El Paso Matters
Rodrigo De La O Perez has an infectious smile.
And his grin grew even bigger during lunch on Tuesday, April 30, when he was presented with a surprise $10,000 scholarship to support his medical education journey at Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Foster School of Medicine.
“I’m speechless,” Perez said as he held the oversized check and thanked his generous donors, El Paso community leaders Raymond and Kathy Palacios. “I really appreciate the opportunity, and you helping me and my family.”
Perez, who was born in Ciudad Juárez and later settled in El Paso at 8 years old, began thinking about becoming a doctor in middle school. An avid soccer player, he knew how physicians helped with athletes’ injuries, and the thought of becoming a health care hero inspired him throughout his academic career.
He’ll begin his first year at the Foster School of Medicine in July.A graduate of Franklin High School in El Paso, La Sierra University in California, and Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences,
Perez’s commitment to his education and community is evident. While attending the Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, he helped conduct research on a universal flu vaccine that could potentially eliminate the need for a seasonal shot.
During the scholarship announcement, Raymond and Kathy Palacios, leaders in El Paso’s business community, expressed their support for education and belief in Perez’s potential to make a difference. Raymond Palacios is CEO of Bravo Chevrolet Cadillac in Las Cruces and Bravo Cadillac in El Paso.
With the $10,000 scholarship award, they emphasized their commitment to investing in future health care leaders who’ll serve our community with distinction.
“If we’re going to be successful, we have to go beyond our household to make our community a better place,” Raymond Palacios said to Perez. “It’s something that Kathy and I have been committed to for many, many years: building a community and making it a better place. So when we have an opportunity to assist someone like yourself who wants to make their life better – not just for themselves but for our greater community – we consider it an honor to assist.”
The scholarship award represents not only financial assistance but also a vote of confidence in Perez’s potential to contribute to the medical field.
“This scholarship means the world to me,” Perez said. “It allows me to focus solely on my dream of becoming a doctor without the distraction of a job. With this assistance, my mind is at ease, enabling me to dedicate myself entirely to my studies and achieving my goals over the next four years.”
Perez would like to be a practicing physician in El Paso in the future, fulfilling the university’s vision of growing our own health care heroes.
The Palacios have given $30,000 to Foster School of Medicine and Hunt School of Nursing scholarships over recent years.
Kathy Palacios knows the importance of supporting local students. As a former teacher, she’s seen many bright young minds go on to make contributions to our Borderplex. She also remains heavily involved in our community.
Being actively engaged in community endeavors is paramount for Raymond Palacios. Since 2017, he’s dedicated his expertise as a member of El Paso Electric’s board of directors. Prior to his role at Bravo Cadillac, he held key positions, including vice president at Perry Homes in Houston, following the start of his professional career with the international accounting firm BDO.
He also has lent his expertise to regional economic development and educational initiatives, serving as chair of the Borderplex Alliance board and the El Paso-based Council on Regional Economic Expansion and Educational Development.
To learn more about how Texas Tech Health El Paso is improving lives and empowering generations, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.
The only health sciences center on the U.S.-Mexico border, Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 historically underserved West Texas counties and contributes $634.4 million annually to our Borderplex economy. Read more about our university’s mission of eliminating health care barriers and creating life-changing educational opportunities for Borderplex residents at ttuhscepimpact.org.
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by Special to El Paso Matters, El Paso Matters
May 24, 2024
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