DHR UTRGV FAMILY MEDICINE CENTER
Services
We would like to give you peace of mind knowing that your love ones are well taken care of. Here are some of the services we offer.
Your Team
We are proud to work with some of the best medical professionals in the country. Our team will provide you with the quality, compassionate care you need.
Contact Us
We want to ensure you have all of the information you need. To learn more about the services we offer, our hours and location, please feel free to contact us.
About Us
At the DHR-UTRGV Family Medicine Center, our medical staff is trained in the latest and most advanced technology to provide services for the following:
• In-House Radiology, Laboratory & EKG services
• Clinical Pharmacy services
• Behavioral Health
• Family Counseling
• Weight Management
• Diabetic Care
• OB Care
• STD Testing & Treatment
• Family Planning
• Pap Smears
• Well Woman Exams
• Well Male Exams
• Well Child Exams
• Immunization (Child/Adult)
• Newborn Screening
• Physical Exams (School/Work)
• Hearing Screenings
• Sports Medicine
• Joint Injections
• Minor Surgical Procedures
• We offer comprehensive health and wellness services
The DHR-UTRGV Family Medicine Center Offers:
• Same Day Appointments and Extended Hours
• Medical Financial Counseling
• Pediatric, Adult and Senior Care Available
• 24-Hour Answering Service
• On-line Patient Portal: Access to your Medical Records and Care
Services
How is PCMH beneficial to my health care?
The Patient Centered Medical Home puts you at the center of your health care - your care team is focused on getting to know you and earning your trust to create a personalized plan for achieving your health care goals.
What if I cannot afford my health care bill?
As a PCMH, the practice provides equal access for all patients accepted into the practice, regardless of insurance status. There is a financial counselor available to help with your medical billing questions and concerns. You can schedule an appointment with the financial counselor to discuss your financial situation and determine if you are eligible for financial assistance.
What is the difference between a Resident and a Doctor?
A Resident is a Doctor who has recently completed medical school but requires three years of oversight by an experienced Doctor. The Resident consults with the “attending” (Doctor) about all medical decisions discussed with the patient before treatment.
Who will be my doctor when the resident completes the three year residency program?
Each patient will be made aware that their resident has moved on, and at that point you will be given the opportunity to choose who you would like to receive medical care from.
Frequently Asked Questions
We'll be here for you when you need us
We hope you found all of the information that you needed. If you have any questions or if you would like to make an appointment, please call us and we will schedule one for you at your immediate convenience.
DHR-UTRGV Family Medicine Center
1000 E. Dove Ave.
McAllen, TX 78504
(956) 362-3520
Open Monday-Friday
8:00AM-5:00PM
Thursdays: 8:00AM-7:00PM
Contact Us
A Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model puts you at the center of your health care by providing primary health care- delivered by facilitating, accessible, convenient, coordinated and effective care.
The physicians and staff at the Doctors Hospital at Renaissance – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (DHR-UTRGV) Family Medicine Center are pleased to be an important part of your medical team by serving as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH). PCMH puts you, the patient, at the center of the health care system and provides primary health care –delivered by facilitating accessible, convenient, coordinated and effective care.
The DHR-UTRGV Family Medicine Center serves as a physician training center for family medicine medical residents. The DHR-UTRGV Family Medicine residency program focuses on comprehensive, family-oriented care including services for the Rio Grande Valley’s underserved population. Physicians are trained by other health care professionals to provide team-based, collaborative, integrated education and healthcare services to meet the goals of the expanding healthcare system.
MISSION
The mission of the DHR-UTRGV Family Medicine Center is to deliver quality, patient-centered care by addressing the regions health workforce needs and promoting state-of-the-art patient-centered education and health care, continually seeking innovation in the education process, improving access for the underserved and reducing health care disparities.
