Artboard 6 Copy 6
DHR Health

Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program

Welcome Message from the Program Director

On behalf of our Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program and the entire faculty, welcome to the Department of Radiology at DHR Health. Our large volume of imaging studies (well over 250,000 per year), a wide variety of pathology, cutting-edge technology, and dedicated faculty make this training program an exceptional educational opportunity for residents. DHR is a busy, Level I trauma hospital providing medical and surgical care to the residents of the Rio Grande Valley, and the surrounding region, including Northern Mexico. Our radiology department has state-of-the-art imaging equipment in plain radiography, fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, nuclear medicine, breast imaging, and ultrasound. Furthermore, we ensure that sufficient volume and variety of pathologies are available for every resident to gain a meaningful educational experience in the full spectrum of radiological examinations, procedures, and interpretations.

The program is heavily engaged in research opportunities with the DHR Research Institute and has several ongoing projects. This tremendous advantage will allow our residents to not only engage in research but also to create new projects that will bring prestige and solidify our goal of developing a community-based residency program committed to not only creating competent Diagnostic Radiologists but also Academic Radiologists who will continue the legacy of learning and excellence.

From the beginning, the faculty, residents, and staff have understood the importance of quality patient care, communication, education, innovation, and research. We are a service-oriented and resident-centered academic department.

As you explore our website, I hope you get a sense of the pride and accomplishments of our faculty and residents. Thank you for visiting!

Thank you for your consideration.

Best Regards,

Samuel Serna, MD

Program Director Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program

Chair of Radiology Department DHR Health

image-item

Mission and Program Aims

The mission of the DHR Health Diagnostic Radiology Program is to enhance residents' education in such a way that will provide compassionate, cutting edge, and evidence-based care with a commitment to continually improving the wellbeing of the patients and community they serve with a commitment to excellence.

Program Aims
  • To educate residents to work in a high-acuity environment and enable residents to develop excellence in procedural competence with the ability to practice effectively in any clinical environment by using evidence-based and cost-effective care.
  • To teach effective leadership skills to assume this role within a multidisciplinary healthcare team, to treat all patients, colleagues, and other members of the healthcare team with dignity, compassion, and respect by providing the foundation and thirst for lifelong learning, self-reflection, and a culture of continuous improvement in their clinical practice and knowledge.
  • To prepare residents to be an advocate for patients and families, including those with social or economic disparities, and to empathize with patients to provide optimal culturally competent care.
  • Demonstrate the value in time and practice management strategies and resiliency to maximize personal well-being. The primary purpose of the DHR health Radiology Residency Program is to develop and graduate competent radiologists that are well-trained, empathetic, caring clinicians that can effectively and independently practice Radiology in any clinical environment. The ACGME defines six areas of competency which define the framework for which the curriculum is developed.​​

image-item

Application and Interview Process

The Graduate Medical Education residency programs at DHR Health accept applications through the internet-based ERAS program. The same application process applies to all Residency Programs.

Documentation submitted through ERAS must include:
  • Completed Application Form
  • Recent Photograph
  • CV and Personal Statement
  • Dean's Letter
  • Transcript
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Results of USMLE/COMLEX examinations, Steps 1 and 2

Criteria for all medical school graduates:
  • Passing of USMLE/COMLEX examinations on the first attempt.
  • Graduation from medical school within the last 5 years.
  • Graduates of medical schools outside of the U.S. and Canada must hold a current valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). 
  • Meet requirements for J-1 Visa sponsorship (if applicable)

image-item

Contact Us

Debra Gomez

Diagnostic Radiology Program Coordinator
1000 E Dove, Suite 201

image-item

Faculty

  • Mario Moya, MD - IR / Urinary / Radiography / Cardiothoracic Radiology / Fluoroscopy / Vascular / Reproductive / Endocrine Imaging
  • Michael Davis, MD - Core Faculty - Musculoskeletal Radiology
  • Carole Dentino, MD - Core Faculty - Breast Radiology / Pediatric Radiology
  • Patricia Fernandez, MD - Core Faculty - Neuroadiology
  • Louis Moore, MD - Core Faculty - Abdominal Radiology / MRI Educational Content Expert
  • Oussama Nachar, PhD - Faculty - Physicist / Nuclear Medicine
  • Brijesh Reddy, MD - Core Faculty - Nuclear Radiology and Molecular Imaging
  • Samuel Serna, MD - Core Faculty - Ultrasonography Educational Content Expert / Safety

image-item

Our Curriculum

Learn more regarding our Radiology Residency Program below.

image-item

Benefits and Stipend

image-item

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DHR Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact, by generating varied perspectives and in turn better ideas to solve complex problems. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views, by ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all residents, faculty, and staff. We strive to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups, due to race, ethnicity, language, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, physical or mental disability, and others.

We appreciate the unique abilities and perspectives of our diverse workforce and community. By creating an environment where faculty, physicians, residents, fellows, and staff can be their true selves at work without fear of judgment, we aim to foster creativity, raise productivity, and improve organizational performance. We believe that all our faculty, physicians, residents/fellows, and staff play the critical role in the overall success of the organization and the vision we have for our community. We create a sense of belonging at the workplace, where employees are appreciated for their unique contributions, recognized for their accomplishments, supported in their career goals, and have a sense of connection to how they are positively impacting their community.

Through community partnerships, we generate transformation within our institution as a means of advocating for better care for our patients, creating a more diverse physician workforce, and serving our community. We strive to promote social justice by advocating for equitable health care, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, social status, or ability to pay. We are committed to an organizational culture that will connect our residents and fellows to the organization; encourage collaboration, flexibility and fairness; and leverage diversity throughout the organization, so that all residents and fellows will be able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

DHR Health recruits resident/fellow applicants underrepresented in medicine (UIM) for advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The DHR Health GME Diversity Committee is included in all planning phases of faculty and resident/fellow recruitment, selection, and retention and includes hospital leaders, GME representatives, and residents/fellows.

DHR Health Diagnostic Radiology

Residents

Resident Life

Our Commitment to Wellness

  • Counseling services provided to residents and faculty are available Monday-Friday from 8am - 8pm and on weekends from 9am - 6pm. Call 956-362-2732 to set up an appointment.
  • 24/7 Security Assistance Hotline (956) 739-0717
locations

Our Community

The Rio Grande Valley is a region in deep South Texas, beautifully rich in culture.