Mega Doctor News April 2018

• June 2014 • Autism: From Early Signs to Treatment

Two Faculty Members Of The School Of Medicine Recognized By National Hispanic Medical Association April 2018

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Dr. Leo Lopez III Resident Physician

Dr. Frank Ambriz Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst Dr. James Lukefahr UTRGV Clinical Pediatrician Pediatrician Associate Professor

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Mega Doctor News - April 2018

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Publisher’s Word: Yes! It Is Hard to Take Care of Your Health, But You Have to Do It Guardian eHealth Solutions Quicker Physician Exams of Foster Children Could Save Young Lives ANECDOTE: Dr. Carlos Godinez, Dedication, Perseverance, and Energy.

Center for Vector-Borne Disease to Address Illnesses Spread by Insects Opens From Early Signs to Treatment: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Autism Professor of Medicine Named Outstanding Physician Assistant Educator of The Year Medical Students Running Clinic in Peñitas Medical Board Names Executive Director School of Medicine Dean Presents White Coat to Aspiring Neurosurgeon Surgery and Women’s Specialty Center in Harlingen Texas A&M and The University of Texas Profit Makers Dr. Leo Lopez III, MD, awarded the 2018 National Hispanic Resident Doctor of the

Mega Doctor News welcomes comments and suggestions, or complaints about errors that warrant correction. Comments on editorial content may be e-mailed to robertog@ tbbmega.com or call at 956-451-4585. Readers dissatisfied with a response or concerned about the paper’s journalistic integrity may reach the publisher at robertohgonzalez@sbcglobal.net.

Dr. Eduardo Candanosa

Mega

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Doctor “Our Health is the Most Important Thing We Have in Life” - Dr. Eduardo Candanosa

Mega Story Dr. Francisco Fernandez

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Dr. Michael Martinez

Two Faculty Members Of The School Of Medicine Recognized By National Hispanic Medical Association

Center for Vector-Borne Disease to Address Illnesses Spread by Insects Opens

Dr. Frank Ambriz

Professor of Medicine Named Outstanding Physician Assistant Educator of The Year

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Guy Bailey

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• DISCLAIMER• The information provided herein should not be construed as a healthcare diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed healthcare advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other healthcare profession and does not enter into a healthcare practitioner/ patient relationship with its readers. The publisher does not advise or recommend to its readers treatment or action with regard to matters relating to their health or wellbeing other than to suggest that readers consult appropriate health-care professionals in such matters. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication. The information and opinions provided herein are believed to be accurate and sound at the time of publication, based on the best judgment available to the authors. However, readers who rely on information in this publication to replace the advice of healthcare professionals, assume all risks of such conduct. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. MDN

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• April 2018 •

Publisher’s Word

Roberto Hugo Gonzalez Publisher

W

e met a doctor who doesn’t beat around the bush, he clearly advises his patients to take care of their health, so they can have a better quality of life.

Dr. Eduardo Candanosa recently opened his new practice office called Specialized Family Clinic in McAllen. He is a board-certified family medicine doctor that has had extensive training working as an Emergency Room doctor as well as a hospitalist physician.

The fact that he was trained in two countries sets him on the level of a more talented and experienced physician. As a native of Mexico, he studied to become a medical doctor in Mexico and then studied in the United States to revalidate his medical degree.

Working as an ER physician, he gained a lot of experience in treating patients with many different health issues

Yes! It Is Hard to Take Care of Your Health, But You Have to Do It

that are prevalent in this area. He was also during its annual conference. Dr. Francisco clinic once a month; they will be supervised Fernandez, UTRGV professor of by the clinical faculty of UTRGV School of working as a hospitalist in the Rio Grande psychiatry, was appointed to the Medicine.

Valley before opening the practice.

NHMA Board. Dr. Michael Important Recognition: Originally Dr. Candanosa says that our health Martinez, UTRGV clinical from Elsa, Texas, Frank Ambriz, clinical is probably the most important thing in assistant professor in surgery, was associate professor in the UTRGV our life and even though it is hard to do, it named Young Physician of Department of Physician Assistant Studies, is our choices that can help us live the Year. a healthier life. and program director of the Master in The mission of Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program In this issue, get to know the organization is to (MPAS) was recognized by the Texas more about Dr. Candanosa and empower Hispanic Academy of Physician Assistants. TAPA his concerns about patient physicians to lead named Frank Ambriz, the 2018 Outstanding health. efforts to improve the Physician Assistant Educator of the Year.

Child Welfare: The health of Hispanic Texas Legislature passed Congratulations! and other underserved Senate Bill 11, one of I invite you to read these and other populations. The NHMA stories in this issue; I know you will enjoy four child welfare reform works in collaboration with it. MDN bills during the 2017 Hispanic state medical session. Senate Bill 11 societies, medical residents, requires foster kids to see and medical students, and a physician within three We Do other public and private business days of placement sector partners.

Social Media in foster care; before it was passed, Student-Run Clinic: foster children waited as much as 30 Mega Doctor News The University of Texas Rio days to see a doctor for a physical. This 5000 friends Grande Valley School of + 1074 likes will help children who are in foster care Medicine recently opened in Texas to be as healthy and safe as @MegaDoctor its first student-run clinic at possible.

478 Proyecto Desarrollo Humano followers RGV Physicians Honored: The in Peñitas. The clinic will National Hispanic Medical Association /robertohgonzalez provide free healthcare 6595 followers honored two UTRGV professors services to the patients of medically underserved Dr. Eduardo Candanosa communities. The medical students will operate the

• April 2018 •

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Guardian eHealth Solutions

or the last five years, Gilberto Garcia has been on a mission to help provide ill patients with better and state of the art healthcare.

Garcia is the founder of Guardian eHealth Solutions, a company dedicated to providing patients and physicians with the resources to monitor patient’s health while at home. Guardian eHealth Solutions is the leading expert in providing Remote Patient Vital signs monitoring (RPM) Guardian eHealth Solutions is a premier tele-health services provider of innovative and cost effective tele-monitoring solutions across the health care continuum. Their mission is to provide the healthcare community with state of the art monitoring equipment a n d encourage proactive

Gilberto Garcia

intervention to improve patient outcomes.

Guardian eHealth Solutions was founded as a result of Garcia’s experience as a physician and owner of a local home health agency. At its founding, technology was expensive and clumsy to say the least. In the early days the service was made available to all but there was no reimbursement for the service by private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. It was merely a service provided to aid in monitoring patients at the home health company expense.

Today things have changed, and the service is now being made available to many more ill patients.

Remote patient monitoring provides several benefits including improved access to healthcare, improved quality of care, and peace of mind to both patient and physicians of daily assurance. Finally, there is improved support, education and feedback. RPM gives primary care providers an opportunity to give chronic and at-risk patients extra attention in their disease management without monopolizing their time. All of this translates to substantial healthcare cost savings. These savings come from reduced urgent care clinics, emergency room visits and potential reduction in hospitalizations and readmissions.

What exactly is Remote Patient

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What exactly is Remote Patient Monitoring?

RPM allows nurses and physicians to monitor patients’ vital signs such as blood pressure, sugar levels, oxygen saturation and weight.

Armed with this biometric data healthcare providers are able to intervene and possibly save a life.

Monitoring? RPM allows nurses and physicians to monitor patients’ vital signs such as blood pressure, sugar levels, oxygen saturation and weight. Armed with this biometric data healthcare providers are able to intervene and possibly save a life.

To qualify for the service a patient must fall into one of the following eligible diagnosis: • Hypertension • Diabetes • Congestive Heart Failure • High risk pregnancy Guardian eHealth Solutions has its own propriety online platform called Phoenix developed by computer software experts and Garcia utilizing his medical training and home health care experience.

This is the platform which nurses and physicians use to monitor patients. The software receives biometric PGA data from the monitoring device every time the

blood pressure, glucose monitoring device, oximeter and scale are used. It records the information making readily available to health professionals.

Guardian uses a state of the art blood glucose plus blood pressure monitoring system. This easy to use wireless systems provides continues data transmission.

The future of tele-health, remote patient monitoring is very promising as more and more physicians, healthcare professional and hospitals embrace this ever-improving technology.

If you are a patient who believes you could benefit from Remote Patients Monitoring or a physician seeking additional information on how to add this tool to your armamentarium to provide this potentially life-saving service contact Guardian eHealth Solutions at (956) 800-4557 or visit their website at https:// guardianehealthsolutions.com/. MDN

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• April 2018 •

MEGA DOCTOR

“Our Health is the Most Important Thing We Have in Life” - Dr. Eduardo Candanosa Taking Care of It Is Not an Easy Thing

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

D

r. Eduardo Candanosa is a board-certified medical doctor in the field of family practice. He recently opened a new doctor’s office by the name of Specialized Family Clinic in McAllen, Texas. He says, “Living a healthy and long life is all about choices we make, the food you eat, the physical activity you participate in, the medical care you seek, and whether you follow your doctor’s advice. It is all up to the individual.”

Dr. Candanosa received his medical training in two countries and worked as an ER physician as well as a hospitalist physician for several years in the Rio Grande Valley before opening a practice. As a hospitalist physician, he is the doctor responsible for managing the care of hospitalized patients in the same way that primary care physicians are responsible for the care of outpatients.

He is originally from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon in Mexico, a populous industrial city less than three hours from South Texas. The fact that he was a doctor, first in Mexico and then in the United States, puts him in a different category; he is double trained in medicine. Also, his work as a hospitalist gave him the experience of dealing with hundreds of patients in multiple scenarios of chronic diseases.

“I started medical school in 1994 in Mexico,” he told Mega Doctor News.

“The medical program in Mexico is six years, so I graduated in 2000.” He pointed out that after that, he did one year of social services in a small town called Villa Aldama in the same state of Nuevo Leon.

Once he obtained his medical doctor license in Mexico, he proceeded to continue his studies to become a general surgeon. “I completed four years in that specialty.”

During the time he was doing his residency for general surgery in Mexico, he met his wife, Laura. They married and started the process of moving their practices to the United States. Laura is originally from McAllen and is currently revalidating her medical studies in the States.

Dr. Candanosa arrived here in 2009 and started the process of revalidating his studies in the U.S. “I took the board exams, Step 1, 2, and 3; I passed everything revalidating my general practice title and received a diploma. In 2011, I started the residency program.”

Dr. Eduardo Candanosa, Board Certified physician is now accepting patients the new practice “Specialized Family Clinic” in McAllen.

Is it hard to revalidate a profession? “I did it in two years, which is the standard, others take longer depending on the pace they chose to do it.” He added, “It’s very intense, and when you finish that process then you need to look for a spot in the residency program.”

According to Dr. Candanosa, this is not an easy process. “Fortunately, I got a spot in the McAllen Family Residency Program which was sponsored by the Health Science System in San Antonio. I started in June 2011, and I finished in June 2014,” he said.

After all the hard work and dedication, in the year 2014, he graduated from the McAllen Family Medicine Residency Program.

This Program was established in 1977 to help train and educate family medicine physicians in South Texas

and the Rio Grande Valley under the sponsorship of the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.

Since the development of the Family Medicine Residency Program, over 200 physicians have been trained.

In April 2015, the McAllen Family Medicine Residency Program became part of a new sponsoring institution, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

What attracted you to this profession? “Well I don’t have any doctors in my family. But when I was a kid, and my parents took me to the doctor, I was just attracted by how a doctor behaves and the importance of a doctor to families.” He continued, “I didn’t have a direct role model to follow, I just relied on my family doctor at that time. I mean I always wanted to serve; to me, that feels good.”

