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Friday, February 20, 2026
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Publisher’s Word: Female Surgeon Performs First Surgery

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Mega Doctor News

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A landmark day for health care in Cameron County saw the first surgical patient at DHR Health Brownsville successfully undergo a procedure, marking a new chapter for the region’s healthcare. The surgery, which involved the removal of an axillary mass, was performed by Dr. Cera Kroenke, a general surgeon who displayed great precision and expertise.

DHR Health is the Rio Grande Valley’s premier Level 1 Trauma and ECMO Center, offering round-the-clock emergency care and access to specialty physicians and surgeons every day of the year.

Dr. Kroenke expressed her honor in being chosen to conduct the first surgery at DHR Health Brownsville.

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Established in 1997, DHR Health in Hidalgo County aimed to address healthcare access challenges for over 1.2 million residents in a community without public or county hospitals. Today, it operates as a modern, full-service health system with over 500 beds, serving over 300,000 patients annually. Boasting over 6,000 employees, DHR Health provides comprehensive care in over 70 specialties and subspecialties.

With its central hub in Edinburg, DHR Health extends its services through clinics in Starr County and the new hospital in Brownsville. It delivers top-notch specialty care in fields like endocrinology, cardiology, oncology, rehabilitation, and clinical research.

DHR Health’s women’s hospital is recognized for providing the highest level of maternal care in South Texas. Through its ongoing efforts, DHR Health continues to revolutionize the Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare landscape, elevating care standards and transforming healthcare delivery for the benefit of all residents. More inside.

Good news – Steven Kotsatos, Health Director for the city of Mission. He has been reappointed to the Registered Sanitarian Advisory Committee of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).  He will serve on the committee until February 1, 2029.

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Kotsatos recently joined the City of Mission in March 2023 and brings 22 years of government experience, with 11 years of environmental health services experience at the municipal and state levels. 

More good news – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Omar Palomin, P.T., D.P.T. to the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for terms set to expire on January 31, 2029. The Board licenses and regulates the practice of physical therapy in Texas.

Omar Palomin, P.T., D.P.T. of McAllen is CEO of Performance Therapeutics.

On another note – The Brownsville Public Health department held a “Brownsville-Matamoros Binational Health Council Meeting.”

Binational Health Councils (known commonly as the COBINAS) Binational Health Councils for U.S. – México are meetings established for border sister cities to promote unity and friendship between health officials of neighboring cities.

Enjoy!

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