DHR Health Celebrating One Year of Pioneering ECMO Program

A Lifeline for the Rio Grande Valley

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Dr. Andrew Phillips shares a joyful moment with Jose E. Altamirano Brown and his family, celebrating life and recovery thanks to DHR Health's ECMO program. Jose's triumphant journey from critical care to family life represents hope and the incredible impact of advanced medical support. Image by Roberto Hugo González
Dr. Andrew Phillips shares a joyful moment with Jose E. Altamirano Brown and his family, celebrating life and recovery thanks to DHR Health’s ECMO program. Jose’s triumphant journey from critical care to family life represents hope and the incredible impact of advanced medical support. Image by Roberto Hugo González
- Advertisement -

By Roberto Hugo González

In a landmark achievement for healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley, DHR Health proudly celebrates the first anniversary of its groundbreaking Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program. As the sole provider of this life-saving treatment in the region, DHR Health has significantly enhanced its local healthcare services, offering advanced life support options previously unavailable to its residents. The ECMO program for critically ill patients facing severe cardiac or respiratory failure reflects DHR Health’s commitment to delivering world-class medical interventions in the heart of south Texas.

Since its inception in February 2023, the program has been instrumental in saving lives and providing hope to families when all other treatments have failed. Led by Dr. Andrew Phillips, a Rio Grande Valley native with a prestigious cardiothoracic intensive care background, the DHR Health ECMO team brings the highest standard of care and expertise to patients in critical need. The program underscores the hospital’s role as a Level I Trauma Center and demonstrates its dedication to advancing medical care and support systems for the most vulnerable patients.

- Advertisement -

As DHR Health marks this significant milestone with a press conference at the Edinburg Conference Center of Renaissance, the community looks forward to celebrating the successes of the ECMO program and its vital contribution to healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

DHR Health Brownsville’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest and Health Fair, Oct. 24th

DHR Health Brownsville is bringing families together for a day of wellness and fun at its 2nd Annual Fall Fest and Health Fair. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on October 24, 2026, at the DHR Health Brownsville Hospital, at 4750 North Expressway 77, in north Brownsville. The event is free and open to the public.

Special Fill-A-Bag Event Unites Local Community for Breast Cancer Awareness, Oct. 10th

 On Saturday, October 10, a Hidalgo warehouse will hold 30,000 pounds - 15 tons - of vintage clothing, transforming a popular shopping experience into an opportunity to honor the people and stories behind breast cancer awareness. No Limit Vintage will donate a portion of event proceeds to support breast cancer patients and survivors.

STHS to Offer Specialized Palliative & Hospice Care Training Conference, Nov. 7th

As the demand for specialized care for patients facing serious and life-limiting illnesses continues to grow, South Texas Health System (STHS) is bringing together healthcare providers from across the Rio Grande Valley for a day of education, collaboration and professional development focused on palliative and hospice care.

Do You Want to Be an Angel? This Is Your Opportunity

Becoming an angel for someone facing cancer may be as simple as donating $3 or $5. Through DHR Health’s annual Bras for a Cause fundraiser, community members can help patients experiencing financial difficulties while supporting breast cancer awareness and early detection.
- Advertisement -