By Victoria Brito Morales
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 22, 2025 – This fall semester, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley welcomed its sixth cohort of aspiring healthcare leaders into the Physician Assistant Career Track (PACT) Early Assurance Program, a transformative initiative that facilitates a seamless transition into the master’s program.
PACT selects a limited number of high-achieving high school students from the area to begin their undergraduate careers at UTRGV. The program provides academic support, mentorship and hands-on medical training to students who share a passion for healthcare and a commitment to their communities.
The cohort was officially welcomed on Aug. 22, 2025, during a white coat ceremony held for physician assistant students who are beginning the Master of Physician Studies (MPAS) program this fall.
“The first-year PACT students admitted to the PA program last year set the bar high, and we hope this next cohort continues to excel in their academic performance,” said Frank Ambriz, clinical professor and chair of the Department of Physician Assistant. “The undergraduate curriculum and Honors Program the PACT students have followed are preparing them well to succeed in this rigorous PA curriculum.”
The new PACT students are:
- Jaqueline Garza, Edinburg North High School,
- Zoe Lopez, PSJA North Early College High School
- Anerol Mendoza, PSJA Southwest Early College High School
- Alba Rebecca Munoz, Donna High School
- Chaylem Pena, Roma High School
- Eden Tijerina, McAllen High School
- Mary Vallejo, McAllen High School
FUTURE PHYSCIAN ASSISTANTS
For Muñoz, joining PACT aligned her goals with the program’s mission. A biology major with an honors minor, Muñoz holds certifications as a patient care technician and a state-registered pharmacy technician, which she earned in high school.
“The program’s goal to create physician assistants who are committed to helping the people of the Rio Grande Valley aligns with my desire to give back to my community in Donna,” Muñoz said.
Peña, also a biology major, was drawn to the challenge of becoming a PA. She earned her certification as a nationally registered certified medical assistant in high school and gained early research experience through a project analyzing red blood cell morphology in Hispanic communities.
“Becoming a physician assistant is a competitive and challenging journey, and I want to be part of a program that will push me and help me stay on track toward my goals,” Peña said.
Lopez, an integrated health sciences major, found the opportunity too valuable to pass up.
“After researching acceptance rates and my options, I saw one clear answer and took the shot to apply and take my future into my own hands,” said Lopez, who liked the profession’s versatility and work-life balance.
Garza, a chemistry major, was inspired by family members in the medical field, including her brother, a medical doctor, and relatives who work as physician assistants. Garza already holds CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications from her high school health science classes.
“Throughout my life, I have observed physician assistants and quickly realized how important their role is in healthcare,” Garza said. “Their compassion has always been something I’ve admired, no matter how demanding their occupation may be.”
For Mendoza, the dream of becoming a physician assistant began in middle school. A biology major, Mendoza participated in UT Austin’s Health Sciences Yearlong Academy, where she earned certifications in CPR, EKG and Stop the Bleed while connecting with medical professionals in various specialties.
“Being part of this program means I get to help my community, my family and inspire young Latinas like me to continue with their journeys toward greatness,” Mendoza said.
For more information on the PACT program, visit utrgv.edu/cohp/schools-and-departments/department-of-physician-assistant/pact/
