Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
In a bold step toward strengthening collaboration and innovation in the local healthcare sector, a group of dedicated professionals has come together to form a new Health Chamber of Commerce. Officially known as the Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce, the organization aims to unite doctors, wellness practitioners, healthcare entrepreneurs, and system leaders to improve access, quality, and support in healthcare delivery.
“I am the founder of the Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce,” said Maritza Gonzalez, who launched the initiative following personal experiences navigating the healthcare system for her daughter and sister, both of whom are disabled. “I know what that feeling is like,” Gonzalez explained. “And here recently with my sister, I’ve become the provider for her, not physically, but in terms of navigating all of the healthcare services she’s needing.”
Gonzalez shared that the idea for the chamber emerged in late 2024. “I wanted to do something different for the healthcare community,” she said. “This is the idea I came up with, and I started the ball rolling in December. By April, we launched a soft launch.”
Although still in its early stages, the Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce already counts 30 members, including significant healthcare institutions such as the South Texas Health System. “We’ve got many doctors and home health and hospice companies that have already joined our organization,” Gonzalez confirmed.
Beyond functioning as a network for professionals, the chamber also seeks to serve as a reliable healthcare resource for the public. “When somebody searches for a cardiologist on Google, you’re gonna get about 40 or 50 of them. Which one do you choose? How do you know which is a reliable resource?” Gonzalez asked. “This chamber is not only to become a marketing platform for healthcare providers, but also a resource for the community.”
The group held its first networking event last month at House Wine in McAllen, which attracted new members, including RGV College. Gonzalez said the event was both a success in outreach and a way to begin building a community around shared healthcare goals.
The chamber also holds monthly board meetings and is guided by an active and diverse leadership team. Board members to name a few, include: Dr. Pedro Mego, Dr. Joel Solis, Andrea Burciaga, Ph.D. (UTRGV), Enedina Enriquez, Ph.D. (UTRGV), Mario Lizcano (DHR Health), Tom Castañeda (South Texas Health System), Lee Castro (Legacy Chapels), Marla Sandoval (Regional Hospital – Brownsville), and James Olivarez (Richard’s Pharmacy).
“Having navigated the system myself, I felt it was time to create something meaningful that could help others avoid the same confusion and frustration,” Gonzalez emphasized. “There have been so many cuts in healthcare. It’s important, especially for those of us who are now responsible for others medically.”
Gonzalez is joined in her efforts by her partner, Lorena Hernandez, a nurse whom she describes as “aligned with me in our mission.” She added, “I’m not a clinician. I’m just a mom on a mission.”
For those interested in joining or learning more about the Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce, Gonzalez encourages them to call (956) 530-2080 or visit their office at 621 North Texas, McAllen, directly across from Subway on 10th Street.
“Our mission is to become a resource for the community,” Gonzalez said. “We want to be the connector—to guide people to the care they need and support the providers doing this essential work.”
