EL PASO, Texas (June 17, 2026) — On June 17, Texas Tech Health El Paso and The University of Texas at El Paso recognized six accomplished high school seniors who have been selected for the fourth MedFuture cohort.

Texas Tech Health El Paso and The University of Texas at El Paso recognized six accomplished high school seniors who have been selected for the fourth MedFuture cohort.

Texas Tech Health El Paso and The University of Texas at El Paso recognized six accomplished high school seniors who have been selected for the fourth MedFuture cohort.

The innovative program serves as a path to medical school for talented students from West Texas. MedFuture provides the students admission to UTEP and, if they meet pre-med requirements at UTEP, they are guaranteed acceptance to Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Foster School of Medicine upon completion of their undergraduate degree.

Now in its fourth year, the program aims to identify and recruit students who will make exceptional doctors and who are committed to serving the Borderplex region.

“In recent years, UTEP has placed over 30 graduates a year in medical school,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “This program helps to identify and develop the best students for medical school right out of high school so that they are more likely to stay here and serve our region to a very high standard.”

The MedFuture partnership reflects a shared commitment by both institutions to strengthen the region’s future physician workforce and expand access to medical education opportunities for local students.

“We’re proud to welcome our fourth MedFuture cohort in collaboration with UTEP,” said Richard Lange, M.D., M.B.A., president of Texas Tech Health El Paso. “Through MedFuture, we are creating a pathway for talented young people to pursue their dreams of becoming physicians, while encouraging them to build their careers and serve patients here in the Borderplex. Their success will have a lasting impact on the health of our communities for generations to come.”

This year, 63 students from 25 high schools applied for the competitive program.  A joint committee from UTEP and Texas Tech Health El Paso evaluated the applications based on academic merit, commitment to medicine and potential to become exceptional doctors.

Meet the Fourth MedFuture Cohort:

Shayan Arabi Mianroodi – Coronado High School

Maya Flores – El Paso High School

Mandana Kargar – Montwood High School

Jazlynn Martinez – San Elizario High School

Maite Rodriguez – San Elizario High School

Catherine Whitlatch – Franklin High School

MedFuture students receive extensive pre-medical support while completing their undergraduate studies at UTEP, such as a first-year research intensive in biological sciences. They also participate in UTEP’s New Scholar Orientation and MedFuture Orientation.

About Texas Tech Health El Paso    

Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 counties in West Texas and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso provides medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
 
Focused on excellence in healthcare education, research and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated more than 2,600 professionals over the past decade. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.
 
About UTEP Health

UTEP Health is a comprehensive initiative of The University of Texas at El Paso aimed at elevating the standard of healthcare in the Paso del Norte region. It encompasses more than 4,400 students in the College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy and other health professions, programs and research. With an active research portfolio of nearly $67 million, UTEP Health is at the cutting-edge of research that focuses on the unique issues of the border region.

UTEP Health is the largest producer of graduates in healthcare professions among colleges and universities in the Paso del Norte region. UTEP Health faculty and students consistently demonstrate excellence in research, education and community engagement.

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By UTEP Marketing and Communications