Medical Staff
Eron Manusov, MD
Curtis Galke, DO
Naomi Davis, MD
Christine Degnon, MD
Deepu George, Ph.D
Jimmy Gonzales, MD
Maria Munoz, MD
Adrian Sandoval, PharmD
Eron Manusov, M.D. received his Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology at the University of California, Riverside, California. He earned his Medical Degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed a family medicine residency at David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, California and a faculty development fellowship from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His career in the military helped him to hone his teaching, leadership, and clinical skills. Dr. Manusov then used that experience to care for rural and underserved populations
His 30 year career has focused on the care of the underserved and health care disparities reduction and has included military deployments, varied clinical care in multiple countries, academic appointments at his alma mater, and ten years of work in rural medicine. Dr. Manusov spent time at The Florida State University, College of Medicine working in the Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health... read more
Curtis Lloyd Galke completed his undergraduate work at Brigham Young University in university studies with an emphasis in Zoology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology and Spanish. He attended the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona California with a Health Professions Scholarship from the United States Air Force. He completed an internship and residency in Family Medicine at Scott Air Force Base in O’Fallon, Illinois. After residency he served as a family physician as well as flight medicine specialist at Howard Air Force Base in the Republic of Panama.
As a flight medicine specialist, Dr. Galke was not only charged with the welfare of Air Force pilots and their families but also focused his studies on international affairs, travel and tropical medicine. While in Panama, Dr. Galke was also the designated physician for all Air Force HIV patients assigned to the Republic of Panama.
At the conclusion of his military service Dr. Galke was asked to help integrate an Air Force and civilian Family Medicine residency program sponsored by St Louis University in Belleville, IL.... read more
Dr. Naomi Davis attended California State University Long Beach where she obtained her Master of Public Health, specializing in Community Health Education. She received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Davis completed residency training in Family Medicine at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan. She is board certified in Family Medicine and has an interest in Global Health. Currently, Dr. Davis is an Assistant Professor at The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.
Dr. Christine Degnon attended Boston University School of Public Health in Massachusetts, where she obtained her Masters of Public Health. She received her medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. Dr. Degnon completed residency training in Family Medicine at Montgomery Center for Family Medicine in Greenwood, South Carolina. She is board certified in Family Medicine. After completing her residency, Dr. Degnon began practicing Family Medicine in Georgia. During this time she was also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Mercer University School of Medicine. She has served as an Assistant Professor at Mercer University School of Medicine and Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Dr. Degnon was the Associate Program Director for the Savannah Family Medicine Residency Program in Georgia. Currently, Dr. Degnon is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.
Deepu George completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, India. He completed MS in Holistic Psychological Counseling with a specialization in Family Therapy from Montfort College, Bangalore, India. After a number of years working as a clinician, consultant, and researcher in Bangalore, he began his doctoral work in the US in Family therapy. Deepu completed his Medical Family Therapy and Integrated Care residency at Duke / SR-AHEC Family Medicine Residency in Fayetteville, NC and completed his doctoral degree in 2014 from the University of Georgia... read more
Jimmy Gonzales, M.D. graduated cum laude and received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in College Station. He is a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2006 Whoop! He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX. After medical school he completed a preliminary year in General Surgery at Parkland/UT Southwestern. Dr. Gonzales then went on to complete his Family Medicine Residency at Scott & White/Texas A&M HSC in Temple, TX. After residency he completed a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. During his fellowship Dr. Gonzales presented a podium presentation for a case study at the national meeting for the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine... read more
Dr. Maria de Jesus Munoz obtained her Medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. At graduation, she was awarded the prestigious Gold Headed Cane Award. She completed her Family Residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.
After completing her residency training, Dr. Munoz returned to the Rio Grande Valley. She has practiced in many settings, providing care for the underserved communities of South Texas. Dr. Munoz is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has a special interest in preventative health and working with underserved communities. During her spare time Dr. Munoz enjoys spending time with her family and writing.
