About
STHS McAllen Trauma Department
As a designated Level I Trauma Center by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, as verified by the American College of Surgeons, South Texas Health System McAllen’s Trauma Department provides definitive care and life-saving procedures for injured patients. This includes 24-hour coverage by general surgeons, along with coverage from critical care, radiology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology and emergency medicine specialists.
In addition to treating patients who may have suffered blunt force trauma, a fall, stab or gunshot wounds, severe burns and injuries related to car crashes, the department offers community outreach and education. These efforts include Stop the Bleed training, Reality Education for Drivers (RED Program), Advanced Trauma Life Support Course of the American College of Surgeons (ATLS) and more.
Trauma Physician Team
Dr. Carlos H. Palacio, MD, FACS
Dr. Palacio is the Trauma Director at South Texas Health System McAllen and the Chief of Staff for the entire South Texas Health System. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Trauma Regional Advisory Council – V (TRAC-V) and president for the Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society.
Dr. John W. Hovorka, MD, FACS
Dr. Hovorka is the Trauma Medical Director at STHS McAllen. He is the local Associate Program Director of the General Surgery Residency at the Valley Health System GME Consortium. He is also a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley General Surgery Department and Family Medicine Department.
Dr. J. Jesus Rendon, MD, FACS, DABS
Dr. Rendon is the Associate Trauma Medical Director at STHS McAllen. He also serves as the Program Site Director for San Antonio Brooke Army Medical Center Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. He is committed to teaching and mentoring residents, fellows and medical students.
Dr. LeRone Simpson, MD, FACS
Dr. Simpson is a board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Critical Care Intensivist. He has been serving the RGV since 2016 as a Trauma Surgeon at STHS McAllen. He has continued interest in research and is involved in several ongoing clinical research projects.