Texas Oncology celebrated the grand opening of its McAllen West clinic Sept. 29, expanding cancer treatment, diagnostic, and research capabilities in the Rio Grande Valley as the organization continues its presence in the region, spanning more than 40 years.

The significance of DHR Health Transplant Institute’s latest recognition extends far beyond a hospital ranking. It raises a larger question for South Texas: Has the Rio Grande Valley reached the point where patients can look to the region not only for local healthcare, but for nationally competitive transplant medicine?