Adrian Sandoval, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCACP is an Assistant Professor/Clinical Professor within the Department of Family and Community Medicine and a Discipline Coordinator (Pharmacology) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine. Dr. Sandoval is a clinical pharmacy specialist with a primary care scope of practice; he serves on faculty at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) Family Medicine Residency program, Veterans Affairs, and John Austin Peña Memorial Clinic. He is the director of the Pharmacotherapy Clinic at the DHR Family Medicine Center... read more
Residents / 3rd year
Alejandro Bocanegra, MD
Cruz Bernal, MD
Marco Escobedo, MD
Julia Flores Mitchell, MD
Charles Lewis, MD
Veronica Salazar, MD
Alejandro Bocanegra, MD
PGY-3
Howard University College of Medicine
Dr. Bocanegra grew up in a medically underserved border-town in Coahuila, Mexico, which led to him choosing to do his residency at UTRGV-DHR. His goal has always been to address health disparities through the practice of medicine and the provision of healthcare. At UTRGV-DHR, he is able to surround himself with the underserved patient population, and through his training, he is able to address the complex behavioral/social factors underlying his patients’ wellbeing. Dr. Bocanegra’s hobbies include bowling, playing pool, and traveling.
Cruz Alberto Bernal, MD
PGY-3
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Dr. Bernal has a passion for family and community medicine because of the unique challenges that it presents. The UTRGV-DHR Family Medicine Residency Program provides not only a solid education, but also a full spectrum of medicine focused in traditional methods, as well as integrative and behavioral medicine. He felt a strong connection with the program when he found out how it benefits the local undeserved population and healthcare disparities within the community. The UTRGV-DHR family and community program provides that and much more; there is a strong emphasis on behavioral health and a biopsychosocial model of care when addressing chronic illnesses, which are essential to being a competent family and primary care provider. Dr. Bernal has felt welcomed by the faculty and enjoys their enthusiasm to teach. Some of Dr. Bernal’s hobbies include cooking, gardening, and exploring the outdoors. He looks forward to getting his pilot’s license after completing his residency training.
Marco Antonio Escobedo, MD
PGY-3
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
After attending college at St. Mary’s University and receiving his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Dr. Escobedo decided the UTRGV-DHR Family Medicine Residency Program would help mold him into the family physician he wanted to be. The program at UTRGV-DHR supported his mission to “serve the underserved.” He is excited to be in a program that is passionate about reaching out to medically underserved areas and helps to alleviate medical disparities. Being a part of a new program sparks ideas, and leads to innovation, and Dr. Escobedo is happy to be a part of that change. His hobbies include trying new restaurants, working out, exploring all the attractions the Rio Grande Valley has to offer, and socializing with his colleagues.
Julia A. Flores-Mitchell, MD
PGY-3
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Growing up in Brownsville, TX, Dr. Flores-Mitchell is proud to be a part of a medical revolution that is transforming the Rio Grande Valley. She is thrilled to see the best and brightest minds from all over the nation leading the way in creating a renowned medical center in South Texas. Dr. Flores-Mitchell is proud to be a part of a program that holds true to the core values of medicine and continues to provide integrative, compassionate care to our underserved community. Her hobbies include biking, traveling, and taking trips to the beach with her family.
Charles A. Lewis II, MD
PGY-3
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Dr. Lewis was raised in North Carolina, where he also studied and received his medical degree. Dr. Lewis chose to complete his residency training at UTRGV-DHR due to the program’s dedication to serving the community and providing evidence-based medicine. His training has allowed him to see a multitude of diseases and illnesses. He is eager to learn a second language while working in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Lewis’ hobbies include playing soccer, lifting weights, and taking trips to the beach with his family and friends.
Veronica Salazar, MD
PGY-3
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Dr. Salazar is a resident of the Rio Grande Valley and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas-Pan American. She is excited to be part of an excellent team working together to help the community by providing holistic, integrated and compassionate care. As the first class of a new residency program, she acknowledges challenges due to innovative changes, but believes that ultimately new changes will allow her class to become great physicians. Her focus is on providing the best care for her community. Dr. Salazar’s hobbies include playing sports, reading English literature, and hanging out with family.
