Health Science Center officials welcomed to the campus Matt Camarillo, the student regent from The University of Texas System Board of Regents. The same day, five outstanding students — one representing each of the five schools — were named Ambassador Scholars for 2007.


U.T. System student regent visits Health Science Center

Student Regent Matt Camarillo (second from right) visits with Richard Holt, M.D., professor in the department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery; Ronald Williams, M.D., professor and chairman of the department of orthopedics; and Health Science Center President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D.
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Matt Camarillo, a medical student who is serving on The University of Texas System Board of Regents, visited with Health Science Center President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., students and faculty during a tour of the campus on April 24.

Camarillo, a third-year medical student at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, was appointed to a one-year term as a student regent in February. The certified athletic trainer and sports enthusiast plans to go into orthopedic surgery.

The student regent used his spring break to tour eight of the 15 U.T. System components. He plans to visit the remaining universities in the near future.

After touring the Clinical Skills Center in the Academic & Administration Building, Camarillo met with 13 Health Science Center students representing the five Health Science Center schools before meeting for an hour with Dr. Cigarroa.

Camarillo said he thought about applying as a student regent last year when the student regent position was first created, but felt he did not have enough time as a second-year medical student to devote to it. “This year I felt I had more time to offer to the position,” Camarillo said. “I also felt that it was a way to see all aspects of the great U.T. System, as well as a way to give back to a system that I have been a part of for more than eight years.

“I think with my background of being an undergraduate student at UT-Austin and now as a medical student at the Health Science Center in Houston will allow me to provide a unique aspect to the board,” Camarillo continued. “I would also like to say how willing and eager the board is to hear the student’s perspective. The board not only wants but expects me to voice my views on all aspects.”

What will he convey to the board of regents about the Health Science Center? “I will carry back that the Health Science Center at San Antonio is a great institution that is on the rise,” he said. “The institution is growing rapidly under Dr. Cigarroa and has an enormous job of not only educating future doctors, nurses and dentists, and being a leading institution in research, but also providing health care for much of South Texas.”

Dr. Cigarroa added, “Matt is taking advantage of a great opportunity for leadership. He not only will learn what the other U.T. universities have to offer, but he is making valuable connections at other institutions that may help him in the future. I’ve been encouraged along the way by many people, and I hope that our Health Science Center’s students will consider applying for this opportunity in the future. Every person has a unique perspective to offer and much to learn.”


2007 Ambassador Scholars honored at reception

Five outstanding Health Science Center students were named 2007 Ambassador Scholars at a reception on campus April 26.

The 2007 Ambassador Scholars are (left to right) Katherine Grimaldo Pavo, Duane Winkler, Angela Shedd, Ellis Goins and Llena Caldwell.

The ambassadors, selected based on their exceptional leadership, service and academics merit, will represent their schools at a variety of campus and community events. Each ambassador received a medal and a $1,000 scholarship from the Ambassador Scholarship, which is supported by the Health Science Center’s President’s Council.

The Ambassador Scholars and their schools include:
• Llena Caldwell, Dental School
• Ellis Goins, School of Allied Health Sciences
• Katherine Grimaldo Pavo, School of Nursing
• Angela Shedd, School of Medicine
• Duane Winkler, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

“You have been selected because you are excellent student leaders and we are confident that you will be outstanding representatives of your schools and the Health Science Center,” said President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D. “We applaud your commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service — the values found at the heart of this school. We are confident that you will represent us well and will be outstanding ambassadors for the UT Health Science Center and for the faculty, friends, staff and everything important to the mission of the Health Science Center. We are very proud of you.”

Caldwell
Caldwell, a third-year dental student, is a member of several Health Science Center organizations and committees, including the American Student Dental Association, the Admissions Committee and the American Dental Education Association. The former Miss Black El Paso graduated in the top 3 percent of her high school class and received more than $185, 000 in college scholarships. She graduated from Howard University with a degree in business administration. Caldwell served 10 years in the Air Force and attained the rank of major. She received the Joint Service Commendation medal, three Air Force Commendation medals, one Joint Service medal and an Air Force Achievement medal.

Goins
Goins, a first-year student in the Master of Physical Therapy Program, is president of his class and is frequently is involved in organizing university events and study groups on campus. Before starting his master’s program, Goins served as an Army military intelligence officer. He was recognized nationwide as the Army’s Medical Soldier of the Year. He also received two Meritorious Service medals, five Army Commendation medals, one Joint Service Achievement medal and six Army Achievement medals.

Pavo
Born in the Philippines, Pavo came to the United States when she was 9 years old. While a student at San Antonio College, Pavo presented a paper in Washington D.C. about the challenges of the transition from secondary to postsecondary education. She has volunteered more than 100 hours at University Hospital and works with Dr. Adelita Cantu, Ph.D., R.N. as a MESA Nursing Research Scholar on the study, “Factors that Affect Physical Activity Decisions in Mexican-American Older Women.”

Shedd
Shedd, a second-year medical student, graduated summa cum laude from Baylor University and maintains a 4.0 GPA as a second-year medical student. She was inspired to study medicine after yearly mission trips to Juarez, Mexico. She has continued this work by volunteering with student groups and working at the Health Science Center’s student-run clinics. Shedd wrote an article that was published in the Journal of Asthma and she will make a presentation in May at the American Thoracic Society’s international conference.

Winkler
Winkler is a fourth-year doctoral student in biochemistry. His mentor, Dr. John Hart, says Winkler’s research, which has provided the basis for a new theory regarding Lou Gehrig’s disease, is and will continue to be of high importance. Winkler already has represented the Health Science Center at national meetings and has been complimented on his oral and written presentation skills. He also has been instrumental in recruiting other graduate students to the Health Science Center.