As the demand for specialized care for patients facing serious and life-limiting illnesses continues to grow, South Texas Health System (STHS) is bringing together healthcare providers from across the Rio Grande Valley for a day of education, collaboration and professional development focused on palliative and hospice care.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center, the 2026 STHS Palliative & Hospice Care Conference will equip physicians, nurses, social workers, advanced practice providers, students and other healthcare professionals with practical strategies to enhance the care and support they provide to patients and families navigating complex medical conditions.
The conference will feature nationally recognized experts who will address some of the most challenging and meaningful aspects of caring for individuals with serious illness, including symptom management, end-of-life decision-making, ethical considerations, spiritual care, family support and crisis response.
"Serious illness affects every aspect of a patient's life, not just their physical health," says Olga M. Olivares-Herrera, MD, a family medicine physician and hospice and palliative medicine specialist affiliated with STHS McAllen. "Palliative and hospice care focuses on relieving suffering while improving quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, healthcare professionals can help patients receive care that aligns with their goals, values and needs while providing meaningful support to families during some of life's most difficult moments."
Designed to foster both learning and collaboration, the conference will provide attendees with the opportunity to earn continuing education credits while connecting with peers and experts dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care.
"This conference is about empowering healthcare professionals with the latest evidence-based knowledge and practical tools they can immediately apply in their clinical practice," says Lorena Hernandez, Co-Founder of the Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce. "By strengthening expertise in palliative and hospice care, we're ultimately helping improve the patient experience and ensuring families receive the support they need throughout the continuum of care."
Featured presentations include:
· Bereavement Counseling for Caregivers presented by Dr. Enedina Enriquez
· Perinatal & Pediatric Palliative Care presented by Dr. Glen Medellin
· Understanding Brain Death in Texas: Determination, Procedures & State Law presented by Dr. Joseph Pean
· General Inpatient Hospice (GIP): An Overview of Medicare Requirements presented by Dr. Enedina Enriquez
Registration fees are $50 for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners and $25 for nurses and social workers. STHS employees and students may attend free of charge with a valid employee or school ID. Lunch will be provided.
Upon completion of the conference, physicians and nurses will be eligible to receive up to six hours of continuing education credit through the STHS McAllen Education Department.
To register or learn more, visit the conference Eventbrite page. For additional information, contact Julieta Piando, STHS CME Coordinator, at 956-385-3473 or julieta.piando@uhsrgv.com.
Who: South Texas Health System
What: 2026 STHS Palliative & Hospice Care Conference
Where: Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center
800 Convention Center Blvd.
McAllen, TX 78501
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Alamo, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Pharr and Weslaco. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
