Bilingualism in the Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview with Dr. Nelson Mata

Dr. Nelson Mata is a physician who has conducted his practice of internal medicine for 32 years in the Rio Grande Valley. Originally living in Dominican Republic where he studied medicine, he went to fulfill his residency program in New York. This multicultural background has enabled him to speak both English and Spanish. As such, he began his practice here in the Rio Grande Valley where doctors who could speak Spanish were needed. He saw it as an opportunity to lend aid to the local Hispanic community with his bilingual communication skills. Through connecting with each patient by understanding, forming trust, and maintaining open communication, Dr. Mata is able to secure the best patient outcomes. His day-to-day practice consists of treating adults, most often with chronic conditions or illnesses, through listening to their stories with patience and understanding. Dr. Mata believes that medicine is not just about diagnosing the patient with a disease; it is about understanding the person behind the symptoms. As such, he strives to offer the best healthcare that he can provide by getting to know the patient and finding the root cause behind their suffering. Through his strong commitment to securing the best patient outcomes, Dr. Nelson Mata is truly a hero of medicine for the Valley.