The scope of family practice encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system, and every disease entity.

That is what Dr. Candanosa is now offering to his patients.

What was the challenge you remember as you were looking for certification? “When I was in the process of certifying as a doctor, the biggest challenge was thoughts of failure and not accomplishing the goal.” He continued, “There were all the studies that I needed to do to get it done, and the stress to take the board exams.” After certification, now as a doctor, he says, the challenges are different because it involves his patients.

Do your patients follow doctor’s instructions? “Many do, some don’t.” He said, “Nowadays everyone works. They Continued on page 7

• April 2018 • Continued from page 6

MEGA Doctor ...

have one hour in the middle of the day to grab something to eat and then just go back to work. It’s difficult. I understand that those are the challenges.”

Dr. Candanosa worries because the Rio Grande Valley is an area where diabetes is a widespread chronic disease. He said that a lot has to do with genetic conditions, the other is excessive eating and low physical activity or none. “Yes, I know that it’s difficult to lose weight and it is very difficult to follow a healthy diet. But under critical circumstances, people have to obey the doctor’s order and follow a plan.”

The services that he provides includes Preventive Medicine with annual health evaluations and screenings for individuals of all ages. This includes flu shots, and immunizations, physical exams for sports, school and summer camp, and Pediatric Medicine.

He also offers adult medicine and geriatrics, treatment of long-term medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, women’s health including pap smears, pelvic and breast exams, joint injections, palliative care, laboratory testing, minor surgery, biopsy and excision of skin lesions, incision and drainage of abscesses, and treatment of minor injuries such as lacerations, burns, and sprains.

Dr. Candanosa is meticulous with the treatment of his patients. He says that when he sees a patient and then he prescribes, it doesn’t end there.

“I review the patient’s chart and I check all the medicines and re-check again. I’m thinking about what else I can do for my

“Living a healthy and long life is all about choices we make.” patient,” he said.

Personal Life Is your wife also a doctor? “No, she is a Psychologist. She finished her process of bachelor revalidation and she already finished the master’s in clinical psychology at UTRGV.” Now she needs 3000 supervised hours to be eligible to get the Texas license in psychology. “It’s difficult to specialize in psychology. It’s quite difficult,” Dr. Candanosa said.

Who are your parents? “My father, Eduardo Candanosa passed away in 1997. He had skin cancer at the age of 42. We had a hard time at that time. My mom, Lucia Candanosa was a middleschool teacher all her life. Now she is

retired and lives in Mexico.”

Dr. Candanosa is the oldest of four brothers; they are all professionals.

One of his brothers is a lawyer, another is a mechanical engineer, and the youngest is an accountant.

Do you have any hobbies? “I do, my biggest hobby is fishing. I have three children all boys, nine, six and eight months.” He said that at any given time, he takes the 9 and 6-year old boys with him to fish. He said, “I like to go to the areas of Port Isabel and South Padre Island.”

Are you a good fisherman? “I would like to be better. It’s a great hobby because you do it with your children, your friends, and family. “He also enjoys cycling and uses a mountain bike when he hits the Mission, Texas trails.

Eduardo Candanosa, M.D. is Board Certified in Family Medicine. His practice, Specialized Family Clinic TM is located at 801 E. Nolana Ave, Suite 3 in McAllen, Texas. He was selected as the Mega Doctor for this issue for his genuine desire to motivate his patients in the Valley to make better choices.

Dr. Candanosa says, “Taking care of your health is not easy, but it is the most important thing you have. It requires time and is the most important decision you can make to help you live a healthier and longer life.” MDN

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EDITORIAL GROUP

956-682-8500 Office 956-451-4585 Sales 614 S. 12th Street McAllen, TX 78501 www.MegaDoctorNews.com Roberto Hugo Gonzalez -Publisher Beatriz Gonzalez - Editor in Chief Jennifer Tovar - Graphic Designer Neiby Rodriguez- Editorial Staff SALES Roberto Hugo Gonzalez Sales Director - 956-451-4585 Roy Martinez Sales Account Executive 956-227-7726 Maritza J. Rodriguez Public Relations/Web South Texas Circulation Circulation COPYRIGHT © 2017 All rights reserved.

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent from Mega Doctor News Proudly Made and Printed in the USA. We are committed to protecting the environment; our newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based inks. MDN

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• April 2018 •

MEGA STORY

Two Faculty Members Of The School Of Medicine Recognized By National Hispanic Medical Association Mega Doctor News

By Amanda A. Taylor

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wo UTRGV medical professors were honored by the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) during the 22nd annual NHMA Conference this month in Washington, D.C. Dr. Francisco Fernandez, UTRGV professor of psychiatry, was appointed to the NHMA Board, and Dr. Michael Martinez, UTRGV clinical assistant professor in surgery, was named Young Physician of the Year.

Dr. Francisco Fernandez Fernandez, also clerkship director for the UTRGV Department of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosciences, was appointed to serve on the NHMA Board based on his dedication to advocacy and mentorship of young physicians.

“The appointment was a welcome surprise, especially since

I’m given the opportunity to enhance mentorship, not only to health investigators but to all individuals who make up the Hispanic health population,” Fernandez said. “This includes people who are not in medical school, but affiliated with other allied health professions.”

Fernandez was reintroduced into NHMA when he was selected as Physician of the Year in 2016. Since then, he has been working with young Hispanic health investigators as a leader in supporting the mission of NHMA – to improve the healthcare practices of Hispanic and underserved populations.

Fernandez was the plenary session speaker and moderator during the NHMA conference, where he presented on “Mental Health Impact of Natural Disasters: Acute and Chronic Phases,” based on lessons learned from hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate. He also presented on “Teaching Culturally Competent Latino Family Health,” focused on improving family strategies,

Dr. Francisco Fernandez (UTRGV Photo by David Pike) such as the delay-to-treatment factor.

Through his appointment to the board, Fernandez hopes to bring insight into the major issues surrounding Hispanic healthcare needs and to extend research opportunities.

“It’s an honor to be able to engage and participate in this organization that’s charged with modifying and improving care for the Hispanic community through research,” he said. “The focus is on improving education on a federal level and being able to serve the Hispanic population in a patient-centered way.”

Dr. Michael Martinez Martinez, who was named one of two Young Physicians of the Year from the Southwest Region, is a UTRGV assistant professor of surgery and a surgeon with the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) in Edinburg, The award is bestowed upon physicians who are within five years of exiting training and have made an impact on Hispanic communities.

Physicians apply for the award by writing a personal essay on how they have given back to their communities.

Martinez wrote about his experiences as a young medical student who came back to his hometown to be able to serve as a mentor and doctor.

“I was very thrilled and honored to be awarded,” Martinez said. “In my essay, I wrote about how medically underserved the Valley once was and how I’ve been able to come full circle, mentoring students enrolled in the UTRGV School of Medicine. Now, we have some of the greatest resources in our own backyard.”

Originally from Edinburg, Martinez obtained his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine in Connecticut.

He stressed the importance of medical partnerships and recruitment of physicians into the Rio Grande Valley to benefit the population.

“It’s important to lend a voice (through NHMA) in what we’re building

Dr. Michael Martinez (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy) here through the UTRGV and DHR partnership,” Martinez said. “It’s a matter of demonstrating how our model might apply to other border communities that also have underserved health populations, finding ways people are doing it better and bringing that knowledge back into the Valley.”

A total of 12 physicians are awarded nationally from six different regions. The other Young Physician of the Year from the region is Gerardo LopezMena, vice president of medical affairs at DHR Health.

Awardees are accepted into the NHMA and presented at the annual conference each year.

About National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA)

Established in 1994 in Washington, DC, the National Hispanic Medical Association is a non-profit association representing the interests of 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the United States. The vision of the organization is to be the national leader to improve the health of Hispanic populations.

The mission of the organization is to empower Hispanic physicians to lead efforts to improve the health of Hispanic and other underserved populations in collaboration with Hispanic state medical societies, residents, and medical students, and other public and private sector partners.

As a rapidly growing national resource based in the nation’s capital, NHMA: • Serves as a resource to the White House, Congress and the federal government • Develops leadership for Public Health and Private Sector Boards and C Suite Positions • Provides networking opportunities with stakeholders who impact Hispanic health. MDN

• April 2018 •

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Quicker Physician Exams of Foster Children Could Save Young Lives Mega Doctor News

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exas children suddenly thrust into the state’s foster care system will receive a necessary health check by a physician sooner, potentially addressing life-threatening issues. Senate Bill 11, one of four child welfare reform bills the Texas Legislature passed during the 2017 session, requires foster kids to see a physician within three business days of placement in foster care.

Texas’ Child Protective Services (CPS) is expanding “community-based” foster care throughout the state as part of the change.

Before the law went into effect September 1, 2017, new foster children waited as long as 30 days to see a doctor for a physical exam. For many children that meant delays before they received help for medical problems tied to hunger, poor hygiene, and general lack of medical care. Dr. James Lukefahr, a pediatrician who works at the Division of Child Abuse at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, says the initial three-day exam is for the child’s safety. “It’s going to be more of a screening exam to make sure they don’t have any significant needs,” says Dr. Lukefahr.

“We’re looking for previously unrecog-

nized injuries and anything that needs to be treated and — especially for older kids — looking at mental health screenings.”

For some children, the need is urgent — even a matter of life and death. The March issue of Texas Medicine magazine reports that between 2010 and 2014, 144 Texas children died while CPS investigated claims of abuse in their cases. Many other children in state custody had to sleep temporarily in CPS offices for lack of suitable homes. Meanwhile, problems such as low pay and high turnover among CPS workers created instability. The new law standardizes child abuse and neglect investigations, covers the cost of daycare services for foster children, and requires CPS to notify a physician when the agency moves a child to a new home.

San Antonio pediatrician Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst, a member of the Texas Medical Association Committee on Child and Adolescent Health, says the reform allows a “warm handoff” between physicians. “Now I can call the new pediatrician or the new family physician and let him or her know what’s been going on with the care of that child to make that transition a little bit more seamless,” Dr. Van Ramshorst said.

It is unclear if the new three-day rule will increase the number of foster

Thank you We Look Forward to Serving You All Year!

children seen by pediatricians and family practitioners. Texas covers foster kids under STAR Health, a Medicaid program, so only physicians who accept Medicaid are likely to see children in foster care. According to TMA’s 2016 Physician Survey, only 41 percent of Texas physicians accept new Medicaid patients, and just one in five accept some new Medicaid patients (21 percent). Foster care children in some areas like rural counties with physician shortages have greater difficulties seeing a physician.

The move to a three-day deadline was successfully implemented in Dallas and Lubbock after the law went into effect in September. For example, all of the newly placed foster care children in Lubbock saw a physician within the threeday window. Statewide, the transition to a three-day deadline will happen in stages.

The entire state should be in compliance

by Jan. 1, 2019.

“It’s really rewarding to do something that makes you feel like you’re going to have an impact on [health care] systems,” says Dr.Valerie Borum Smith, a Tyler pediatrician. “I think at the end of the day what we all want for children in foster care is for them to be safe, for them to be healthy, and for them to have the best outcomes possible.” MDN

Dr. Valerie Borum Smith, Pediatrician

Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst, Pediatrician

Dr. James Lukefahr, Pediatrician

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• April 2018 •

ANECDOTE

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Dr. Carlos Godinez - Dedication, Perseverance, and Energy or those that never

had a chance to read this article, it was published on February 1987.

