UT-PAN AMERICAN HOSTS HEALTH SUMMIT TO DISCUSS RIO GRANDE VALLEY IMPROVEMENTS

http://www.panamericanonline.com/12134/

UTPA HOSTS HEALTH SUMMIT TO DISCUSS RGV IMPROVEMENTS

NewsCharles Vale— November 29, 2012 6:51 am

Leaders in health, education and the local community gathered at the University of Texas-Pan American’s Student Union Theater Nov. 28 to attend the third University of Texas VISTASummit.

The first two UT VISTASummits focused on the issues of economic welfare and education in the Rio Grande Valley. Health was the topic this time around, and throughout the event, panelists addressed the issue of health care disparities, and discussed ways to improve healthcare in the area.

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UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, who is also a transplant surgeon and pediatrician, was the first to speak at the summit, which was separated into four panels that addressed different questions and themes.
“I’m convinced that if we work together, we will advance this region whether in education or health care,” he said, mentioning efforts that the UT System made toward advancing the education of health care professionals in the Valley. Once again, he said that he would make it his mission to see that a medical school is built in the region.

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As an example of the growing population, Hidalgo County increased from 686,034 people in 2006 to 726,604 in 2008, according to the McAllen Chamber of Commerce website.

Before the summit finished at 3:30 p.m., Nelsen approached the podium and addressed the audience for the last time.

“I live in the south, it’s my home and my heart is here. All you have to do is go out to the colonias and you will see,” he said. “The stakes are so high, but none of us can do it alone. Pan American can’t do it alone. UT System can’t do it alone. We have to do it together.”