Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview with Gustavo F. Olivares

Creator

• Gustavo F. Olivaes, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Isabel A. Suarez, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Files

Creation Date

Spring 2026

Description

Gustavo Olivares, PA-C, is a dedicated Physician Assistant at All Children’s Pediatric Clinic in McAllen, Texas, where he has provided care for over 21 years. In his role as a clinician, he is responsible for diagnosing patients, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, making referrals, interpreting laboratory data and imaging studies, and prescribing medications. He earned his degree from the University of Texas–Pan American (UTPA) through its Physician Assistant program. His journey into the profession began while initially pursuing medical school, where he completed several interviews but ultimately chose an alternative path. His inspiration to become a physician assistant stemmed from his passion for biology and science, along with his desire to work closely with people. During the interview, he emphasized the importance of empathy and compassion in patient care, noting that effective healthcare goes beyond diagnosis to understanding each patient’s individual experiences. He believes medicine is a combination of science and caring for others, grounded in evidence-based practice, and this motivation continues to guide his approach today.

Physical Description

00:12:50

Streaming Media

Recommended Citation

Olivaes, Gustavo F. and Suarez, Isabel A., "Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview with Gustavo F. Olivares" (2026). Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley. 9.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/rgvmedheroes/9