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DHR Health

Neurology Residency Program

Welcome Statement

The mission of the DHR Health Neurology Residency Program is to develop exceptional neurologists who provide compassionate, evidence-based, and patient-centered care while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. We are committed to training physicians with strong clinical judgment, advanced diagnostic skills, and the ability to manage complex neurologic disease across the full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient settings.

Our program is grounded in a culture of excellence, mentorship, and lifelong learning. Through robust didactic education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on clinical experience, we prepare residents to deliver high-quality neurological care tailored to the needs of diverse populations. We place a strong emphasis on cultural humility, shared decision-making, and effective communication to ensure every patient receives individualized care that respects their values, language, and lived experience.

As a residency program serving the Rio Grande Valley, we are dedicated to advancing neurologic health equity and improving access to specialty care. Residents are trained to recognize and address disparities in healthcare, advocate for patients and families, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the communities we serve.

We also foster academic growth and scholarly activity by encouraging clinical research, quality improvement initiatives, and participation in regional and national professional organizations. By combining rigorous clinical training with leadership development and a commitment to service, the DHR Health Neurology Residency Program prepares graduates to become outstanding clinicians, educators, and future leaders in neurology—capable of transforming neurological care locally and making a lasting impact nationally.

Our Program

Mission and Program Aims

  1. To offer an innovative training program that cultivates residents, by means of progressive responsibility under supervision leading to graduated autonomy and mentorship, to become leaders with the capacity to pursue careers in clinical medicine, education, research, and/or administration and earn certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
  2. To train our residents to become a consultant to all populations of patients and generalist physicians in rural, under-represented, and other special environments – for difficult or undifferentiated patient problems, or in areas in which the neurologist has unique expertise.
  3. To create an educational environment that fosters scholarly activities with an emphasis on quality improvement, research, and community health to not only benefit the program but also the community and hospital system.
  4. To promote a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere that encourages resident well-being, personal growth, and camaraderie.
  5. To recruit and develop exemplary faculty and residents who have a passion for teaching, service and commitment to continuous improvement.
  6. To promote the health and well-being of our multicultural and socioeconomically diverse community, with an emphasis on the underserved.

Application and Interview Process

The Neurology Residency Program at DHR Health (1804800005) accepts applications through the internet-based ERAS program. The same application process applies to all Residency Programs.
Documentation submitted through ERAS must include:
  • Completed Application Form 
  • Recent Photograph
  • CV and Personal Statement
  • Dean's Letter
  • Transcript
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Results of USMLE/COMLEX examinations, Steps 1 and 2

Criteria for all medical school graduates: 

  • Passing of USMLE/COMLEX examinations on the first attempt.
  • Graduation from medical school within the last 5 years.
  • Graduates of medical schools outside of the U.S. and Canada must hold a current valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). 
  • Meet requirements for J-1 Visa sponsorship (if applicable)

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Contact Us

Nicole I. Castaneda

Program Coordinator
1000 E. Dove
McAllen, TX 78504
(956) 362-2429
[email protected]

Faculty

  • Roberto Cruz Saldana, MD – Program Director / Neurology / Neuroimmunology / Multiple Sclerosis
  • Ahsan Ali, MD – Associate Program Director / Core Faculty / Neurology / Stroke Care / Vascular Neurology
  • Andres Saenz, MD – Associate Program Director / Core Faculty / Neurohospitalist
  • Carol DeLine, MD – Core Faculty / Child Neurology
  • Leonel Estofan, MD – Core Faculty / Neurology / Epilepsy / Neurocritical Care / Neurogenetics
  • Zuka Khabbazeh, MD – Core Faculty / Neurology / Neurophysiology / Neuromuscular Medicine / Movement Disorders
  • Gloria Mireles, MD – Core Faculty / Neurology / Movement Disorders
  • Alok Singla, MD – Core Faculty / Child Neurology 

Our Curriculum

Learn more regarding our Neurology Residency Program below.

Benefits and Stipend

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DHR Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact, by generating varied perspectives and in turn better ideas to solve complex problems. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views, by ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all residents, faculty, and staff. We strive to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups, due to race, ethnicity, language, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, physical or mental disability, and others.

We appreciate the unique abilities and perspectives of our diverse workforce and community. By creating an environment where faculty, physicians, residents, fellows, and staff can be their true selves at work without fear of judgment, we aim to foster creativity, raise productivity, and improve organizational performance. We believe that all our faculty, physicians, residents/fellows, and sta ff play the critical role in the overall success of the organization and the vision we have for our community. We create a sense of belonging at the workplace, where employees are appreciated for their unique contributions, recognized for their accomplishments, supported in their career goals, and have a sense of connection to how they are positively impacting their community.

Through community partnerships, we generate transformation within our institution as a means of advocating for better care for our patients, creating a more diverse physician workforce, and serving our community. We strive to promote social justice by advocating for equitable health care, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, social status, or ability to pay. We are committed to an organizational culture that will connect our residents and fellows to the organization; encourage collaboration, flexibility and fairness; and leverage diversity throughout the organization, so that all residents and fellows will be able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

DHR Health recruits resident/fellow applicants underrepresented in medicine (UIM) for advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The DHR Health GME Diversity Committee is included in all planning phases of faculty and resident/fellow recruitment, selection, and retention and includes hospital leaders, GME representatives, and residents/fellows.

Resident Life

Our Commitment to Wellness

  • Counseling services provided to residents and faculty are available Monday-Friday from 8am - 8pm and on weekends from 9am - 6pm. Call 956-362-2732 to set up an appointment.
  • 24/7 Security Assistance Hotline (956) 739-0717
locations
GME Resident and Fellow Confidential Reporting Portal

Our Community

The Rio Grande Valley is a region in deep South Texas, beautifully rich in culture.