Mega Doctor News
At the center of every healing journey are nurses, whose dedication, compassion and care touch lives every day.
Across all 12 South Texas Health System (STHS) facilities, nurses are at the core of providing the compassionate, high quality, patient centered care our community depends on.
To support the continued professional growth of its nursing team, STHS remains dedicated to providing opportunities that strengthen clinical expertise and advance nursing careers, including its Clinical Ladder Program, an initiative designed to foster professional development while elevating the level of care delivered across all STHS facilities.
“By empowering our nurses to continually expand their education and advance their practice, the STHS Clinical Ladder Program has resulted in improved outcomes and a higher standard of care for our patients throughout the years,” said Cat Domian, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, STHS Edinburg & STHS Children’s . “As our nurses develop and refine their skills, our entire healthcare system becomes stronger, which ultimately benefits the patients we proudly serve.”
See the gallery below for more images of the event: All images courtesy of STHS:
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, STHS nursing leaders hosted a special graduation ceremony at STHS Heart to honor the 44 nurses who completed their Clinical Ladder portfolios in 2025, a remarkable 144% increase from the 18 graduates in 2024.
Among this year’s graduates was Lizette Flores, RN, who made history as the first Level II Clinical Ladder graduate at STHS Children’s, marking both an exceptional personal achievement and the growing impact of the program across all STHS facilities.
“The growing interest in the Clinical Ladder Program reflects the incredible passion our nurses have for advancing their practice,” said Deborah Meeks, MSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, Chief Nursing Officer, STHS Heart. “When more nurses pursue higher levels of professional development, our patients feel the difference. It strengthens the quality of care at the bedside and enhances the overall patient experience across every STHS facility.”
This year’s graduation ceremony also featured a keynote address from Margo Vargas-Ayala, DNP, Interim Dean of the Health Science Professions Division at South Texas College, who praised the graduates for their dedication to advancing their practice and strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce.
“It’s truly inspiring to see so many nurses committed to advancing their careers through this special program,” says Dr. Ayala. “You each embody South Texas Health System’s dedication to fostering a strong and empowered nursing workforce. Through initiatives like the Clinical Ladder, STHS continues to invest in the growth, confidence and leadership of nurses, providing them with the support, resources and encouragement they need to excel. This commitment to developing talent from within strengthens healthcare across the Rio Grande Valley.”
To learn more about STHS’ commitment to quality and patient safety across its 12 facilities, visit southtexashealthsystem.com.