When I was getting ready to meet with Dr. Godinez, a good friend, I just walked through the back of my office on 614 South 12th, crossed the alley to Broadway St. and went to his office at Valley Night Clinic. My office is still in the same building; we were good neighbors. Dr. Godinez and I had planned our meeting and he was excited to do it, so was I. Dr. Godinez is in heaven and I am glad I was able to meet and work with him to get this article done.

The story was published when I was publisher of McAllen City Magazine over 31 years ago. I know you will enjoy it!

By Roberto H. Gonzalez Original Article: “There’s never been a more exciting time to be in Medicine.” with this insightful quote from the Valley Night Clinic’s Dr. Carlos Godinez, we ended our conversation with him. Regretfully so, and all too soon. For almost a full hour prior to his final statement, we had been listening with acute attention

as Dr. Godinez recalled some events from his past.

When one asks a man such as Dr. Godinez to describe his background, one should have plenty of recording tape, a comfortable chair, and have somebody put all calls on hold.

Born in Pharr, Texas in 1937 to F.B. Godinez and Adelina Draeger Godinez, both now deceased, Carlos Godinez is one of the rare individuals of society who knew as a child what he would do when he grew up. He would be a Doctor just like his father, a Physician, who participated as a Medical Officer, in the Mexican Revolution under Francisco (Pancho) Villa.

In pursuit of advanced medical training in 1925, the elder Godinez arrived in Houston, Texas where he met Adelina Draeger, of German parents, fell in love and married. A short time later, they relocated to the Rio Grande Valley to a small town called Granjeno.

As a child, Doctor Carlos Godinez and his siblings spoke Spanish and German, learning English in the first grade of school. His father, as an educated man, desired for his children to speak

Dr. Godinez, at left, with Dr. Denton Cooley, of Houston, Texas Cardiac Surgeon and special guest, and United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen, also of Houston.

had hoped to continue his education in Guadalajara, but that idea was quickly spurned by his mother.

So, on the instruction of Mrs. Godinez, he returned to the Valley and entered Pan American University.

Two years later in 1957, he transferred to Baylor University and earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1959.

Upon application, he was accepted at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he graduated in 1963 as a Medical Doctor.

It was in Galveston Dr. Carlos Godinez at his office of Valley Night that he met his wife, a Clinic on Broadway St. in McAllen Texas. nursing student, Judith Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez January 1987 Roberts in 1961. After graduation in 1963, they fluent were married. Dr. Godinez and his new and proper Spanish, and so wife then moved to Ft. Worth, where began the tradition of Godinez children Dr. Godinez served his internship at St. spending their years of higher education Joseph’s Hospital. Returning to McAllen in Guadalajara, Mexico to master the to practice Medicine after his internship Spanish language. for two years, Dr. Godinez found himself This desire of the elder Godinez wanting to return to school in pursuit was not meant to put the local Spanish of surgery training, and thus began his language in a bad light. On the contrary, surgery internship at the University of according to Dr. Godinez, “I think it’s Texas Medical School in 1966, in San inevitable in a mixed culture,” he says, Antonio, his wife’s hometown. And in reference to the Tex-Mex dialect then, in the words of Dr. Godinez, “I of Spanish predominantly spoken came back to McAllen, and I’ve been throughout the region, “In fact I think it’s practicing here ever since.” part of our culture.”

With five children, anyone would be In our discussions with the people proud to claim, Dr. Godinez glows as he of the Valley, McAllen City Magazine speaks of them. always hopes to learn something from ‘’My oldest boy, Charlie” says Dr. each individual.

Godinez, “graduated from Harvard with From Dr. Godinez, we learned a honors in June of 1986, and he is going to lesson on Spanish surnames. When a the United States Navy Aviation Officers Spanish surname ends in “-ez”, it is the Candidate School. He’s going to be a Jet equivalent to the Anglo ending of Pilot. His ambition and dream is to be an “-son”. Therefore, Gonzalez is the Astronaut.” A four-year letterman on the son of Gonzalo, Martinez is the Harvard Football Team as a center, we son of Martin and so forth. should be hearing great things of Charlie On the name “Godinez”, Dr. Godinez in the years to come.

Godinez says, “My father told me Roxanna Godinez, twenty-one years his grandparents were originally old, is a senior at Baylor University from France, they had come over studying Business. “Her plan,” says when the French were occupying Dr. Godinez, “Is to be a Hospital Mexico under Maximillian. The Administrator.” Ricardo Godinez, is name was originally ‘Godinet’. studying Pre-Law at the University of After the French left Mexico, my Texas at Austin, and Dr. Godinez’ fourth grandfather stayed. He had come child, Tony, is at Texas A & M in College over as a volunteer in the French Station studying Premed, presumably to Army. He stayed, and he married follow in the footsteps of his successful a Mexican woman in the state of father. The youngest Godinez son at Jalisco, and in the next generation sixteen, is attending prep school in they changed to ‘Godinez’.”

Georgia, as an outstanding representative After finishing High School of the Godinez family. in Mexico, determined to be a Dr. Godinez’ main involvement in Physician, Dr. Carlos Godinez extracurricular activities of the medical

• April 2018 • field has been with the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. This agency regulates the practice of Medicine in the state of Texas.

The three main functions of this board, according to Dr. Godinez are, “It gives the examination of Licensure. We license all Doctors that want to practice in Texas, and we conduct the annual registration of all physicians licensed in the state of Texas, currently about 43,000 and, we conduct all the disciplinary actions against physicians... that have gone wrong or violated the law with a patient.

Appointed to the board for the first time in 1973 by Governor Dolph Briscoe, Dr. Godinez has been reappointed by Governors Bill Clements and Mark White and is serving as its President until 1991. “I’ve become,” he says, “somewhat of an expert in Medical Licensure Matters.”

Dr. Godinez, through his accomplishments with the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. has proven himself on the National Level as well. Elected President of the Federation of State Medical Boards in 1984. “I think I’m the first Texan who has ever achieved that”, says Dr. Godinez of his position with the National Federation.

Although participation on the State and Federal Levels of the Medical Profession has earned Dr. Godinez the respect and recognition of his peers, he has also been instrumental in bringing about many important changes and advancements in the process of local medical care as well. In the eyes of the average Valleyite, it is these local improvements which will earn Dr. Godinez their high esteem.

It was during his tenure as chief of staff of McAllen General Hospital that Dr. Godinez recognized the need for full time emergency room coverage with physicians actually assigned to the Emergency Room. This was not standard operating procedure at the time.

He campaigned successfully to have Doctors on the Hospital Board, which until then was comprised only of businessmen. A scholarship program was initiated for needy nursing students and it was during this period that a Radiation Therapy Center was started. A trip to Harlingen was the status-quo for cancer patients from McAllen to receive their treatment, up until this time.

As an active member, civic affairs have kept Dr. Godinez involved in the McAllen community. He also volunteers his time as team physician for both McAllen High Schools.

During his vast travels across the U.S. as President of the Federation of State Medical Boards, Dr. Godinez saw a trend of health care occurring which he shared with his medical practice partners upon his return to McAllen.

This trend was characterized by

medical attention centers which were open to the public when most doctors’ offices were closed. It was because of this eye-opening experience that the Valley Night Clinic was born.

“We did a survey of our patient population,” he says proudly, “And we found out that people are looking for medical care and the first thing they want is quality. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, or what your name is, or what your socioeconomic background is, quality is first and foremost. Then, the very next thing is convenience, they want to be able to go to the doctor when it’s convenient to them, and the third thing is economics.”

It is the third fact that Dr. Godinez seems to be aiming at with the Valley Night Clinic. “Is it economical to come to a Valley Night Clinic?” we ask. “Yes, it is,” according to Dr. Godinez, “because we can provide the service at a much lesser rate than say a Hospital can because we don’t have the overhead a Hospital has.” This service includes Out-Patient Ambulatory Health-Care by the Valley Night Clinic staff.

“At first there was some criticism towards the Valley Night Clinic,” says Dr. Godinez, “I’m not sure exactly why, but we did have some criticism. That faded away fast because we assured the other doctors that we weren’t out to steal any patients, we were merely offering a service.” In addition, he said, “In fact when we see a patient in the clinic that has an established physician in the community, we always refer them back to that doctor for a follow-up.

“Well as we all know, a good thing is easy to recognize, and as the saying goes, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” The Valley now has several night clinics currently in operation.

“Ours has been successfully operating four years now,” he says, “We’re going on our fifth year.”

Through our visit with Dr. Godinez we are convinced that our hospital system nationwide is meeting the challenge of today and is preparing for tomorrow. With modern advancement in the hospitals ability to research and perform highly technical medical feats, today’s patient is reaping the benefits of our society. On operating efficiency on the business level of hospitals, Dr. Godinez believes some are operating more efficiently than others, and that justifies private industries venture into the hospital field.

As far as the government’s involvement in healthcare, Dr. Godinez feels without a doubt, that there is a need for the government to be involved.

“Government has to be involved in providing health care for the indigent.”

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Dr. Carlos Godinez and wife Judy Godinez at a banquet sponsored by The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas.

he says. “I think they need to be more involved. Unfortunately, the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the federal government put so many restrictions on patient qualifications, that you wonder how effective it really is.”

With Medicare to assist senior citizens of America, and Medicaid designed to provide indigent health care, hospitals are being forced to use their facilities as efficiently as possible due to the many restrictions. Under this policy, all patients are the beneficiaries.

The medical field promises to be a great advantage for the McAllen area in particular and the Valley in general. Dr. Godinez envisions this area as becoming the main medical center for the entire Southwest Texas region, as well as for Northern Mexico. With a growing medical community comes the benefit of healthcare-related construction. As examples, Dr. Godinez points out the new developments underway near the McAllen Medical Center, such as a professional complex, bank, hotel and pharmacies.

On the subject of socialized healthcare, Dr. Godinez feels this Nation’s free enterprise system is the best available for all the people. He points out the fact that so many patients from countries with social health care, paid for by their government, are coming to the United States for treatment of their ailments.

The Valley’s health is, on the whole, in good shape. Tradition and culture notwithstanding, Dr. Godinez believes it is up to us to maintain our personal health. “I think with food”, he says, “the only thing that can hurt you is quantity,” in respect to this region’s diet.

Health care is a matter of education as are most issues important to communities. We are all becoming more aware of our own health and taking it upon ourselves to maintain it. Dr. Godinez sees the general populous out walking more, limiting our beef intake, and eating more fish and vegetables. Dr.

Godinez credits the school system with recognizing the need for education on better health for our children.

Dr. Godinez is optimistic when speaking of Cancer and AIDS. “Aids is a dreadful disease,” he says, “But it is not very common. I think with research you will see a treatment for AIDS, either an active treatment or a passive immunization.”

The Pap Smear is credited by Dr. Godinez to reducing the number of cases of cancer of the cervix, and he believes a major breakthrough is on the horizon for the treatment of diabetes. His optimism is contagious, and the McAllen community has great reason to be proud of its contribution of Dr. Godinez to the medical profession.

Unlike most doctors, Dr. Godinez does not indulge in golf. His recreation instead is farming, gardening, and fishing. “I like to be in touch with nature,” he says.

