Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will launch the region’s first pediatric residency program in 2026.

The residency program was recently approved by The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), marking a major milestone in the realization of the program. The news was announced Friday morning at a press conference at Driscoll Children's Hospital Rio Grande Valley.

The residency program will welcome its inaugural class in July of next year, creating new opportunities for medical education while directly addressing the region’s physician workforce needs. This effort is central to Driscoll’s goal of recruiting and retaining physicians who are invested in our local communities.

“This is an amazing day for Driscoll,” said Eric Hamon, Driscoll Health System President and CEO. “Almost 70 years ago, Driscoll created its first residency program in Corpus Christi. Today, even more doctors will be able to call South Texas home.”

“This program is about creating a sustainable future for children’s healthcare in the Valley,” said Matt Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley. “Soon, students can complete their pediatric residency in the Valley.”

“This residency program is designed to meet the needs of the Valley,” said Mary Huckabee, M.D., Driscoll’s Director of Medical Education. “Our goal is to train future pediatricians who not only receive excellent medical education but also build strong ties to this community. When physicians train here, they are much more likely to stay here— and that means more children in the Valley will have access to the care they deserve.”

Accreditation for the residency program was sought as quickly as possible; eligibility required Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley to be open for at least one year before the program could be approved. Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley opened in May 2024, becoming the region’s first freestanding, designated children’s hospital.

For more information on the residency program and how to apply, visit Driscollchildrens.org.