Supporting the Future of Podiatry: UTRGV’s Mission to Recruit and Train in a Region
of Need
As the only podiatry school in Texas, the UTRGV is on a mission to train and retain
a new generation of podiatrists ready to make a lasting impact on community health.
With the growing prevalence of comorbidities from chronic diseases, diabetes, sports
injuries, arthritis, and both treatable and malignant conditions affecting mobility,
the need for podiatric care in Texas has never been more critical. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Podiatric Medicine is
rising to meet this demand.
Filling the Gap: Why Podiatry Matters in Texas
With the nearest podiatric medical schools located over a thousand miles away in Arizona
and Iowa, The UTRGV provides students from Texas and surrounding areas the opportunity
to pursue a career in podiatry without leaving the region. To strengthen this pipeline,
the UTRGV not only educates students, but also plans to pioneer a podiatric residency
program, ensuring that graduates are fully trained to serve their communities.
“We’re facing an anticipated shortage of podiatrists across the country,” says Dr.
La Fontaine, Dean of The UTRGV’s School of Podiatric Medicine. “This is our opportunity
to put more professionals in a place that needs it."
The UTRGV is uniquely positioned to address healthcare disparities in Texas, particularly
within the predominantly Hispanic population it serves—a group that, according to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is 17% more likely to have Type 2 diabetes and related complications than non-Hispanic
individuals. Dr. La Fontaine points out that diabetes rates are climbing upwards of
30% in the Rio Grande Valley, highlighting the urgent need for specialized care. This connection allows the UTRGV students to train and practice in the areas where
they are most needed, making the university a critical institution for podiatric education,
not only for students but for the state of Texas as a whole. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services Center for Health Statistics, 171 of Texas' 254 counties have no podiatrists. This gap underscores UTRGV's pivotal
role in meeting regional healthcare needs and in encouraging students from Texas and
surrounding areas to pursue podiatry as a rewarding career path.
The UTRGV’s recruitment initiatives are laser-focused on finding students passionate
about healthcare and service. “We’re looking for students who have an interest in really making a difference in
a community and have a strong science background,” explains Dara Newton, Associate
Vice President of Strategic Enrollment. Through targeted outreach including webinars, campus events, and engagement starting
in high school, The UTRGV educates prospective students about the impact of podiatric
medicine and its unique rewards, aiming to attract those who see it as a calling.
A Cutting-Edge Educational Experience
With state-of-the-art facilities, such as a biomechanics lab and the soon-to-open
Limb Preservation Clinic within the new Diabetes Center of Excellence, The UTRGV provides
students with hands-on training in a real-world context. Graduates leave the program
with not only clinical expertise but also a deep understanding of the cultural and
socioeconomic factors that affect health outcomes, particularly in Hispanic communities.
The UTRGV also prioritizes affordability, enabling students to focus on community
service without the burden of excessive debt.
This fall, the program welcomed its third cohort, bringing total enrollment to 83
students. “Our current cohort is deeply invested in the mission,” says Dr. La Fontaine,
expressing his admiration for their commitment to strengthening Texas’s healthcare
landscape. “They take it to heart to serve the community and do it together.”
James Hughes, a student at The UTRGV’s School of Podiatric Medicine, explains why
he chose this field: “Podiatry offers a blend of clinical work and complex surgeries
that captured my interest. My true passion became those intricate cases that require
reconstructive surgery—making a lasting impact to help patients walk again.” He was
drawn to UTRGV because its new program stood out to him, particularly due to its distinguished
faculty of renowned experts.
Step Up for Podiatry: Support The UTRGV’s Mission to Grow the Profession
Dr. La Fontaine calls on the broader healthcare community to recognize podiatry as
a crucial medical specialty. “Podiatry offers significant personal and professional
growth opportunities, yet it’s often overlooked,” he says. “We’re always ready to
meet with anyone interested in this field, at any time.” Newton echoes this sentiment,
encouraging support from the medical community to raise awareness about the impact
of podiatric care. “If you’re in a position to support, educate, or advocate, please
reach out,” she urges.
Dr. Matthew Meeks, Executive Director of the Texas Health Education Service, reinforces
this call for action, highlighting TXHES’s commitment to expanding awareness.
“At TXHES, we are uniting colleagues from across Texas to raise awareness within the
pre-health community about the urgent need for more podiatric physicians in this vital
field within our state. Our goal is to inspire interest and establish pathways into
the profession, particularly for younger individuals and others who may not have previously
considered this career but possess the potential to excel in it,” Dr. Meeks says.
While a national shortage persists, the collaborative efforts of TXHES and its member
institutions demonstrate that, together, we can make a lasting impact. By advancing education and fostering advocacy, we can cultivate the next generation
of podiatric professionals and raise awareness of the importance of this essential
field.
For more information about the UTRGV’s program and mission, visit the UTRGV SOPM website. By supporting this groundbreaking program, you’re helping build a healthier future
for communities across Texas.
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) has published its data for the 2025 application cycle, offering a snapshot of the pipeline for future healthcare professionals.
JAMP continues to transform the lives of economically disadvantaged students through tailored support and mentorship, paving the way for a new generation of Texas physicians.