With all his activities to occupy his time and energy, one wonders if Dr. Carlos Godinez doesn’t have 48 hours in his days. We certainly appreciate the time he afforded-us for our conversation and we wish him and the Valley Night Clinic the very best in the future. MCM (NOTE) The sudden death of Dr. Carlos D. Godinez after a boating accident in the Laguna Madre marked the end of a life devoted to public service and medical care. Godinez’s tragic death came four days before his 56th birthday on October 10, 1993. MDN Scan the QR, it will take directly the Obituary published by the Monitor on October 13, 1993.

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• April 2018 •

From An Expert

in the

Field

Center for Vector-Borne Disease to Address Illnesses Spread by Insects Opens

Texas Border Business

By Vicky Brito and Amanda Taylor

io Grande Va l l e y, T e x a s –– The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is now home to the UTRGV Center for Vector-Borne Disease (CVBD), a collaborative effort to develop a selfsustaining, research-focused center in South Texas.

On April 9, the university held an event in Edinburg to formally announce and launch the center, which will be housed in Edinburg though an official physical space has not yet been determined.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of this center for South Texas.

“As we kick of our Center for Vector-Borne Disease here at UTRGV, we’re reminded that no place could be better for this center,” he said of the Valley. “If you remember, the Zika virus broke out here two years ago and our climate offers a prime area for these kinds of diseases. It’s especially important, what we’ll do here because we want to address the issues that directly affect the Rio Grande Valley. It’s crucial for us to educate students and it’s important for

R

us to improve the lives within this community.”

Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria transmitted through insects such as mosquitos, ticks, and mites.

The center will have a multi-disciplinary focus to encourage research collaboration and cooperation between students, researchers, and departments at UTRGV and external partners.

From Early Signs to Treatment: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Autism

By Lisa Nalven, M.D., Director, Developmental Pediatrics, The Valley Hospital Kireker Center for Child Development

N

ewswise — Autism spectrum disorders are being diagnosed in ever increasing numbers.

Nationally, there are about 1 in 68 children identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. However, the ADDM estimates that the number is even higher in New Jersey, with 1 in 45

children being diagnosed with an ASD. Due to the prevalence of these disorders, it is crucial for parents to know how to recognize the warning signs, seek help if they are worried about their child’s development and understand what interventions are available if their child is diagnosed with an ASD. Some of the most fundamental red flags for an ASD are: • no big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months of age or thereafter; • no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months or thereafter; • no babbling by 12 months; • no back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or Continued on page 20

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has established the multidisciplinary UTRGV Center for Vector-Borne Disease (CVBD), a collaborative effort to develop a self-sustaining, research-focused center in South Texas that will study diseases like Zika, chikungunya and dengue.

On April 9, the university hosted a panel event on the Edinburg Campus to formally announce and launch the center. Founding members of the CVBD are (from left) Dr. Teresa Feria Arroyo, Dr. Tamer Oraby, Dr. Erin Schuenzel, Dr. Beatriz Tapia, Dr. John M. Thomas II and Dr. Christopher J. Vitek. Speaking is Dr, Parwinder Grewal, UTRGV executive vice president of Research and Graduate Studies and former dean of the UTRGV College of Sciences. (UTRGV Photo by Silver Salas)

The UTRGV founding members of the center include: · Dr. Christopher Vitek, associate professor of biology. · Dr. John Thomas, assistant professor of biology. · Dr. Teresa Patricia Feria Arroyo, associate professor of biology. · Dr. Beatriz Tapia, assistant dean for faculty development, UTRGV School of Medicine. · Dr. Tamer Oraby, assistant professor of mathematical and statistical science. · Dr. Erin Schuenzel, associate professor of biology.

Vitek said the idea to establish the center has been percolating since UTRGV was created in 2015.

“We thought this was an excellent way to incorporate research because of the location of UTRGV, along with the experts that we have in the field in different departments,” he said.

“We thought it was very appropriate to develop a center that would be focusing on vector-borne disease.”

It was a slow start building things up, but in around 2016, we really started moving forward finding out how to establish the center.”

With the support of Dr. Parwinder Grewal, executive vice president of Research and

Graduate Studies and former dean of the UTRGV College of Sciences, and Dr. Frederic Zaidan, professor and chair of the Department of Biology, plans were expedited in earnest in 2016 with the Zika epidemic spreading throughout North and South America.

The center is not just focused on the Zika virus, but rather on a variety of diseases and pathogens that are becoming more globally known, such as cattle fever and dengue.

The center’s official goals are threefold. · Conduct research to foster a collaborative partnership between UTRGV faculty and have partnerships outside of UTRGV with agencies like the USDA, CDC and state and local agencies. · Provide educational opportunities for students with certificate courses, internships or research opportunities, to learn about vector-borne diseases and become interested in pursuing careers in the field or in related fields, such as medical entomology. · Provide community outreach through engagement with the area by providing expertise to workshops, seminars and other entities hoping to be educated in vector-borne diseases. MDN

• April 2018 •

Professor of Medicine Named Outstanding Physician Assistant Educator of The Year

Mega Doctor News

By J. Edward Moreno

E

dinburg, Texas – Frank Ambriz, clinical associate professor in the UTRGV Department of Physician Assistant Studies and program director of the Master in Physician AsFrank Ambriz, clinical associate professor in the UTRGV Department of Physician Assistant Studies and program director of the Master in Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program (MPAS), has been named the 2018 Outstanding Physician Assistant Educator of the Year by the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA).

The award honors an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service to PA students and who has furthered the leadership, educational, or professional development of PA students.

Photo archive

by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

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(Courtesy Photo)

sistant Studies Bridge Program (MPAS), has been named the 2018 Outstanding Physician Assistant Educator of the Year by the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA).

The award “honors an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service to PA students and has furthered the leadership, educational, or professional development of PA students,” as stated on their website.

The Elsa native earned his bachelor’s degree in biology in 1977 from legacy institution Pan American University. He went on to earn a B.S. in physician assistant studies from the UT Medical Branch at Galveston and spent 17 years in the profession there before joining UT Pan American as program director of the PA program.

This is the second time Ambriz has earned the award; the first was in 2005.

More than anything, Ambriz said, the award is a testament to the program’s success.

“One of the things that contributed to it is the success we’ve had with our students,” he said. “We’ve transformed our curriculum to an activelearning strategy, and that has increased our national board pass rate from 74 percent to 98 percent.”

In the past decade, the UTRGV Department of Physician Assistant Studies has awarded $6 million in scholarships, Ambriz said, and opportunities like those – which make education more accessible and promote overall student success – lead to recognition from organizations like TAPA. “We keep on moving forward,” he said. “It’s all toward the success of our students and the success of our profession." MDN

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• April 2018 •

Medical Students Running Clinic in Peñitas Mega Doctor News

P

eñitas, Texas – March 19, 2018 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine hosted a grand opening of its first student-run clinic.

This took place at Proyecto Desarrollo Humano, 17617 Sabal Palm Drive in Peñitas.

The grand opening of the student-run clinic will begin with a ceremony, with comments from medical students and representatives from Proyecto Desarrollo Humano and the UTRGV School of Medicine. A host of activities were implemented, including free health screenings, tours of the clinic, information tables and raffles.

Student-run clinics provide free healthcare services to medically underserved communities. Medical

students operate the clinic and treat patients under the supervision of clinical faculty.

T h i s student-run clinic will operate once a month at Proyecto Desarrollo Humano.

UTRGV School of Medicine students said they chose to start their first clinic in Peñitas because there is a high demand for healthcare services, but limited access to care. The students have built a relationship with the community and believe the clinic reinforces the School of Medicine’s mission to provide care to medically underserved areas.

MDN

Students at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine on Saturday celebrated the opening of its first studentrun clinic at Proyecto Desarrollo Humano in Peñitas. The students will offer free primary healthcare services, under the supervision of UTRGV School of Medicine clinical faculty, to residents of the Pueblo de Palmas neighborhood and surrounding communities.

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• April 2018 •

Mega Doctor News - April 2018

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• April 2018 •

• April 2018 •

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• April 2018 •

Mega Doctor News

Medical Board Names Executive Director

T

he Texas Medical Board today named Stephen Brint Carlton Executive Director of the agency, effective April 23, 2018.

Mr. Carlton, of Orange, Texas, has experience as a county judge and prosecutor for Orange County, and prior to that was in private law practice. He holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Florida at Gainesville and his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

Carlton also holds the rank of Major in the United States Air Force Reserve, and joined the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant, Medical Service Corps officer, after graduating from the University of Florida. He spent nearly L - R: Dr. Sherif Zaafran, Stephen four years on active duty stationed at the Brint Carlton, and Scott Freshour 17th Medical Group, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. He was responsible for management as a disaster management and group practice health administrator. Mr. Carlton also Z a a f r a n , M.D., Board President. “We look forward deployed to the 386th Expeditionary to working with Mr. Carlton on fulfilling Medical Group, Ali Al Salem Air Base, the Board’s core mission of public Kuwait for six months in 2009 and helped protection. I also want to acknowledge coordinate aeromedical evacuation Scott Freshour, who served as acting missions for Operations Iraqi Freedom Executive Director leading the agency “We Bring Doctors and Enduring Freedom. during the interim. We’re very thankful Closer to People” “Our committee worked for his continued leadership.” diligently on the agency’s executive search Mr. Freshour will resume his For Sales Info: this past year and we are very excited role as the agency’s General Counsel. with the skills and talent that Mr. Carlton MDN will bring to the agency,” said Dr. Sherif

(956) 451-4585

I

t’s an honor to be able to engage and participate in this organization that’s charged with modifying and improving care for the Hispanic community through research. The focus is on improving education on a federal level and being able to serve the Hispanic population in a patient-centered way.” ■ – Dr. Francisco Fernandez, UTRGV Professor of Psychiatry

Mon thru Thurs: 8 am - 10 pm Fri: 8 am - 5 pm Sat: 8 am - 12 pm Now OPEN Sundays 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Dr. Coimbra received training in several major medical areas: • Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, anxiety/depression, endocrine (thyroid) disorders, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

• Urgent care medicine • Mental and behavioral health • Immunizations • Minor surgical procedures

• Bone and joint • Eye, ear, nose and throat • Labs In-House • Urinary system • Well-woman care/GYN • Reproductive counseling • Family planning • Cosmetic/Juvederm/Botox • All kinds of physicals

• April 2018 •

From An Expert

in the

19 19

Field

School of Medicine Dean Presents White Coat to Aspiring Neurosurgeon Justin Maya is a fourth-grade student at Escandon in McAllen

By Jennifer L. Berghom

M

cAllen, Texas – March 28, 2018 – He hasn’t completed elementary school yet, but aspiring neurosurgeon Justin Maya received his first white coat on Wednesday, March 28, from Dr. John H. Krouse, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and executive vice president for Health Affairs at UTRGV. Justin, 9, a fourth-grader at McAllen ISD’s Escandon Elementary School, has spoken at the school district’s convocation and at the City of McAllen’s State of the City about his desire to pursue a career in neurosurgery. It was at the State of the City that Krouse heard Justin speak, and knew he had to meet him.

“Given the fact that Justin is so passionate about being a neurosurgeon, we really would love to have him come and join us at the UTRGV School of

Medicine,” Krouse said before presenting the coat to Justin.

Krouse explained how medical students begin their journey toward becoming physicians by participating in a White Coat Ceremony, where they receive their first white coats and take the Hippocratic Oath.

“They become part of a profession that’s one of the oldest professions in the world,” he said.

“We would like to, on this day, welcome Justin on his first step to being a physician.”

