Texas AHEC East Victoria Region

Victoria Region

Aransas * Austin * Calhoun * Colorado * De Witt * Fayette * Goliad * Gonzales * Jackson * Lavaca * Refugio * Victoria * Washington * Wharton

Advancing Health and Education Across the Golden Crescent

The Texas AHEC East – Victoria Region, located on the Victoria College campus, is dedicated to improving health outcomes and expanding educational opportunities throughout South Texas. Serving as the medical, educational, and commercial hub for more than 250,000 residents across the seven-county Golden Crescent, Victoria stands between Houston and Corpus Christi—and has done so proudly since its founding in 1824 by Martín De León, one of Texas’ earliest settlers.

Our region plays a pivotal role in educating and training future healthcare professionals, supported by the dedication of local physicians, clinics, and community partners who share our mission to make rural Texas communities healthier and stronger.

Community-Based Rotations

For more than 25 years, the Victoria Region has placed health professions and medical students in rural and high-needs clinical settings, allowing them to work one-on-one with providers and experience the realities of rural medicine. Students not only gain invaluable hands-on training but also become part of the communities they serve, volunteering and engaging in local service-learning projects that enrich both their professional and personal growth.

Community Events

We partner with local organizations and healthcare providers to bring health education, screenings, and resources to high-needs populations across the region. Through outreach events and community health fairs, we help bridge gaps in care and increase awareness of available services for individuals and families in need.

Student Housing

Recognizing the importance of support during rotations, the Victoria Region assists visiting students in finding safe, affordable housing while they train in our community. These arrangements often lead to lasting connections—like that of Derek Christensen, a UNT student doctor and AHEC Scholar, who was hosted by a Victoria College faculty member’s family during his rotation. These experiences build camaraderie, mentorship, and a genuine connection to small-town life.

Academic Partnerships

Our collaboration with the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program is central to advancing medical education in the region. Together, we provide clinical rotations and interprofessional education (IPE) experiences that immerse students in rural healthcare delivery. Medical students train alongside residents and healthcare professionals during clinic hours and rounds—and many choose to live together while in Victoria, building a sense of teamwork that extends beyond the clinic walls.

Dr. Koerner, General Surgeon, Gonzales, Texas (Justin Puia, Student Doctor, UNT-DO program, AHEC Scholar, Cohort 2)

UTMB Medical Student Abel Flores pictured with Dr. McLeod and community health worker Sandy English in Cuero, Texas.

Dr. Steiner, FM & OB, Victoria, Texas – Student is not an AHEC Scholar

Dr. Parikh, Cardiologist , UTMB PA Rotation , Victoria, Texas (Allysa Wilder, UTMB PA, AHEC Scholar, Cohort 3)

Mariya Pullin graduated from the Victoria College ADN program with a 4.0 and was the Valedictorian of her 2021 class. She is currently working with COVID 19 patients in our local hospital, and also works in the NICU with infants. Her long term goal is to be a flight nurse! She was our first AHEC Scholar at the Victoria College, and we are so proud of all of her accomplishments!