By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
Hundreds of healthcare professionals, students, and emergency responders gathered on South Padre Island May 1–2 for the 6th Annual South Texas Comprehensive Healthcare Symposium, hosted by the Trauma Regional Advisory Council V (TRAC-V).
“We had several healthcare workers and students from the Cameron County area that attended our two-day symposium,” said TRAC-V Executive Director Nathan Ramon. “All hospitals in Cameron County, including Valley Regional Medical Center, Valley Baptist Medical Centers, and Harlingen Medical Center, sent cohorts of nurses and physicians to participate.”
Ramon said South Padre Island EMS also joined in. “On Thursday, South Padre Island EMS sent a few representatives to attend lectures pertaining to trauma and stroke care.”
While the focus remained clinical—ranging from trauma and cardiac care to perinatal and stroke—local engagement went beyond hospital staff. “TRAC-V always welcomes the involvement of local businesses, students, and the general public to learn more about our local healthcare system and network with our attendees,” Ramon said. “This year’s symposium was sponsored by a number of local businesses and local representatives of national healthcare and medical device companies.”
Ramon said South Padre’s setting adds to the appeal. “TRAC-V has had its annual symposium at SPI for many years, primarily due to its neutral and relaxing environment,” he said. “It allows our attendees to get out of their day-to-day routine and helps facilitate natural networking in a relaxed setting.”
While some guest speakers travel in from across the country, “most of our lecturers are local to healthcare institutions right here in the RGV,” Ramon said. “This is our way of showcasing the talent of our local healthcare workers and shining a spotlight on the great work being done by our members.”
TRAC-V plans to return next spring. “We plan on returning the symposium to the Island next year and already reserved April 16 & 17, 2026 at the Courtyard by Marriott SPI for another year,” Ramon said.