loader image
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
78 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

Dr. Antonio Falcon, Descendent of a Rio Grande Valley Pioneer Family

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Dr. Antonio Falcon, Descendent of a Rio Grande Valley Pioneer Family

- Advertisement -

Mega Doctor News –

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

For many of you the name Falcon is a recognizable last name, Dr. Antonio Falcon’s family has been in South Texas for several generations. Dr. Falcon is one of the descents of the distinguished family and he has been practicing family medicine for approximately 34 years.

- Advertisement -

He was born in Edinburgh, Texas to Eugenio and Emma Falcon however at an early age, Antonio was moved to Rio Grande City, and was raised there.

He is proud of what he has done during this long and busy medical career, but just recently the Governor of Texas Rick Perry appointed him as a member of the Health and Human Services Commission Council where he intends to make a difference.

During his first council meeting in Austin on February 28, 2014 Dr. Falcon was welcomed by Dr. Ben Raimer, HHSC Council Chair, who called the meeting to order and welcomed the new council members.

Dr. Falcon is eager to take part in these meetings because he wants to tell the story of the Rio Grande Valley in order to bring the necessary services to the area.

- Advertisement -

The Health and Human Services Commission Council upholds the principle of inclusiveness and develops an environment that fosters strong consumer and constituent input.

He told Mega Doctor News that the council serves as a group of people that help with role making, policy making and problem solving for the commissioner of Health and Human Services. “It’s an advisory council to the commissioner.” He continued to say, “Right now since my appointment to Health and Human Services I’m determined to try to get the commissioner of Health and Human Services in Austin to better understand what the valley is truly like.”

On his first meeting in Austin, the executive commissioner’s final status update to the council members was regarding the governor’s remarks related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Medicaid Reform Waiver.

He reminded the Council that on January 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act became effective and Texas, along with other states, opted-out of the expansion of the state’s Medicaid program to serve a larger population. 114,000 applications are backed up on healthcare.gov and the federal website has directed 12,000 to HHSC, but the applications have screening issues, as a small percentage meet the criteria for Medicaid and CHIP eligibility. Dr. Janek mentioned that HHSC continues to seek flexibility with their federal partners to implement a state-based Medicaid program to address the healthcare needs of Texas population. Updates on progress will continue to be shared with the council and the public.

At that point, Dr. Falcon appreciated Dr. Janek’s efforts with CMS and commented that he recognizes the challenge for federal government to see why and how Texas’ needs are unique, especially along the U.S./Mexico border. MDN

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Persistence in Adversity Foundation Launches 6th Annual Blanket Drive

Dr. Esmeralda Adame, founder of the Persistence in Adversity Foundation, is once again rallying the Rio Grande Valley community for a cause that brings both warmth and compassion. The foundation has launched its 6th Annual Blanket Drive, aiming to collect 1,000 new blankets for families, the elderly, and those in need across the region.

Dr. Ali Kilic: Advancing Patient-Centered Reconstructive Surgery in the Rio Grande Valley

At the 2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients, held on October 15 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, Dr. Ali Kilic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Hand Surgeon at DHR Health, was recognized for his commitment to patient-centered reconstructive care and his role in empowering women to reclaim their confidence after breast cancer treatment. The event, themed “A Celebration of Strength, Courage, and Empowerment,” celebrated breast cancer survivors who have undergone reconstruction and honored the physicians who help them heal.

Dr. Lisa Chapa: Empowering Women Through Compassionate Breast Cancer Care

At the 2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients, held on October 15 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, Dr. Lisa Chapa, Breast Cancer Surgeon at DHR Health, delivered a moving and insightful message about the importance of patient empowerment, education, and collaboration in breast cancer care. Her remarks reflected the event’s theme — “A Celebration of Strength, Courage, and Empowerment” — and underscored the compassion that drives her work.

Dr. Mauricio De La Garza: Advancing Breast Reconstruction with Compassion and Innovation

During the 2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients, held on October 15 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, Dr. Mauricio De La Garza, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Chairman of the Plastic and Reconstructive Institute at DHR Health, delivered an impactful address highlighting the significance of breast reconstruction awareness and the ongoing innovations that are transforming patient outcomes.
- Advertisement -
×