices. Because the program is tailored to the border’s specific healthcare needs, medical educators will gain
professional development opportunities as clinical faculty members to enhance student learning and, in turn, produce physicians better trained to meet the healthcare needs of historically underserved Hispanics at the Border. Dr. Karina Madrigal, EdD, MA, assistant professor of Pediatrics and director of Faculty Development, is principal investigator on the grant. “We will be able to increase our current efforts to train the next generation of physicians in using modern medical education and innovative teaching strategies in both the classroom and clinical setting,” Madrigal said. “These efforts are significant to me because I am a Valley native, and I believe we can further prepare our students to better care for our underserved communities.”
The end goal, Madrigal said, is to enhance the patient experience in medically underserved communities like the Valley. The team’s goals include: Implementing active learning techniques and technology. Strategically developing educational innovations. Incorporating evidencebased medical education strategies. The team also aims to establish an educational philosophy anchored in Hispanic border healthcare needs by recognizing the unique social determinants of health, cultural awareness, and cultural competency. In addition to Madrigal, the team of co-investigators includes: Dr. Beatriz Tapia, MD, EdD, MPH, interim associate dean of Faculty Affairs and Development,
assistant dean for Pediatrics and associate professor of Pediatrics. Dr. Robert Nelson Jr., MD, MS, FAAP, interim vice dean for Educational Affairs, senior associate dean of Faculty Affairs and chair of Pediatrics. Dr. Rene Corbeil, EdD, professor in the UTRGV Department of Teaching and Learning, Educational Technology, served as a technology consultant. The grant helps reinforce the UTRGV MedEd Teaching Certificate Program launched in November 2021. Founded in 2005, the Shine Academy was created to serve The University of Texas System through the support and advancement of excellence in health science education, educational scholarship, and leadership.
Dr. Karina Madrigal, EdD, MA, assistant professor of Pediatrics and director of Faculty Development, UTRGV School of Medicine. (UTRGV Photo by Jennifer Galindo)