Residents / 2nd year
Carlos Caro, MD
Liezet Cepeda, MD
Hector Munoz, MD
Sonya Saenz, MD
Joshua Wood, MD
Ryan Silvera, MD
Carlos H. Caro, MD
Rank – PGY-2
Dr. Carlos Caro enlisted as a United States Army medic after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University. There he did both humanitarian and combat-related medical support, evacuation, and training in Afghanistan and Iraq. During his service, he began to take courses to prepare for medical school. After his time in the military service, he decided to pursue a career in medicine in order to continue to serve his country. He is proud to be part of a program that not only seeks to foster evidence-based medicine and a strong research environment, but also to reach out to the most vulnerable populations in our community. He is happy with and impressed by UTRGV-DHR's focus on strong community involvement and innovative responses to the challenges of providing care to underserved areas. His hobbies include fencing, racquetball, reading, and traveling.
Liezét Cepeda, M.D.
Rank – PGY-2
Dr. Liezét Cepeda is a Rio Grande Valley native from Harlingen, Texas. She attended Princeton University and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in sociology, where she learned about how variables like age, gender, race, socioeconomic status and more affect the healthcare of individuals and of populations. She later ventured to Chicago to pursue medical training. Though she loved the diversity and excitement of living in the Windy City, her goal was to return to the Rio Grande Valley as a physician in order to help her own community. The UTRGV-DHR Family Medicine Residency Program is a perfect fit for her as it facilitates her growth as a physician while allowing her to treat a patient population that is very near and dear to her heart.
Hector Munoz, MD
Rank – PGY-2
Born and raised in Mexico, Dr. Hector Munoz received a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering with a minor in computer science in Monterrey, Mexico. He came to the United States searching for the American dream. After overcoming adversity, he was able to achieve his goals by attending the University of Texas- Pan American for his undergraduate education, receiving his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. He is now back in the Rio Grande Valley to help the community. His main goal is to provide quality of care throughout the Valley and to help the underserved communities. Dr. Munoz’s passion is his family and his profession. He enjoys every moment and hopes to pass along that joy to the people that surround him.
Sonya Marie Saenz, MD
Rank – PGY-2
A Rio Grande Valley native, Dr. Sonya Marie Saenz was raised in Mission, Texas. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biology from the University of Texas-Pan American and received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Saenz has returned home to complete her residency training with the UTRGV-DHR program in order to serve her community. She is excited to embark on this journey with the growing family medicine program and is blessed to be given the privilege to provide care for the underserved people of the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Saenz looks forward to becoming the best physician she can be and would like to dedicate her success to her family and friends who have supported her journey. When Dr. Saenz is not in the hospital or clinic, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and is an avid movie fan.
Joshua Wood, MD
Rank – PGY-2
Dr. Joshua Wood was raised in rural Mexico where doctors were part of the community and did the best they could for their patients with the little resources they had at their disposal. From witnessing the impact these physicians had on their patients’ quality of life and the community, he developed a passion for medicine. He received his undergraduate degree from the College of the Ozarks in Branson, MO. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. Dr. Wood is excited to be working alongside doctors who share his passion in helping patients, especially the underserved. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Wood's hobbies include soccer, volleyball, biking, sailing, traveling and spending as much time at the beach as possible with his family and friends.
Ryan Silvera, MD
Rank – PGY-2
Dr. Ryan Silvera grew up in Los Angeles, California. He joined the United States Navy at the age of 19 to pursue his goal of becoming a physician. He volunteered to serve with the 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Division as a Combat Corpsman, which granted him an opportunity to learn and preform combat trauma medicine as well as sports medicine. After serving his county proudly for 6 years he received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy. He attended the University of California-Davis for his undergraduate studies and was a member of the Division I Wrestling Team. Dr. Silvera continues to coach high school and college wrestling teams, and aspires to work closely with veterans and athletes in underserved communities. His hobbies include running, swimming, traveling and he is a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Residents / 1st year
Jacob Birnbaum, MD
Angela Cano-Garcia, MD
James Fahey, MD
Hira Jamal, MD
Ruben Mora-Roman, Jr., DO
David Ramirez, Jr., DO
Jacob Birnbaum, MD
Rank – PGY-1
Dr. Jacob Birnbaum moved from Brazil to North America to pursue his medical career. When he arrived, he did not speak English but through hard work and perseverance he was able to obtain a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin (UT). He received two bachelor degrees from UT – nursing and biochemistry. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX.
