Rio Grande Valley PA Society

Benito Lopez is a Doctoral-level, board-certified Physician Associate specializing in Endocrinology. He holds advanced certifications in diabetes care and obesity management, including board certification in Advanced Diabetes Management from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES), and recognition as an Advanced Obesity Management Provider by the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). Additionally, he serves as an Advanced Fracture Liaison Service Ambassador with the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF).

Dr. Lopez is the Clinic Director at Valley Diabetes and Endocrinology Comprehensive Center in Mission, Texas, where he is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art care to individuals living with diabetes. His professional passion lies in leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance diabetes management and improve patient outcomes.

He has held numerous leadership roles in both state and national professional organizations, contributing his expertise to various committees and initiatives aimed at advancing PAs' practice.

Cassandra Salinas Whetstone, a proud Rio Grande Valley native, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Texas and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is currently completing her Doctor of Medical Science at the University of Pittsburgh, with expected graduation in the summer.

She serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant Program. Her clinical experience spans emergency medicine, trauma, and acute care surgery.

Cassandra is actively involved in professional advocacy, currently serving as Chair of the Student Affairs Committee for the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) and as a Texas Delegate to the House of Delegates for the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).

Michelle Reid is a Surgical Physician Assistant at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine where she also serves as the PA Program Coordinator within the Department of Surgery, overseeing clinical rotations in general and trauma surgery. A proud alumna of UTRGV’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, Michelle has dedicated her career to advancing surgical care and PA education. She precepts PA students, sharing her expertise and passion for patient-centered care. As Past President of the Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant Society, Michelle championed professional development, legislative advocacy, and community outreach across the region. With a strong commitment to surgical education, community outreach, and high-quality patient care, Michelle looks forward to continuing her work in advancing the advocacy and visibility of the PA profession throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Drew has been a PA for nearly 8 years, and in all of that time, he has been right here in the Valley working in primary care in a community health center. He is proud of the work that PAs do and wants the Valley to share that pride. He has been a proud member of RGVPAS since 2018 and looks forward to serving the organization as treasurer. In addition to medicine, he is very interested in personal and corporate finance.

Patricia is a Physician Assistant HIV and PrEP specialist at a nonprofit organization, since 2018. Before she spent 2 years working as a Psychiatry Physician Assistant. She has experience in management, one of her previous work was as a manager of the safe and health department as part of occupational medicine and human resources for an international maquiladora in Matamoros Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Patricia is a Rio Grande Valley native, but studied abroad. Patricia completed her medical degree (MD) from Universidad de Monterrey(UDEM) in San Pedro Garza Garcia N.L Mexico. She also earned her master degree of Physician Assistant studies from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

She is active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants(AAPA), she also is a founding member of the Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant’s Society, member of The

international AIDS society (IAS) and the American Academy of HIV medicine(AAHIVM), she is a HIV Prevention Certified Provider (HIV PCP), working on getting her HIV specialty. She is an advocate for the U=U movement. In her Free time enjoy reading, dancing, power walking, spend time with her beloved family and is an otaku and vivid soccer fan.

Anna Munoz is a PA-C at Nuestra Clinica del Valle, serving for nine years since graduating from UTRGV's PA Program in 2015. Passionate about community medicine, she's excited to join RGVPAS as Member-at-Large. She aims to gain leadership skills, connect with fellow PAs, and help expand the society and its CME offerings. In her free time, she enjoys exploring, good food, and travel. She looks forward to working with everyone.

Mayra O. Martinez, DScPAS, MPAS, MS, PA-C has dedicated herself to compassionate care for over a decade. She completed her Bachelor's of Science with a double major in Biology and Math and a minor in Chemistry at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), followed by a Master's of Science in Mathematical Sciences, and a Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Furthering her education, she earned a Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacology and Health Sciences (MCPHS). Mayra has a diverse background in education which includes teaching mathematics at UTRGV, high school science, and mariachi music. Her medical practice spans rural medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and telemedicine. She holds key leadership roles, serving as the President of PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine (PAVMT), President-Elect of Physician Associates for Latino Health (PALH), Past President of The Society for PAs in Pediatrics (SPAP), Past President of the Rio Grande Valley PA Society (RGVPAS), and Trustee for the Texas Academy of PAs Political Action Committee (TAPA PAC). In her role as Medical Director of The Pediatric Care Center, she combines compassionate clinical care with administrative leadership to improve outcomes for families across her region. She brings innovation and compassion to community-based care. Additionally, she is committed to mentoring future healthcare leaders, expanding equitable access to virtual care, and empowering the PA profession at the state and national levels.

Oscar Rene Vela is a board- certified family practice Physician Assistant born and raised in the Linn-San Manuel area of the Rio Grande Valley.  He is a 1996 graduate of the inaugural class of the UTMB/UTPA Cooperative PA Program with a Bachelor of Science in PA Studies.  He began his 28- year PA career with Villarreal Medical Clinic in McAllen in October of 1996.  He, along with Dr Victor Villarreal, opened Villarreal Medical Center - San Juan in 2005 where he continues to practice to this day.  He provides comprehensive family practice and preventive care to his patients.  He is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants.  He also served on the Physician Assistant Studies Advisory Board for UTPA for a number of years.   He truly believes in community service and helping the next person in line through scholarships or mentoring.  He has been a preceptor to countless PA students, whom he thoroughly enjoys teaching.  In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and ranching with his wife and 3 daughters.