UTRGV unveils new state-of-the-art cancer and surgery facility

McAllen, Texas (ValleyCentral) - Dozens of people gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's most recent medical milestone.

UT Health Rio Grande Valley Cancer and Surgery Center is a new, $145 million state-of-the-art facility. For the first time, people can meet their cancer treatment needs without leaving the Valley.

UTRGV health officials are calling it a one-stop shop. This means people can get treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation all under one roof.

"This is a dream come true to us. It is a first-class medical treatment, including cancer infusions and surgeries. We can do research here, it is a wonderful place," said UTRGV president Dr. Guy Bailey. "It is an educational facility, a research facility, a clinical facility."

Lorenzo Sanchez said that for his family, this new cancer and surgery center is life-changing.
Sanchez is one of the engineers who worked on this building, and now his mom gets her cancer treatment here.

"Having my mom be a part of the building and to be able to use the facility that we designed and constructed, it really is something special," said Sanchez. "She is able to stay at home while getting the top treatment."

This cancer and surgery center offers treatments like surgical oncology, hematology, diagnostics, and infusion therapy.

There are six operating rooms.

Orthopedics and sports medicine are also part of the picture, along with an education hub for future health officials in the Valley.

"The valley is no longer going to be seen as a region in need,' said UTRGV Health Dr. Everardo Cobos. "It is going to be recognized as a place of discovery, of innovation, and a place where solutions take place."

The center will help educate nursing students and medical residents. The research will also focus on cancers that specifically affect South Texas.

"We are going to grow, and we are growing our own doctors, our own scientists," said Dr. Cobos. "Homegrown experts who understand the valley, the culture, and the people and who are committed to serving them."

The center has seen around 2,000 patients in the last month. It also plans to continue its partnership with Houston and San Antonio medical facilities.