It was in Houston that Dr. Birnbaum met and married his wife. This year they welcome their first child, a son named Jake who is now 9 months old. Dr. Birnbaum’s favorite thing to do is carry his son around on his shoulders and spend time with his family.
Angela Cano-Garcia, MD
Rank – PGY-1
Born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, Dr. Angela Cano-Garcia studied dental laboratory before moving to the United States of America 16 years ago. She received a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Cano-Garcia is married and has a 4-month-old son, Santiago. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends. Her personal passion is helping the community and her goals are to positively impact patients' lives through the practice of medicine.
James Fahey, MD
Rank – PGY-1
Dr. James Fahey was born and raised in Chicago, IL, where he also studied and received his medical degree. Dr. Fahey chose to complete his residency training at UTRGV-DHR due to an interest in working with Latino and underserved populations. His fiancée is also a first year resident at DHR, in the internal medicine program, and they are excited to get to know their new Valley community. Dr. Fahey’s hobbies include listening to music, dancing, and hanging out with his cat, Sheba.
Hira Jamal, MD
Rank – PGY-1
Dr. Jamal became interested in family medicine after enjoying her pediatrics, OB/GYN and family medicine rotations. She appreciates the variety in family medicine, and the ability to continue following patients throughout their lives.
Dr. Jamal is married with two kids – a three-year-old daughter and a five-week-old son. She and her family are excited about their move to Edinburg, TX and they are looking forward to calling it their new home!
Ruben Mora-Roman, Jr., DO
Rank – PGY-1
Originally from Northern California, Dr. Ruben Mora-Roman attended Notre Dame de Namur University. He majored in Biology and minored in Psychology. Much of his time in college was dedicated to running collegiate Cross Country and Track, organizing various community service events with the Rotaract Club and performing clinical research at Stanford University School of Medicine. After college, Ruben gained real-world job experience by venturing into research at a biotech company (CardioDx) and then conducted research at the Stanford Prevention Research Center. Ruben attended medical school at Western University of the Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. Throughout medical school, he was heavily involved with the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and helped organized the LMSA National Conference in 2016. Dr. Mora-Roman is decided to pursuing a career in family medicine, working predominantly with underserved populations using a holistic and preventative medicine approach to healthcare. His hobbies include soccer, running, being outdoors, traveling, trying new food, and experiencing new culture.
David Ramirez, Jr., DO
Rank – PGY-1
Dr. David Ramirez, Jr. was born and raised in Mission, Texas. He received his bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of Texas-Pan American. He was a high school teacher for three years before attending medical school at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ramirez plans to stay in the Rio Grande Valley upon complete of residency training and open a practice in the community.
As a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) we are committed to:
- Listening to your questions and concerns
- Discussing medical needs in an easy to understand way
- Sending you to trusted specialists if needed
- Offering same day appointments whenever possible
- Working with you on treatment goals and future plans at every visit
- Identifying any behavioral health needs
- Providing support services
Patient Outcomes
One of the ways to monitor how well blood sugar is maintained is a blood test called A1C. The A1C blood test measures the average level of glucose (sugar) over the past three months. By providing education materials and resources, 13% of patients at GME Family Medicine Center with previously uncontrolled glucose levels were able to bring their A1C within normal limits.
In order to maintain good patient care and patient safety, healthcare providers must review medications with patients at every visit. In 2016, GME Family Medicine Center reviewed and reconciled medications for 86% of patients, showing a 1.3% improvement from 2015. Our goal is every patient, every encounter, every time for 2017.
To measure patient satisfaction, GME Family Medicine Center monitors patient experience through a survey given after every visit. In 2016, 81% of patients and families reported they were happy with their experience of getting through the office by phone and 80% were happy with the length of time between calling to schedule an appointment and their appointment date. Our goal in 2017 is for 100% of all patients to be happy with their experience in our clinic. We expect to achieve this goal by designating staff members to answer incoming calls and providing ongoing customer service training.
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
5501 S. McColl Road, Edinburg, Texas 78539
(956) DOCTORS
DHR UTRGV Family Medicine Center /
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
Health System
© 2017. All Rights Reserved.