Edcouch-Elsa ISD Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Benito Lopez, Physician Associate, Leading the Charge Against Diabetes
Elsa, Texas - February 8, 2024 - Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District (EEISD) proudly shines a spotlight on one of its distinguished alumni, Dr. Benito Lopez, a board-certified Physician Associate specializing in Endocrinology with advanced certifications in diabetes and obesity management. Dr. Lopez's exceptional dedication to healthcare, particularly in the field of diabetes management, has earned him recognition as a leading advocate and practitioner. Recently, Dr. Lopez sat for an Alumni Spotlight interview with Dr. Jesse Fidelio Garza, Public Relations and Parental Outreach Administrator for Edcouch-Elsa ISD.
Dr. Lopez's journey from a migrant worker family to a respected healthcare professional is a testament to his determination and education. Reflecting on his early years at Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary to Edcouch-Elsa High School, Dr. Lopez acknowledges the pivotal role that Edcouch-Elsa ISD teachers played in his life. “It pretty much started in 8th grade for me with Mrs. Ramos, an English teacher and Mrs. Cindy Treviño, a counselor who guided me. Miss Durham in high school exposed us to all the fields that were out there and provided guidance on how to be successful,” Dr. Lopez shared.
“The medical field back in 2004 was very different here in the RGV than what it is today. What was the conversation like to your parents, back in early 2004, about you wanting to pursue the medical field?” Dr. Garza asked. “As a first generation…my family were migrant workers. I thought les digo, no les digo (Do I tell them or not tell them?) They were receptive.They were very receptive. Miss Franco with the Gear Up Program has showed us that we had potential, each of us as students,” Dr. Lopez continued.
“As migrant workers, we would travel and when someone got sick…I was the translator. Wherever we went. I remember thinking: I want to be that person that can speak English and Spanish- a healthcare provider that’s bilingual. As Hispanics, we have a higher prevalence for getting diabetes,” Dr. Lopez reflected.
“You bring up a great point. Often, I hear my dad has diabetes, the chances of me getting diabetes are really high. Or I hear that diabetes is a hereditary illness. Where does all of this stem from really? Can you share a little more on how this impacts our region?” Dr. Garza asked. “Yes, definitely. We have a higher prevalence for diabetes because we are Hispanic. I lost family members to diabetes and it shouldn’t be a life sentence. Our culture makes the most amazing meals. These meals have been passed down from generation to generation. Our jobs, however, have evolved. Us as a people, as a Hispanic group of people, have evolved. We have jobs with air conditioning and many of us are no longer putting in the amount of hours on land or in the field like our ancestors. The food stayed the same, but our bodies evolved and we are consuming and not metabolizing the same.”
“What would be some look-fors that we should be aware of if we think we might be tip toeing near diabetes? Dr. Garza asked. “Definitely look for excessive hunger, no matter how much you eat, you cannot satisfy your hunger. You are also excessively thirsty and you have excessive restroom visits.”
Currently practicing at the Valley Diabetes and Endocrinology Comprehensive Center in Edinburg, Texas, Dr. Lopez continues to make significant contributions to the field of diabetes care. Through his expertise, he emphasizes the importance of culturally competent healthcare and proactive management strategies to empower individuals to live healthier lives.
"Diabetes shouldn't be a life sentence," Dr. Lopez asserts. "With proper education, treatment, and support, we can empower individuals to take control of their health and prevent unnecessary suffering.”
Dr. Lopez has overcame numerous obstacles to pursue his dream of becoming a healthcare provider. Graduating, he obtained board certification as a Physician Associate and further specialized in Endocrinology with a focus on advanced diabetes management and obesity treatment. Dr. Lopez's commitment to excellence led him to become an Advance Fracture Liaison Service Ambassador, advocating for comprehensive patient assessments, treatment initiation, and care coordination for bone disorders. His work can be seen on YouTube.
As Edcouch-Elsa ISD celebrates the achievements of Dr. Benito Lopez, they recognize him as a shining example of resilience, compassion, and dedication to serving others. Dr. Lopez is a proud EEHS Class of 2005 Alumni. His commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities reflects the district's core values and inspires current and future generations of students to pursue their dreams relentlessly.