In addition to presenting Justin with his white coat, Krouse spoke to the school’s fourth-grade class about the benefits of becoming a doctor, and encouraged them to do well in school.

“It takes a long time but it’s something that, if you’re committed to doing it, is probably the best thing that you can do,” he said. “It’s important that,

Dr. John Krouse, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and executive vice president for Health Affairs at UTRGV, presents Justin Maya, a fourth-grade student at Escandon Elementary School in McAllen, with his very first white coat. (UTRGV Photo) whatever your dreams are, whatever you want to be, this is the time to study hard, to read, to learn math, to learn science, to learn how to write well, because these are all skills that are very important for you in your careers as you move forward.”

Krouse also told the students about the need Texas has and will continue

to have for more doctors to treat an evergrowing and aging population. According to the Texas Medical Association, Texas ranks 45th in the nation in its physician to patient ratio. That ratio is even lower in the Rio Grande Valley.

“We’re going to need lots of doctors and nurses, pharmacists and Continued on page 20

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• April 2018 •

Surgery and Women’s Specialty Center in Harlingen Mega Doctor News

By Jennifer L. Berghom

H

Clinic will offer surgery and women’s health services

arlingen, Texas -Ut Health Rio Grande Valley, the clinical component of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, has acquired a general surgery practice in Harlingen as part of the School of Medicine’s mission to increase access to primary and specialty care for residents throughout the region.

The UT Health Rio Grande Valley Surgery and Women’s Specialty Center, located at 614 Maco Drive in Harlingen, will offer services such as surgical consultations and follow-up appointments to patients, as well as women’s health subspecialty services like gynecologic oncology and urogynecology.

“We are pleased to continue offering surgical services, as well as provide specialty women’s health services, to the Harlingen community, and to expand access to excellent healthcare for residents throughout the Rio Grande Valley,” said Dr. John H. Krouse, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and executive vice president for Health Affairs for UTRGV. “Our clinical faculty are highly skilled and

The UT Health Rio Grande Valley Surgery and Women’s Specialty Center, located at 614 Maco Drive in Harlingen talented physicians who are leaders in their respective fields. With this clinic, and other clinics under the UT Health Rio Grande Valley practice plan, Valley residents no longer will have to travel far distances to receive the healthcare they need.”

through its UT Health Rio Grande Valley practice plan. Other clinics UT Health RGV has include the pediatrics specialty clinic that opened last fall in Edinburg and a primary care clinic in Laguna Vista that is expected to open later this year.

The surgery clinic acquisition is the latest in the UTRGV School of Medicine’s plan to offer clinical services to patients

Medical schools throughout the country usually have affiliated clinics operated by faculty members who are also

Continued from page 12

From Early Signs...

"I

t's really rewarding to do something that makes you feel like you're going to have an impact on [health care] systems. I think at the end of the day what we all want for children in foster care is for them to be safe, for them to be healthy, and for them to have the best outcomes possible.” ■ - Dr. Valerie Borum Smith, a Tyler pediatrician.

waving by 12 months; • no words by 16 months; • no two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months; • any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age.

Your child’s pediatrician will screen for autism at regular visits.

However, if you have any concerns about signs of autism or any aspect of your child’s development, you should speak with your pediatrician to arrange for an evaluation. For more information about: Early developmental milestones: http:// www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/; Autism diagnosis, interventions and resources in NJ: http://www. autismnj.org/; Early Intervention of NJ: will provide free developmental evaluations and recommendations for interventions for child birth to 3 years: call 888-653-4463; For children 3 years and older, contact your local school district if you have concerns about your child’s development. MDN

For autism information in Texas: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/ disability/autism-servicesprovided

Texas A&M and The University of Texas Profit Makers Texas Tribune Mega Doctor News

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ost of the state’s major athletics programs once again failed to generate a profit for the 2016-2017 sports year, with Texas State University capping off the year more than $25 million in the red and another five schools recording losses of more than $10 million.

Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin were again the only profit-makers, raking in $65 million and $7.8 million more than they spent, respectively. But A&M will have to use that extra revenue to foot the bill on its new football stadium.

Texas sports departments commonly spend more money than they earn, making up for it with student fees and transfers from their universities’ general funds. Six schools used more than $116 million from those two sources combined to give their athletics departments a boost in 2016-2017 alone. A&M and UT-Austin didn’t rake in student fees or other funds, according to reports. MDN

licensed physicians, and other healthcare professionals and medical staff. The University of Texas System’s other medical schools also have practice plans that deliver patient care in their community.

For inquiries and referrals, call the UT Health Rio Grande Valley Surgery and Women’s Specialty Center at (956) 4409110.MDN

Continued from page 19

School of Medicine Dean ... physician assistants, and many people in all the health professions, to take care of our children and our parents and our grandparents as they get older,” Krouse told the students.

“We’re here at UTRGV to be your university and your medical school to help you along that way.”

Justin said he expected to receive his first white coat much later in life, and was overwhelmed and excited by having the opportunity to meet a real-life physician.

“It feels really awesome, motivating, inspiring, all the good stuff,” Justin said.

Asked why he chose neurosurgery as a career path, Justin replied, “I love saving lives, I love challenges.”

The visit coincides with National Doctors’ Day, which is observed every year on March 30. Because National Doctors’ Day falls on Good Friday this year, many schools throughout the Valley will be closed.

National Doctors’ Day was established in 1933 to celebrate the contribution of physicians who serve our country by caring for its citizens, according to the National Doctors’ Day website, www.doctorsday.org. MDN

• April 2018 •

Dr. Leo Lopez III, MD, awarded the 2018 National Hispanic Resident Doctor of the Year Mega Doctor News

D

r. Leo Lopez III, MD, a Rio Grande City native, was recently awarded 2018 National Hispanic Resident Doctor of the Year by the National Hispanic Medical Association in Washington D.C. Lopez wins this national honor for the second year in a row, having won the award in 2017 as well. Dr. Lopez is a family medicine physician, filmmaker, journalist, and health policy advocate, with interests in alleviating health disparities.

As a third-year resident doctor with Christus Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency Program, Lopez practices medicine in San Antonio, Texas. As a filmmaker, Lopez presented his documentary film “Texas UnMedicaided” at several state-wide conferences in order to tell the story of working families, whom lack access to healthcare in Texas.

He also presented his work in human rights and refugee health at The American Academy of Family Physicians National Global Health Symposium.

In addition, he also presented

his research in global health ethics at the 6th World Congress for Clinical Safety in Rome, Italy. He taught other doctors how to use film and journalism in medicine at a national global health conference.

He designed a new, creative way to teach clinical skills to family medicine doctors through the “escape room” simulation models. He will teach other physicians how to use this method in Washington DC later this spring.

Dr. Lopez serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit “Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility” where he examines health policies and advocates for low-income families at the state level. On weekends, he spends time volunteering at a free clinic for homeless persons in downtown San Antonio.

He recently spent time with immigrant families along the border, learning about their struggles in these difficult times. He organized a county wide, community health summit in the Rio Grande Valley.

As President of the Board for “Salud, Su Derecho”, a non-profit organization, he assembled a working

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group for strategic health priorities and is taking action to empower young women moving forward into the future.

MDN

“I

t’s important to lend a voice (through NHMA) in what we’re building here through the UTRGV and DHR partnership.

It’s a matter of demonstrating how our model might apply to other border communities that also have underserved health populations, finding ways people are doing it better and bringing that knowledge back into the Valley.” ■

Dr. Leo Lopez III

– Dr. Michael Martinez

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• April 2018 •

The Medical Minute: Obesity Numbers Headed in Wrong Direction

D

r. Ann Roger could list 100 reasons why new numbers from the National Center for Health Statistics show that rates of obesity have increased by at least 30 percent in both adults and children the past 15 years.

As director of Penn State’s Surgical Weight Loss Program, she sees, hears and experiences those reasons each time she interacts with adults who come through her clinic.

Lack of cooking skills, easy access to junk food, ridiculous portion sizes, a sedentary yet hectic lifestyle… she could go on and on.

“It’s all bad news and this is not going away,” she said. “The message has to be repeated over and over until people start to understand that this is a serious health issue.”

Those people include everyone from the individual who doesn’t even realize he or she is obese to policy makers who excluded treatment for obesity from the Affordable Care Act’s list of essential health benefits.

“All these smart people at the top are not thinking of it as a treatable disease,” Rogers said. “It is something that can be changed.”

Blacks and Hispanics are even Mega Doctor News

B

eing an “evening person” is linked to higher body mass indices among people with Type 2 diabetes, and having breakfast later in the day seems to be what drives this association, according to a new paper in the journal Diabetic Medicine.

Obesity is common among people with Type 2 diabetes. Having an evening preference — waking up later and going to bed later — has been linked to an increased risk for obesity, but research is lacking regarding this phenomenon among people with Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers led by Dr. Sirimon Reutrakul, associate professor of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism in the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, wanted to determine if morning or evening preference among people with Type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased risk for higher BMI and if so, what specific factors about evening preference contributed to the increased risk.

Reutrakul and her colleagues recruited 210 non-shift workers living in Thailand with Type 2 diabetes for their study. Morning/evening preference was assessed using a questionnaire that focused on preferred time for waking

more likely to struggle with obesity, but Rogers said no one knows exactly why.

Some of it may be food choices, but there may be a genetic component as well.

She said as more of the population becomes not only overweight but obese, people may not see their weight as anything out of the ordinary.

Nor may they realize the serious health consequences of what many still think of as a purely cosmetic issue.

“Things are happening on the inside that are really dangerous and could shorten your life,” she said. “You can make a significant difference by just losing 10 percent of your body weight.”

Even more frightening is the trend toward childhood obesity. “This is their future. They are our future,” she said. “They are children, and all they know is what is provided to them.”

Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski, executive director of Penn State PRO Wellness, agreed that adults have tremendous influence over whether the children in their lives eat a healthy diet and get enough physical activity – two of the best ways to prevent weight problems.

“It’s important to think about what is brought into the home,” she said, explaining that food choices contribute more than physical activity to achieving

and maintaining a healthy weight.

“Ensuring that children have access to healthy foods and decreased access to unhealthy foods is key.”

Kraschnewski said good data exists to show that policy changes can help. She gives the example of communities that imposed a soda tax and saw not only decreased soda consumption but also increased sales of milk and water.

“We aren’t winning the battle against this epidemic, so we need to work to find societal-level changes that can help people make good decisions,” she said.

While waiting for that to happen, she encourages parents and teachers to peel children away from their screens and find ways to incorporate even small amounts of physical activity into their daily routines.

“We need to inform people and help them make healthier decisions,” she said. “The way things are headed, we need to take all of this very seriously.”

Learn more: Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015– 2016 – National Center for Health Statistics ; Obesity and depression have role in excessive daytime sleepiness ;

Dr. Ann Roger

Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski Weight counseling decreases despite rise in obesity .

The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature produced by Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Articles feature the expertise of faculty physicians and staff, and are designed to offer timely, relevant health information of interest to a broad audience. MDN

People with Type 2 Diabetes Who Eat Breakfast Later, More Likely to Have a Higher BMI up and going to bed; time of day spent exercising; and time of day spent engaged in mental activity (working, reading, etc.).

Scores on the questionnaire can range from 13, indicating extreme evening preference, to 55 indicating extreme morning preference. Participants with an evening preference were those who scored less than 45 on the questionnaire, while those with morning preference scored a 45 or higher.

