loader image
Sunday, October 19, 2025
85.1 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen Designated as Level II Trauma Center

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Only Level II Center and highest level of trauma care in the Rio Grande Valley

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -
Dr. Hillary Chollet, Trauma Medical Director at VBMC-Harlingen
Dr. Hillary Chollet, Trauma Medical Director at VBMC-Harlingen

Harlingen, TexasThe trauma center at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen has been designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Major (Level II) Trauma Facility.  This follows the Center’s verification by the American College of Surgeons after a review and visit last October.

“We are excited to have achieved this honor,” stated Dr. Hillary Chollet, Trauma Medical Director at VBMC-H.  “This has been a multi-year journey that started with Dr. Ruben Lopez, a cardiac and trauma surgeon who passed away in 2015, and from the beginning has been a team effort.”

“I thank our administration and trauma team for embracing this important goal of becoming a Major Trauma Facility, and Emergency Medical Services and the TRAC-V (Trauma Regional Advisory Council) for their support,” Chollet said. “Time and time again, EMS men and women have proven themselves to be a special group of people who played an important role in this achievement. They and other pre-hospital providers such as the police and fire departments deserve our heartfelt thanks.”

- Advertisement -

A Major Level II Trauma Center brings together a number of resources that benefit trauma patients, including in-house trauma/critical care surgeons available 24/7, and a full team of ICU specialists, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Radiology, Emergency Medicine and others.  “A Level II Trauma Center is able to initiate definitive care for all injured patients,” added Ernie DeLeon, RN, Trauma Program Manager.

We look forward to leading the way in improving Trauma Care in south Texas,” stated Manny Vela, CEO of Valley Baptist Health System. “Becoming the Valley’s first Major Trauma Facility is part of our mission to provide services in south Texas that allow patients to remain near home for medical care.”

 

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

The Human Bean’s “Coffee for a Cure” to Benefit The Renaissance Cancer Foundation, Oct. 17th

The Human Bean located at 1124 E. Nolana in McAllen is inviting coffee-lovers to "drink pink" on October 17 for their annual “Coffee for a Cure” breast cancer giveback event. All food and beverage proceeds on that day will benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, marking The Human Bean’s largest fundraiser of the year.

“I Was Diagnosed with Lung Cancer and Cured in Just 14 Days,” said Juan Camacho

In a landmark moment for healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley, DHR Health has achieved dual national recognition as both a Center of Excellence in Lung Cancer Screening and a Center of Excellence in Lung Cancer Care by GO2 for Lung Cancer, a leading organization dedicated to improving outcomes and survival rates for patients facing lung cancer.

2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients

The Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance was filled with emotion, gratitude, and hope on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as DHR Health hosted its 2025 Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients. The annual event celebrated breast cancer survivors and highlighted the importance of breast reconstruction awareness, education, and innovation in women’s health care.

STHS Children’s Partners with Spirit Halloween for Pre-Halloween Party for Patients

Due to fears related to any pain they may be experiencing, the unknown environment with strange sounds and unfamiliar faces and separation from family and friends, a hospital stay can result in stress and anxiety in children.
- Advertisement -
×