Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – Whether used to diagnose, treat or prevent disease, surgery remains one of the most common medical interventions in the United States. An estimated 39.4 million American adults undergo surgery each year, according to the National Institutes of Health, representing tens of millions of procedures across a wide range of specialties.
When facing surgery, trust in a surgeon’s expertise is critical. Patients often enter the operating room feeling vulnerable and anxious, relying on their surgical team to guide them safely through complex decisions and procedures.
“Confidence in a surgeon’s abilities helps ease fear and uncertainty before surgery,” says Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen. “It also encourages patients to openly discuss important health concerns, follow pre- and post-operative instructions and take an active role in their recovery, all of which contribute to safer procedures and better outcomes.”
One of the highest indicators of surgical expertise is fellowship training, which requires additional years of rigorous education and hands-on experience beyond residency in a specialized area of surgery. Fellowship-trained surgeons are equipped to manage complex cases, utilize advanced techniques and deliver highly specialized care.
In the Rio Grande Valley, patients requiring surgical care now have even greater access to that level of expertise at STHS’ acute care facilities.
Miguel Rodriguez, DO, FACS, a general, robotic and bariatric surgeon with STHS Clinics, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), earning the prestigious FACS designation.
Dr. Rodriguez was among 2,118 surgeons inducted during the ACS Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C., on September 26.
“While I am honored to be inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, this achievement ultimately benefits the patients and families we serve,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “It reinforces my commitment to providing safe, innovative surgical care and helping patients return to the activities and people they love.”
The FACS credential signifies that a surgeon’s education, training, professional qualifications and ethical standards have been rigorously evaluated by the American College of Surgeons. Fellows have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care.
“At STHS, our patients deserve access to the highest level of surgical care,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer of STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “The induction of Dr. Rodriguez as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons is a distinguished achievement that reflects his skill, dedication and pursuit of the highest standards in surgery. His advanced training and patient-focused approach support our ability to provide individuals across the Valley exceptional care and positive outcomes close to home.”
Founded in 1913, the American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the quality of surgical care and advancing ethical, competent surgical practice. With approximately 95,000 members, it is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
A member of STHS Clinics since September 2025, Dr. Rodriguez is a Valley native and graduate of Sharyland High School. After earning his undergraduate degree from Baylor University, he attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed his general surgery residency through the Sunrise Health GME Consortium in Las Vegas. He later completed a fellowship in Advanced Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. In addition to serving patients at STHS Clinics, he is medical director of the STHS McAllen Robotic Surgery Program.
Dr. Rodriguez provides advanced surgical care for a variety of conditions, including obesity, appendicitis, diverticulitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease and hernias.
For patients seeking advanced surgical care, Dr. Rodriguez sees patients at the STHS Clinics Acute Care, Trauma Surgery and General Surgery Clinic, located in the Medical Office Building adjacent to STHS McAllen at 1801 S. 5th St., Suite 120, McAllen. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (956) 631-0393 or visit doctors.sthsclinics.com.