Participants were interviewed regarding their meal timing, and daily caloric intake was determined via selfreported one-day food recalls. Weight measurements were taken and BMI was calculated for each participant. Sleep duration and quality were measured by self-report and questionnaire.

Self-reported average sleep duration was 5.5 hours/night. On average, participants consumed 1,103 kcal/day. The average BMI among all participants was 28.4 kg/m2— considered overweight. Of the participants, 97 had evening preference and 113 had morning preference.

Participants with morning preference ate breakfast between 7 a.m.

and 8:30 a.m., while participants with evening preference ate breakfast between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Participants with morning preference had earlier meal timing, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and the last meal.

The researchers found that having more evening preference was associated with higher BMI. Caloric intake and lunch

Dr. Sirimon Reutrakul

and dinner times were not associated with having a higher BMI. Morning preference was associated with earlier breakfast time and lower BMI by 0.37 kg/m2.

“Later breakfast time is a novel risk factor associated with a higher BMI among people with Type 2 diabetes,” said Reutrakul. “It remains to be investigated if eating breakfast earlier will help with body weight in this population.”

Reutrakul speculates that later meal times may misalign the internal biological clock, which plays a role in circadian regulation. Circadian misalignment can lead to dysregulation of energy metabolism according to previous studies.

Hataikarn Nimitphong, Nantaporn Siwasaranond, Sunee Saetung, Ammarin Thakkinstian, Boonsong Ongphiphadhanakul of Ramathibodi Hospital, and Mahidol University of Medicine, Bangkok, are co-authors of the paper.

This study was supported by a grant from Mahidol University and the Endocrine Society of Thailand. MDN

• April 2018 • 2018 Mega Doctor News - April

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THE

AND SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Dr. Ann Roger Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski

23

• April 2018 •

Asociación Nacional Hispana Médica Premia a 2 Profesores Médicos de UTRGV Abril 2018

Vol 12. No. 4

12,000 Periódicos a Todo Color CIRCULACIÓN AUDITADA

Ejemplar de Complemento

“Acercamos Médicos a la Gente”

“Lo Más Importante en la Vida es Nuestra Salud” -Dr. Eduardo Candanosa

Dr. Leo Lopez III Médico Residente

CIRCULACION AUDITADA

Dr. Frank Ambriz Professor Clínico de UTRGV

Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst Dr. James Lukefahr Pediatra Pediatra

Dr. Valerie Borum Smith Pediatra

sh i l g En

Side ther O the On

• April 2018 •

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30

30

• April 2018 •

29 Del Director: ¡Sí! Es Difícil Cuidar de Su Salud, Pero Tiene Que Hacerlo Dr. Eduardo Candanosa

28 Centro de Especialidades Para La Mujer y Cirugía en Harlingen 28 Examen Médico Oportuno Puede Salvar Vida a Niños Adoptivos 25 Asociación Nacional Hispana Médica Premia a 2 Profesores Médicos de UTRGV 25 De las Primeras Señales al Tratamiento: Lo Que Todo Padre Debe Saber Sobre el Autismo 24 Estudiantes Médicos Inauguran Clínica en Peñitas

Mega

Doctor

27

Dr. Eduardo Candanosa Dice: “Lo Más Importante en la Vida es Nuestra Salud”

Mega Historia

Dr. Francisco Fernandez

Dr. Michael Martinez

25

Asociación Nacional Hispana Médica Premia a 2 Profesores Médicos de UTRGV

25

De las Primeras Señales al Tratamiento: Lo Que Todo Padre Debe Saber Sobre el Autismo.

By Lisa Nalven

Dra. Lisa Nalven

• ACLARACION IMPORTANTE• La información aquí publicada no debe considerarse como un diagnóstico, tratamiento o cualquier otro consejo o instrucción de cuidado de salud. La información es provista con el entendimiento de que el publicador no es un practicante de la medicina ni de ninguna otra profesión de salud médica y no entra en la relación practicante/ paciente con sus lectores. Esta casa Editorial no da ni recomienda tratamientos o acciones a sus lectores respecto a su salud o bienestar, aparte de sugerirles a sus lectores que consulten apropiadamente a profesionales de la salud médica. Ninguna acción debe tomarse basada solamente en el contenido de esta publicación. La información y opiniones publicadas aquí se creen ser precisas y sanas al tiempo de la publicación, basadas en el mejor juicio disponible de los autores. Los lectores que confíen en la información dada en esta publicación para remplazar el consejo de profesionales de salud médica, o quienes fallen en consultar a un profesional de la salud, asumen todos los riesgos por esta conducta. Esta casa Editorial no es responsable por errores u omisiones. MDN

• April 2018 •

Del Director

¡Sí! Es Difícil Cuidar de Su Salud, Pero Tiene Que Hacerlo

Roberto Hugo González Director

C

29

onocimos a un doctor que no se anda con rodeos, él aconseja claramente a sus pacientes en el cuidado su salud, para que puedan tener una mejor calidad de vida.

El Dr. Eduardo Candanosa abrió recientemente su nueva oficina de práctica llamada Specialized Family Clinic (Clínica Especializada en la Familia) en McAllen. Es un doctor certificado en medicina familiar, que ha recibido una amplia capacitación trabajando como médico de Sala de Emergencias y como médico hospitalista.

El hecho de que recibió su preparación en dos países lo coloca en el nivel de un médico con más talento y experiencia.

Como nativo de México, estudió para convertirse en médico en México y luego estudió en los Estados Unidos para revalidar su título de médico.

Al trabajar como médico de Sala

de Emergencias, ganó mucha experiencia en el tratamiento de pacientes con diferentes problemas de salud que prevalecen en esta área. También trabajó como médico hospitalista en el Valle del Río Grande antes de abrir su práctica.

El Dr. Candanosa dice que nuestra salud es probablemente lo más importante en nuestra vida y, aunque es difícil cuidar de nuestra salud, son nuestras decisiones las que nos pueden ayudar a vivir una vida más saludable.

En este número, conozca más sobre el Dr. Candanosa y sus preocupaciones sobre la salud del paciente.

Bienestar Infantil: La Legislatura de Texas aprobó el Proyecto de Ley 11 del Senado, uno de los cuatro proyectos de reforma para el bienestar infantil Dr. Eduardo Candanosa

durante la sesión del 2017. El Proyecto de Ley 11 del Senado requiere que los niños en cuidado de crianza visiten a un médico dentro de los tres días hábiles posteriores a su colocación en cuidado de crianza; antes de que se aprobara, los niños en cuidado de crianza esperaban hasta 30 días para ver a un médico para un examen físico. Esto ayudará a los niños que se encuentran en cuidado de crianza en Texas a estar lo más sanos y seguros posibles.

Honor a Médicos del Valle del Río Grande: La Asociación Médica Hispana Nacional (NHMA) honró a dos profesores de la Universidad de Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) durante su conferencia anual. El Dr. Francisco Fernández, profesor de psiquiatría de UTRGV, fue nombrado miembro de la Junta Directiva de la NHMA. El Dr. Michael Martínez, profesor asistente clínico en cirugía de UTRGV, fue nombrado Médico Joven del Año.

La misión de la organización es empoderar a los médicos Hispanos

para dirigir los esfuerzos en la mejora de la salud de las poblaciones hispanas y otras poblaciones sub-atendidas. La NHMA trabaja en colaboración con sociedades médicas estatales Hispanas, residentes médicos, estudiantes de medicina, y otros socios del sector público y privado.

Clínica Operada por Estudiantes: La Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Texas Rio Grande Valley abrió recientemente su primera clínica dirigida por estudiantes en Proyecto Desarrollo Humano en Peñitas. La clínica brindará servicios gratuitos de atención médica a los pacientes de comunidades médicamente sub-atendidas. Los estudiantes de medicina operarán la clínica una vez al mes; serán supervisados por la facultad clínica de la Escuela de Medicina de UTRGV. Reconocimiento Importante: Frank Ambriz, originario de Elsa, Texas; profesor asociado clínico en el Departamento de Estudios de Asistente Médico de UTRGV, y director del Programa Puente de Maestría en Estudios de Asistente Médico (MPAS) fue reconocido por la Academia de Asistentes Médicos de Texas (TAPA).

TAPA nombró a Frank Ambriz, el Mejor Educador de Asistentes Médicos del año 2018. ¡Felicitaciones!

Los invito a leer estas y otras historias en este número, sé que lo disfrutarán. MDN

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• April 2018 •

Por Jennifer L. Berghom

H

arlingen, Texas – UT Health Rio Grande Valley, el componente clínico de la Escuela de Medicina de UTRGV, ha adquirido una clínica para la práctica de cirugía general en Harlingen, la cual es parte de su misión, de incrementar el acceso a los residentes en toda la región al cuidado médico primario y atención especializada.

Este centro, de UT Health Rio Grande Valley, se especializa en dar atención médica especializada a la mujer y en cirugía. Está ubicado en el 614 Maco Drive, en Harlingen. Da servicio en consulta quirúrgica y en citas de seguimiento a pacientes, así como servicios especializados en ginecología, oncología y uroginecología.

“Estamos orgullosos en continuar ofreciendo servicios quirúrgicos, así como proveer servicios médicos especializados para la mujer a la comunidad de Harlingen y ampliar el acceso al cuidado de salud de excelencia para todos los residentes en el

Centro de Especialidades Para La Mujer y Cirugía en Harlingen

El Centro de Especialidades para la Mujer y Cirugía de UT Health Rio Grande Valley está localizado en el 614 Maco Drive, en Harlingen.

Valle del Río Grande. Nuestra Facultad Médica Clínica, altamente capacitada y talentosa, son especialistas en sus respectivos campos médicos. Con esta y otras clínicas bajo el plan de práctica UT Health Rio Grande Valley, los residentes del Valle ya no tendrán que viajar largas

distancias para recibir atención médica especializada”, expresó John H. Krouse, Decano de la Escuela de Medicina y Vicepresidente Ejecutivo para Asuntos de la Salud de la UTRGV. La adquisición de esta clínica quirúrgica es la última adquisición en

el Plan de la Facultad de Medicina de la UTRGV. Ofrece servicios médicos a los pacientes mediante su plan de práctica UT Health Rio Grande Valley. Otras Clínicas UT Health RGV incluyen la Clínica Pediátrica que se abrió el pasado otoño en Edinburg y una Clínica de Atención Primaria en Laguna Vista que se abrirá este año.

Las Escuelas de Medicina en todo el país generalmente tienen clínicas afiliadas operadas por los miembros de la Facultad con licencia médica y otros profesionales de la salud y personal médico. El Sistema de la Universidad de Texas y otros profesionales de la salud y equipo médico brindan atención médica a los pacientes en su comunidad.

Para consultas y referencias, llame al Centro de Especialidades para la Mujer y Cirugía de UT Health Rio Grande Valley, al (956) 440-9110. MDN

Examen Médico Oportuno Puede Salvar Vida a Niños Adoptivos

Mega Doctor News

L

os niños de Texas quienes repentinamente se encuentran dentro del Sistema Estatal de Adopción recibirán un chequeo médico oportuno necesario por un doctor cuanto antes, evitando problemas mortales que pudieran amenazar su vida.

La Ley Estatal SB-11, una de cuatro leyes de reforma para el bienestar de los niños, fue aprobada por la Legislatura durante la sesión del 2017. Esta Ley requiere que estos niños sean atendidos por un médico dentro de tres días hábiles después de ser colocados en adopción temporal. Los Servicios de Protección Infantil (CPS, en inglés) está expandiendo este cuidado temporal ‘basado en la comunidad’ en todo el estado como parte del gran cambio.

