Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley

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  Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview with Dr. Michael Eisen

  Michael Eisen and Nicolas Rios

  Dr. Michael Eisen is an Orthopedics and Sports Medicine physician at the UT Health RGV Multispecialty clinic in Harlingen, Texas. His work reflects a commitment to patient-centered care in the Rio Grande Valley. Trained in primary care sports medicine, Dr. Eisen treats patients across all ages, addressing injuries, chronic pain, and muscular and skeletal conditions with an emphasis on listening, trust, and long-term wellness. His approach consists of understanding each patient’s story, recognizing that eYective care requires time, clear communication, and collaboration. Practicing in a region with unique cultural and healthcare access challenges, Dr. Eisen works to ensure patients feel informed and supported throughout their recovery. He values prevention, movement, and sustainable health practices, while also acknowledging the limits of medicine and the importance of teamwork between himself and the patient. Dr. Eisen is often remembered by patients due to his empathetic bedside manner and ability to listen to patients’ issues. Through humility, consistency, and respect for his patients, Dr. Eisen represents everyday heroism in medicine, serving the Rio Grande Valley with compassion, integrity, and dedication that it deserves.

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  Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview with Dr. Jennifer Walt

  Jennifer Walt and Diego Lopez

  Dr. Walt, a native of Weslaco, Texas, aspired to become a physician from a young age, inspired by her older siblings and her passion for helping others. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston in 2016 and chose to specialize in orthopedics due to its significant impact on patients and its procedure-focused nature. After completing a fellowship with a focus on foot and ankle care in 2022, Dr. Walt returned to her hometown and began practicing at the UT Health RGV Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic in Weslaco, Texas. In her practice, Dr. Walt is dedicated to providing life-changing care while maintaining a strong humanistic approach. She emphasizes ensuring that every patient she treats feels heard, respected, and genuinely cared for.

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  Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview with Dr. Brianna Woodliff

  Brianna Woodliff and Adriana Gonzalez

  Dr. Brianna Woodliff is a pediatric neurologist in the Rio Grande Valley at the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience. Her work consists of caring for children who face complex neurological conditions like epilepsy, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, and much more. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, she focuses on long-term relationships, honest communication, and emotional support. Working in one of the most underserved regions for neurological care, Dr. Woodliff handles long waitlists that range from six months to a year. She also faces the challenges of families who have to travel long distances for testing and treatment. She is also a faculty member at the UTRGV School of Medicine where she mentors both medical students and residents. Being born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, she is dedicated to mentoring so that more physicians will choose to stay or come back in the future to serve this community. She does this in hopes of improving the healthcare and resources available to in Rio Grande Valley. Through her presence throughout visits, her willingness to deliver difficult news with patience, and her commitment to teaching, Dr. Woodliff represents what it means to be a true hero of medicine in the Rio Grande Valley.