By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 27, 2025 – Aun Bangash, second-year student at the UTRGV School of Medicine, flips through the pages of his medical textbook, scanning notes on medical cases. He jots down key points for an upcoming exam, pausing to review flashcards before heading out.
Despite the long hours of study, today brings a refreshing change. He will stand in front of a room full of eager high school students, sharing his journey through medical school and the path ahead for aspiring physicians, like him, in the Rio Grande Valley.
For Bangash, who grew up in Brownsville, Texas, the opportunity to study medicine close to home is more than just a convenience; it’s a way to return the support and encouragement his community has shown him.
MANY PATHWAYS AVAILABLE
At White Coat Connect, local high school students gather to hear firsthand from UTRGV School of Medicine students and faculty about the road to becoming a physician.
The event, designed to connect aspiring doctors with those already in the field, provides insights into medical school, admissions processes and the many pathways available to students in South Texas.
The event itself was brought about by Bangash, who wanted to provide students from his former high school with a direct way to learn about the journey to medical school.
Working with the UTRGV School of Medicine’s Office of Admissions, he helped design the event and recruited fellow medical students to volunteer and share their experiences navigating the often-daunting medical school application process.
“There are so many talented students in our region who dream of becoming doctors, and events like these show them that it’s possible,” said Dr. Bruno Arturo Sanchez, a teacher with South Texas ISD Medical Professionals High School. “Having current medical students share their experiences helps make those dreams feel real and achievable.”
Through initiatives like the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program and the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP), the UTRGV School of Medicine is paving the way for local students to pursue careers in medicine without leaving the Valley. The programs provide conditional admission to high-achieving students and support economically disadvantaged Texans aiming to enter medical school.
Sanchez, also a Brownsville native, said opportunities like those are game changers and he well understands the challenges of pursuing a medical education.
“I had to leave my home to attend medical school,” Sanchez said. “I would have loved to have had an option like the UTRGV School of Medicine back then. Staying close to family while receiving a high-quality medical education makes a big difference for students in our community.”
High school students explored medical school pathways at White Coat Connect, learning about the application process and programs like Vaqueros MD and JAMP that support aspiring physicians in South Texas. Dr. Ricardo Belmares and Dr. Eunkyung Park led a clinical skills demonstration. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)
A PLACE THAT SHAPED US
For high school senior Sophia Zapata, attending White Coat Connect was an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about the medical field and explore her own medical aspirations.
“This event is so important, especially for students like me who are passionate about medicine,” said Zapata, who attends South Texas ISD Medical Professionals High School. “Through this event, I learned about different medical programs and how to apply to med school. It opened my eyes to the opportunities available here.”
Zapata, another Brownsville native, discovered her passion for medicine through her work as a dance teacher, where she worked closely with children, including those with learning disabilities and autism.
Her experience influenced her desire to pursue pediatrics, a field she hopes will allow her to make a difference in the lives of young patients.
She said she greatly values staying in the Valley to study medicine.
“We live so close to the border and in an underserved community,” Zapata said. “It’s important for people from here to become doctors and give back to the place that shaped us.”
PAYING IT FORWARD
As Bangash stands before the high school students, he sees a reflection of himself years ago. An ambitious student with big dreams, looking for guidance.
“When I was in high school, the process of applying to medical school felt overwhelming,” he said. “Events like these are valuable because they show students that this path is possible. I was in their shoes not too long ago.”
For Bangash, studying at the UTRGV School of Medicine isn’t just about earning his white coat. It’s about paying it forward to the community that shaped him, and helping others to follow in his footsteps.
He understands the importance of staying in the Valley and ensuring that future physicians come from the same communities they one day will serve.
Bangash hopes to see more students from the Rio Grande Valley take advantage of the opportunities available and continue shaping the future of medicine in Texas.
“The Valley brought us up, and it would be a disservice if we didn’t reinvest in the same community that put us here,” he said. “I want to make sure students from the Valley don’t just dream about becoming doctors, they become them.”