Antes que esta Ley entrara en efecto el pasado primero de septiembre de 2017, estos niños muchas veces esperaban hasta 30 días para obtener un examen médico físico. Para muchos de estos niños esta tardanza significaba retraso en recibir asistencia o ayuda para problemas médicos ligados a hambre, falta de higiene y falta de cuidado médico general.

El Dr. James Lukefahr, Pediatra quien trabaja en la División de Abuso Infantil (División of Child Abuse), en

el Centro de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Texas, en San Antonio, agregó que este examen médico en los tres días iniciales es para la seguridad del niño. “Va a ser más que un examen de detección para descartar que el niño no tenga algún problema médico. Estamos buscando lesiones previamente desconocidas y cualquier otro problema médico que necesite tratarse y –especialmente para los niños mayores– observando y analizando exámenes de la salud mental”, dijo el Dr. Lukefahr.

Para unos niños la necesidad es urgente –hasta posible asunto de vida o muerte. La revista de marzo del Texas Magazine reportó que de 2010 a 2014, 144 niños texanos murieron mientras el CPS investigaba denuncias de abuso infantil. Muchos otros niños en custodia del estado han tenido que dormir temporalmente en las oficinas del CPS por la falta de hogares seguros. Mientras tanto, problemas como pagos bajos y renuncias de los trabajadores del CPS, crean una inestabilidad. La nueva Ley estandariza el abuso infantil y las investigaciones de negligencia cubren el costo del servicio de cuidado infantil para niños adoptivos y requieren que el CPS notifique a un médico cuando la agencia mueva a un niño a otro hogar. Ahora puedo llamar a un nuevo pediatra, o a un doctor familiar y le informo a él o a ella lo que ha estado sucediendo con el cuidado de ese niño, para hacer la transición un poco mejor.

Esta reforma permite que la transición

se haga más trasparente entre médicos”, informó el Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst, pediatra de San Antonio y miembro de la Texas Medical Association Committee on Child and Adolescent Health.

No está claro si la nueva ley de los tres días aumentará el número de niños vistos por pediatras y médicos familiares.

El estado de Texas cubre a niños adoptivos bajo STAR Health, un programa de Medicaid, así que solo los doctores que aceptan Medicaid pueden examinar a estos niños adoptivos. Según la encuesta de 2016 Physician de TMA, solo 41 por ciento de los médicos de Texas aceptan nuevos pacientes de Medicaid y solo uno de cada cinco acepta nuevos pacientes de Medicaid (21 por ciento). Por la falta de médicos en algunas áreas de condados rurales hay escasez de atención médica para niños adoptivos y esta les situación crea grandes dificultades para ver a un médico. El cambio al plazo de tres días fue exitosamente implementado en Dallas y Lubbock, después de entrar en vigor la ley en septiembre. Por ejemplo todos los niños recién colocados en Lubbock vieron a un médico dentro de los tres días requeridos. En todo el estado la transición a plazo de tres días sucederá en etapas. Todo el estado debe estar cumpliendo con esta ley para el primero de enero de 2019.

“Es realmente gratificante hacer algo que te haga sentir que has tenido un impacto en el sistema de la salud. Creo que al final del día, lo que todos queremos para es-

Dra. Valerie Borum Smith, Pediatra.

Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst, Pediatra.

Dr. James Lukefahr, Pediatra. tos niños es que estén seguros para que estén saludables y obtengan los mejores resultados posibles”, expresó la Dra. Valerie Borum Smith, Pediatra de Tyler, Texas. MDN

• April 2018 •

27

MEGA DOCTOR

Dr. Eduardo Candanosa Dice: “Lo Más Importante en la Vida es Nuestra Salud” El Cuidado de la Salud No es Fácil Por Roberto Hugo González

E

l Dr. Eduardo Candanosa es un Médico Certificado en el campo de la Medicina Familiar.

Recién abrió su nueva clínica médica, Specialized Family Clinic (Clínica Especializada en la Familia), en McAllen, Texas. Él explica, “El vivir una vida larga y saludable depende de saber seleccionar los alimentos que uno come, la actividad física en la que usted participa, el cuidado médico que usted busca y que usted siga las recomendaciones de su doctor.

Depende de las decisiones diarias de cada individuo,” explicó el Dr. Candanosa.

El Dr. Candanosa recibió su formación médica en dos países y antes de abrir su clínica en McAllen trabajó por varios años como médico hospitalista y de la sala de emergencias en el Valle del Río Grande. Como médico hospitalista, él es el médico responsable de administrar el cuidado y atención de los pacientes hospitalizados en la misma forma en que los médicos de atención primaria son responsables del cuidado de sus pacientes ambulatorios.

Es originario de Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, una populosa ciudad industrial a menos de tres horas del sur de Texas. Él se hizo doctor en Medicina, primero en México y luego en los Estados Unidos, lo cual lo pone en una distinta categoría: es doble doctor en Medicina. Además, su trabajo como médico hospitalista le dio la experiencia de manejar cientos de pacientes en múltiples escenarios de enfermedades crónicas.

“Inicié mis estudios médicos en 1994 en México. La carrera de médico en México es de seis años y me gradué en el 2000.” Él señaló que después de su graduación trabajó un año realizando su servicio social en un pueblo pequeño llamado Villa Aldama, en el mismo estado de Nuevo León.

En cuanto obtuvo su licencia médica en México, “continué mis estudios para hacerme cirujano general, completando cuatro años en esa especialidad,” dijo a Mega Doctor News.

Durante el tiempo en el que él hizo su residencia de cirugía general en México, conoció a su esposa Laura.

Ellos se casaron e iniciaron el proceso de realizar sus prácticas médicas en los Estados Unidos. Laura es originaria de McAllen, Texas, y actualmente está

Dr. Candanosa en su consultorio localizado en McAllen Texas.

Foto por Roberto Hugo Gonzalez revalidando sus estudios en los Estados Unidos.

El Dr. Candanosa llegó a los Estados Unidos en el 2009 y empezó a revalidar sus estudios. “Tomé los exámenes médicos (primero, segundo y tercer paso). Los aprobé todos revalidando mi título de práctica general y recibí mi diploma. En el 2011 empecé el programa de residencia.” ¿Es difícil revalidar una profesión? “Lo hice en dos años que es el promedio en el cual otros lo hacen, algunos necesitan más tiempo dependiendo del paso que escogen para hacerlo. Es muy intenso y cuando se termina ese proceso, se necesita buscar un lugar dónde realizar el programa de residencia”.

Según el Dr. Candanosa no es un proceso fácil. “Afortunadamente, yo obtuve un lugar en el McAllen Family Residency Program, el cual era patrocinado por el Health Science System en San Antonio, Texas. Lo empecé en junio del 2011 y lo terminé en junio del 2014. Después de arduo trabajo y dedicación, en junio de 2014 me gradué del McAllen Family Residency Program,” explicó.

Este programa fue establecido en 1977 para ayudar a entrenar y educar a doctores en medicina familiar en el sur de Texas y en el Valle del Río Grande con el patrocinio de la Universidad de

Texas-Health Science Center, en San Antonio. Desde el desarrollo del McAllen Family Residency Program más de 200 doctores se han diplomado.

En abril del 2015, el McAllen Family Residency Program se hizo parte de una nueva institución patrocinadora, la Universidad de Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). ¿Qué le atrajo de esta profesión médica? “Bueno, yo no tengo ningún doctor en mi familia, pero cuando era niño mis padres me llevaban

Dr. Eduardo Candanosa

al doctor y yo me sentía atraído por esta profesión, debido al comportamiento de nuestro médico y la importancia del médico en la familia. No tengo modelo directo a seguir, solo me basé en nuestro médico de cabecera. Quiero decir que siempre quise servir, y para mí eso me hace sentir bien.”

El enfoque de una práctica familiar abarca todas las edades, ambos sexos, y cada sistema de órganos, así como cada entidad de la enfermedad. Y eso es lo que ahora el Dr. Candanosa les ofrece a sus pacientes.

Al buscar su certificación, ¿Cuál es el mayor reto que usted recuerda?

“Cuando estaba en el proceso de certificación como doctor, el reto más difícil fue el pensar que podía fracasar y no Sigue en la página 26

26

• April 2018 • Viene de la página 27 MEGA Doctor...

alcanzar la meta. Con todos los estudios que necesitaba tomar para lograrlo y el estrés para tomar los exámenes médicos. Después de la certificación y ahora como médico, los retos son diferentes, porque ahora involucran a los pacientes,” continuó el Dr. Candanosa. ¿Sus pacientes siguen sus instrucciones? “Muchos sí, pero algunos no lo hacen. Actualmente todo el mundo trabaja. Tienen una hora al mediodía para tomar y comer algo y luego volver a trabajar. Entiendo que es difícil, esos son los desafíos,” agregó.

El Dr. Candanosa se preocupa porque el Valle es un área donde la diabetes es una enfermedad crónica y generalizada. Mencionó que hay mucho trabajo por hacer con las enfermedades genéticas, lo otro es el comer en exceso y la mínima o casi nula actividad física.

“Sí, yo sé que es difícil perder peso y aún más el seguir una dieta saludable. Pero en circunstancias críticas la gente debe obedecer las instrucciones del médico y seguir un plan saludable.”

Los servicios que él provee incluyen medicina preventiva con evaluaciones y exámenes de salud anuales, para personas de todas las edades.

Esto incluye vacunas contra la gripe, inmunizaciones, exámenes médicos para el deporte, las escuelas, campamentos de verano y medicina pediátrica. Él también ofrece servicio a los

adultos y ancianos, tratamiento médico a largo plazo de enfermedades crónicas como la diabetes, alta presión sanguínea, dislipidemia (la alteración de los niveles de lípidos en la sangre); salud de la mujer, incluyendo exámenes Papanicolaou, pélvico y de senos; así como inyecciones en las articulaciones, cuidado paliativo, exámenes de laboratorio, cirugías menores, biopsias y drenaje de abscesos; y tratamiento de heridas menores como laceraciones, quemaduras y torceduras.

El Dr. Candanosa es muy meticuloso con el tratamiento de sus pacientes. Dice que cuando ve un paciente y le receta, el tratamiento no termina allí.

“Reviso el cuadro del paciente y verifico todas las medicinas que ha tomado y vuelvo a verificar. Siempre pensando en qué otra cosa puedo hacer por mi paciente.”

Vida Personal

¿Su esposa también es doctora?

“No, ella es psicóloga. Terminó el proceso de revalidación de sus estudios y después terminó una maestría en Psicología Clínica en UTRGV.” Ahora ella necesita 3,000 horas supervisadas para ser elegible y obtener su licencia de Texas en Psicología. “Es muy difícil especializarse en Psicología. Sí, es muy difícil.” ¿Quiénes son sus padres? “Mi padre, Eduardo Candanosa, murió en 1997. Él tenía cáncer de piel desde la edad de 42 años. Tuvimos un tiempo muy difícil. Mi madre, Lucía Candanosa,

fue maestra de Escuela Secundaria toda su vida. Ahora está retirada y vive en México.”

El Dr. Candanosa es el mayor de cuatro hermanos; todos son profesionales. Uno de sus hermanos es abogado, otro ingeniero mecánico y el más joven es contador. ¿Qué hace en su tiempo libre?

