Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
Edinburg, Texas — On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the DHR Health Neuroscience Conference drew many medical professionals to the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. This full-day event was a significant occasion for healthcare providers in the Rio Grande Valley, as it provided practical and cutting-edge knowledge on the latest advances in neuroscience. Organized by Dr. Patricia Fernandez, Program Director of DHR Health’s Neuroscience Institute, the conference focused on crucial areas like stroke prevention, epilepsy management, dementia diagnosis, and spinal care.
The attendees, who ranged from neurologists and neurosurgeons to primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and students, reflected the broad appeal and importance of the topics covered.
This year’s conference was especially significant for Dr. Noel Oliveira, Director of DHR Health’s Wound Care Center and Chairman of Continuing Medical Education. “After a few years of holding smaller, regularly scheduled series, we decided to return to a full-scale symposium,” Dr. Oliveira said. “It’s been incredibly successful so far, allowing us to present comprehensive information that is valuable to healthcare providers at all levels.”
The conference featured presentations from some of the country’s leading experts in neurology. Among the standout speakers were Dr. Kenneth Gaines, Director of Neurology Telemedicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Juan Torres-Reveron, a neurosurgeon at DHR Health. Both delivered vital insights into cutting-edge treatments and emerging trends in their fields.
Stroke management was a central focus of the event, reflecting the high incidence of stroke in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Ahsan Ali discussed the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the region, which can lead to strokes if untreated. His presentation covered methods for identifying and managing this condition to prevent stroke, which is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
Dr. Fernandez provided a compelling presentation on catheter-based interventions. This technique allows medical professionals to access the brain through the groin or arm to treat intracranial issues. “Dr. Fernandez is showing us something revolutionary,” said Dr. Oliveira. “By inserting catheters into the brain, we can treat previously considered untouchable problems. That will be a game-changer for stroke patients in this region.”
Epilepsy, another significant condition in the Rio Grande Valley, was also a major topic. Dr. Juan Torres-Reveron introduced attendees to groundbreaking surgical interventions that offer hope to patients who suffer from severe epilepsy. His presentation focused on how these advanced surgical techniques can drastically reduce seizure frequency and severity, improving patients’ quality of life.
Dr. Oliveira highlighted the importance of this session for local patients. “For the epileptic community here in our area, hearing about the most advanced treatments is huge,” he said. “These are options that could dramatically improve their lives, and it’s exciting for us to be able to offer these solutions.”
Beyond diagnosis and treatment, the conference also addressed the critical role of rehabilitation in helping patients regain function after neurological damage. Dr. Michael Auer, PT, DPT, C/NDT, a neuro-rehabilitation specialist, presented the latest therapies to help patients recover from stroke and other neurological conditions.
His presentation emphasized the importance of early and aggressive rehabilitation to maximize patient outcomes.
“Getting people back on their feet after a stroke or brain injury isn’t just about medicine—it’s about therapy, movement, and engagement,” Dr. Oliveira said. “That’s why rehabilitation is an essential part of this conference.”
After years of smaller, more frequent sessions, the DHR Health Neuroscience Conference marked a return to the full-scale, in-person format. Gathering medical professionals under one roof allowed for rich, dynamic discussions and hands-on learning that had been missing in recent years. “We tried holding smaller sessions every other month, and that worked for a while,” Dr. Oliveira explained. “But we felt the time was right to return to the full conference format. It allows for a broader exchange of ideas, and today’s energy shows that it was the right decision.”
The shift back to a large-scale event provided more comprehensive coverage of current neurological issues, enabling practitioners to explore complex topics that required more than a one-hour session could accommodate.
In addition to established practitioners, the conference saw significant participation from residents, reflecting DHR Health’s expanding residency program. Dr. Oliveira was proud of the strong turnout from the next generation of healthcare providers, noting how the event helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.
“We have several residents here who are very interested in furthering their education in neurology,” Dr. Oliveira said. “DHR Health’s residency program is growing yearly, and it’s fantastic to see such a strong interest in this field from young physicians.”
The presence of students, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants also reinforced the multidisciplinary nature of neurological care. By involving professionals from various fields, the conference fostered an environment of collaboration essential in treating complex neurological disorders.
The DHR Health Neuroscience Conference was a resounding success on September 21, 2024. It offered vital information to healthcare providers in the Rio Grande Valley. It provided a platform for seasoned practitioners and aspiring medical professionals to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge neurological treatments.
“DHR Health prides itself on providing top-level, upscale education throughout the spectrum of medicine,” Dr. Oliveira said. “The information shared at this conference is incredibly valuable to all physicians, from primary care to specialists.”
As the region continues to grow and face the challenges of neurological disorders like stroke and epilepsy, conferences like these are essential in equipping medical professionals with the knowledge and tools to improve patient outcomes.
The DHR Health Neuroscience Conference showcased the institution’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical education and ensuring that the community has access to the latest advancements in healthcare.
