Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
EDINBURG, Texas – In a groundbreaking achievement for healthcare in South Texas, DHR Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Certification in Respiratory Failure, distinguishing itself as one of only 68 hospitals nationwide—and the only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley—to achieve this elite recognition. This milestone highlights DHR Health’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.
“This certification was not a requirement,” said Marissa Castañeda, Senior Executive Vice President of DHR Health. “It was something that our team voluntarily pursued, demonstrating their dedication to the highest standards of patient care. The process was rigorous, but our ICU team members are deeply committed to the health and well-being of every patient that walks through our doors.”
The certification, which only 1% of hospitals in the U.S. hold, recognizes DHR Health’s intensive care unit (ICU) for its outstanding patient outcomes, evidence-based treatment protocols, and interprofessional teamwork that ensures patients with respiratory failure receive the most advanced care available.
The leadership at DHR Health, from its administrative team to its frontline medical staff, has played a key role in achieving this recognition. Dr. Saroja Viswamitra, Chief Medical Officer of DHR Health, emphasized that this accomplishment results from years of relentless effort and a unified vision for excellence in patient care.
“For three years, our ICU interprofessional team worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. This certification speaks volumes about the teamwork, dedication, and passion that define our healthcare system,” said Dr. Viswamitra.
Dr. Juan Marcos Chavez Paz, ICU Medical Director, elaborated on the significance of the achievement, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for specialized respiratory care.
“We were not forced to apply for this certification—we chose to because we wanted to prove that we belong among the elite. This is a testament to the incredible work of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, case managers, chaplains, and so many others who play a role in caring for every human being that comes through our doors,” said Dr. Chavez.
This achievement reflects the strength of DHR Health’s collaborative approach. The ICU’s interprofessional team includes specialists from various fields who work together to provide comprehensive care, ensuring patients survive and recover with the best possible outcomes.
“When patients come to our ICU, they receive care from a team that collaborates seamlessly, from the first moment of admission to the time they are discharged. Our goal is to ensure fast recovery, minimize complications, and provide long-term solutions for our patients,” said an ICU team representative.
This level of coordination and excellence has made DHR Health the premier choice for critical care in South Texas. From respiratory therapists ensuring patients receive optimal oxygen support to physical therapists helping prevent complications like pneumonia and hospital-acquired weakness, every role plays a crucial part in patient recovery.
DHR Health: A National Leader in Healthcare
Dr. Carlos Cardenas, Chairman of the Board at DHR Health, highlighted how this achievement reflects the hospital’s longstanding mission to bring world-class healthcare to the Rio Grande Valley.
“Knowing is not enough—we must apply. Being willing is not enough—we must do,” said Dr. Cardenas, quoting Leonardo da Vinci. “This certification symbolizes our team’s determination to go above and beyond for our patients. It demonstrates that the care we provide here is at the highest level—not just for Texas, but nationwide.”
Beyond patient care, this achievement also benefits the next generation of healthcare professionals. As a leader in medical education, DHR Health’s certification ensures that its residents and fellows are trained in a top-tier ICU environment, learning from some of the best experts in respiratory failure care.
DHR Health is not stopping here. Leadership and medical professionals at the hospital continue to push forward, always striving to improve patient outcomes and set new standards for care.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Chavez. “We are looking to be the very best—not just in Texas, but beyond. Our mission is to continually raise the bar and ensure that our patients receive the best care available.”
The hospital’s dedication to excellence serves as hope for the Rio Grande Valley, proving that world-class healthcare is not only possible in South Texas—it is thriving.
The message for the Rio Grande Valley’s residents is clear: When it comes to respiratory failure care, there is no better place to seek treatment than DHR Health. With its new certification, the hospital reaffirms unparalleled leadership, commitment, and dedication to the community’s health.