“Mi mayor afición es la pesca. Tengo tres hijos, todos varones; de nueve, seis años y uno de ocho meses.” En un momento dado lleva a sus niños de 9 y 6 a pescar.

“Me gusta ir a Puerto Isabel o a la Isla del Padre.” ¿Eres un buen pescador? “Me gustaría ser mejor. Es un gran pasatiempo, y puedo hacerlo con mis hijos, amigos y familiares. También disfruto el ciclismo y utilizo una bicicleta de montaña cuando practico ciclismo por los senderos de Mission, Texas.”

Eduardo Candanosa es Médico Certificado en Medicina Familiar. Su clínica Specialized Family Clinic™ (Clínica Especializada en la Familia), está localizada en el 801 East Nolana Ave., Suite 3, en McAllen, Texas. Él fue seleccionado como Mega Doctor para esta edición por su genuino deseo de contribuir a la salud de la gente del Valle.

“El cuidado de su salud no es fácil, pero es lo más importante. Requiere tiempo y es la decisión más importante que usted puede hacer para ayudarse a vivir una vida más sana y más larga,” finalizó el Dr. Candanosa. MDN

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www.MegaDoctorNews.com

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• April 2018 •

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Mega Historia

Asociación Nacional Hispana Médica Premia a 2 Profesores Médicos de UTRGV Por Amanda A. Taylor Mega Doctor News

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l Dr. Francisco Fernández, Profesor de Psiquiatría de UTRGV fue nombrado miembro de la Mesa Directiva de la Asociación Nacional Hispana Médica, (NHMA por sus siglas en Inglés), y el Dr. Michael Martínez, Profesor en Cirugía Clínica, fue nombrado el Doctor Joven del Año.

Estos dos sobresalientes profesores médicos fueron galardonados por la NHMA durante su 22ª Conferencia Nacional Anual realizada este mes en Washington, DC.

Dr. Francisco Fernández El Dr. Fernández es también Director de Cursos de Pasantía en el Departamento de Psiquiatría, Neurología y Neurociencias, de UTRGV, y fue nombrado para servir en la Mesa Directiva de la NHMA por su dedicación, abogacía y tutoría a los médicos jóvenes.

“Este nombramiento fue una sorpresa de bienvenida, especialmente siendo que a

mí me han dado la oportunidad para mejorar la tutoría, no solo a los investigadores sino también a todos los estudiantes quienes son parte de la población hispana que ofrece servicios de la salud,” dijo Fernández. “Esto incluye a gente que no necesariamente está en el campo médico o en la facultad médica, pero están afiliados a otras profesiones aliadas de la salud”, agregó orgullosamente el Dr. Fernández.

El Dr. Fernández fue galardonado por segunda vez por la NHMA; la primera fue en 2016 cuando fue seleccionado como Médico del Año. Desde entonces él ha trabajado con jóvenes investigadores en la salud de los hispanos como líder en el apoyo a la misión de la NHMA – para mejorar las prácticas del cuidado de la salud de los hispanos y de la población marginada.

Fernández fue el orador y moderador en la sesión plenaria de la Conferencia de la NHMA, donde presentó el trabajo “El Impacto de los Desastres Naturales en la Salud Mental: Fases Agudas y Crónicas”, basado en las lecciones aprendidas

Dr. Francisco Fernández (UTRGV, Foto de David Pike) durante los huracanes Harvey, Irma, María, y Nate. También presentó su investigación “Enseñando Culturalmente Sobre la Salud de la Familia Latina”, enfocada en mejorar las estrategias familiares, como el factor de la tardanza para ver a un médico para un tratamiento.

Por su nombramiento a la Mesa Directiva, el Dr. Fernández espera traer más conocimiento en las principales cuestiones relacionadas con la salud de los hispanos y ampliar las oportunidades de investigación para las nuevas generaciones de doctores.

“Para mí es un honor poder participar en esta organización que se encarga de modificar y mejorar la atención médica de la comunidad hispana por medio de la investigación. El enfoque está en mejorar la educación a nivel federal y poder servir a la población hispana de una manera

De las Primeras Señales al Tratamiento: Lo Que Todo Padre Debe Saber Sobre el Autismo

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Por Lisa Nalven, M.D., Directora, Pediatría del Desarrollo, The Valley Hospital Kireker Center for Child Development

ewswise – Los trastornos del espectro autista están siendo diagnosticados en un número cada vez mayor. A nivel nacional, aproximadamente 1 de cada 68 niños son identificados con un trastorno del espectro autista (TEA), de acuerdo con el Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) (red de control del autismo y discapacidades del desarrollo) del Center for Disease Control (Centro para el Control de Enfermedades). Sin embargo, ADDM estima que el número es aún mayor en Nueva Jersey, en donde 1 de cada 45 niños son diagnosticados con TEA. Debido a la prevalencia de estos trastornos, es crucial que los

padres sepan reconocer las señales de advertencia, y busquen ayuda si están preocupados por el desarrollo de su hijo y entiendan qué intervenciones están disponibles si a su hijo se le diagnostica un TEA. Algunas de las banderas rojas más básicas de un TEA son: • • • • • •

A los 6 meses de edad aún no muestra grandes sonrisas u otras expresiones cálidas y alegres; No intercambia sonidos, sonrisas u otras expresiones faciales a los 9 meses o después; A los 12 meses de edad aún no balbucea, ni hace gestos como señalar, mostrar, alcanzar o saludar; No pronuncia palabras a los 16 meses; A los 24 meses aún no pronuncia frases significativas de dos palabras (sin imitar o repetir); Cualquier pérdida de habla o balbuceo o habilidades sociales a cualquier edad.

El pediatra de su hijo realizará

estudios para detectar el autismo durante las visitas programadas regularmente. Sin embargo, si tiene alguna inquietud acerca de las señales del autismo o cualquier aspecto del desarrollo de su hijo, debe hablar con su pediatra y organizar evaluaciones adicionales. Para más información sobre: Etapas del desarrollo temprano: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ actearly/; Diagnósticos, intervenciones y recursos para el Autismo en New Jersey: http://www.autismnj.org/; Intervención temprana de NJ: proporciona evaluaciones de desarrollo gratuitas y recomendaciones para intervenciones desde el nacimiento hasta los 3 años: llame al 888-653-4463; Para niños de 3 años en adelante, comuníquese con su distrito escolar local si tiene inquietudes sobre el desarrollo de su hijo.MDN Para información sobre el Autismo en Texas: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/ disability/autism-services-provided.

Dr. Michael Martínez (UTRGV, Foto de Paul Chouy) centrada en el paciente”, finalizó el Dr. Fernández.

Dr. Michael Martínez

El Dr. Martínez fue galardonado como uno de los dos Doctores Jóvenes del Año de la Región Sudoeste. Él es Profesor Asistente de Cirugía y Cirujano con el Instituto del Tratamiento Bariátrico y Metabólico en el Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) en Edinburg.

Este reconocimiento es otorgado a doctores quienes a cinco años de terminar su entrenamiento médico han podido tener un impacto en las comunidades hispanas.

Los médicos solicitan este premio por medio de un ensayo escrito personal, de cómo ellos han dado ayuda a sus comunidades. Martínez escribió acerca de su experiencia como un joven estudiante de medicina, quien regresó a su pueblo natal para poder servir como doctor y mentor.

“Estoy muy orgulloso y honrado de recibir este reconocimiento. En mi ensayo escribí de cómo comunidades en el Valle están desprotegidas de cuidado médico y como he podido regresar, aconsejar y ayudar a los estudiantes, quienes están en la Facultad de Medicina de UTRGV. Ahora tenemos algunos recursos grandísimos en nuestra propia institución”, añadió el Dr. Martínez. Él es originario de Edinburg y obtuvo su carrera médica de la Escuela de Medicina de Yale, en Connecticut. El recalcó la importancia de las asociaciones médicas y el reclutamiento de doctores en el Valle de Río Grande para el beneficio de esta población.

“Es importante dar a conocer (mediante la NHMA) lo que estamos construyendo aquí en UTRGV, asociados con DHR. Es una manera de demostrar cómo nuestro modelo puede aplicarse en otras regiones fronterizas donde también hay comunidades desprotegidas en servicios de la salud, encontrando maneras que muestren que la gente lo está haciendo mejor y trayendo el conocimiento aquí al Valle”, agregó el Dr. Martínez.

Un total de 12 médicos de seis diferentes regiones del país fueron reconocidos Sigue en la página 24

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• April 2018 •

Estudiantes Médicos Inauguran Clínica en Peñitas Mega Doctor News

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eñitas, Texas – La Facultad de Medicina de The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley realizó su gran inauguración de la clínica médica que será atendida por los estudiantes de Medicina.

Esta clínica está ubicada en el Proyecto Desarrollo Humano, en e1 17617 Sabal Palm Drive, en Peñitas, Texas.

La gran apertura de esta clínica médica tuvo lugar con una ceremonia donde participaron los estudiantes médicos, representantes del Proyecto Desarrollo Humano y de la Facultad de Medicina de UTRGV. Una serie de actividades tuvieron lugar incluyendo exámenes gratis de la salud, visitas por toda la clínica, incluyendo tablas informáticas y rifas.

La clínica es dirigida por estudiantes médicos y provee servicios médicos gratuitos a las comunidades más necesitadas, bajo la supervisión Viene de la página 25

MEGA Historia...

nacionalmente. Otro Médico Joven del Año de esta región es Gerardo López-Mena, vicepresidente de Asuntos Médicos en el DHR-Health.

Los homenajeados son aceptados en la NHMA y presentados cada año en la conferencia anual. ¿Qué es la Asociación Nacional Hispana Médica, (NHMA)?

Fue establecida en 1994 en Washington, DC. La Asociación Nacional Hispana Médica es una asociación sin fines de lucro que representa los intereses de 50,000 médicos hispanos, diplomados en los Estados Unidos. La visión de la organización es ser el líder nacional para mejorar la salud de la población hispana.

La misión es capacitar a médicos hispanos y dirigir los esfuerzos para mejorar la salud de los hispanos y otras poblaciones marginadas, en colaboración con sociedades médicas estatales hispanas, residentes, estudiantes médicos y otros sectores públicos y particulares.

Como organización nacional creciente con sede en la Capital del país, la NHMA: Sirve como un recurso para la Casa Blanca, el Congreso y el gobierno federal.

Desarrolla el liderazgo de Salud Pública junto con el Sector Privado y C Suite Positions Ofrece oportunidades de comunicación con los sectores que impactan en la salud de los hispanos. MDN

de sus profesores médicos.

Esta clínica será abierta una vez al mes en el centro Proyecto Desarrollo Humano.

L o s estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina de UTRGV eligieron iniciar su primera clínica en Peñitas porque hay una alta demanda de servicios médicos, pero con acceso limitado a recibir esta atención médica. Los estudiantes han desarrollado una relación amistosa con la comunidad y creen que la clínica refuerza la misión de la Escuela de Medicina que es proveer cuidado médico a las comunidades pobres con más necesidades médicas. MDN

Estudiantes en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Texas RGV celebraron el pasado sábado la apertura de su primera Clínica Estudiantil Médica en el Proyecto Desarrollo Humano en Peñitas. Los estudiantes ofrecen servicios médicos gratis de atención primaria. La Facultad de Medicina de UTRGV supervisa y apoya este Proyecto Médico que da servicio a los residentes del Pueblo de Palmas y comunidades circunvecinas.