Our Providers
American Board of Internal Medicine for 20 years
Clinic Medical Director
Dr. José A. Vázquez
Dr. José A. Vázquez has been listed on the American Board of Internal Medicine for a full 20 years, and he also served as President of the Starr County Memorial Hospital for 10 years. This is an impressive feat and a testament to his dedication and expertise in the medical field.
Having this extensive background allows Dr. Vázquez to bring a unique set of skills to each client, ensuring that they receive the highest quality care available.
His experience and certification also provide clients with peace of mind knowing that they are being treated by someone who has been thoroughly vetted by one of the top medical boards in the country.
With Dr. Vázquez as your provider, you can trust that you will be receiving personalized treatments tailored to your individual needs, helping you achieve overall wellness through improved self-esteem and confidence at every stage of treatment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. José Andrés Vazquez served as the County Health Authority, leading with dedication, courage, and compassion during one of the most challenging times in public health. He went above and beyond to protect and support the people of Starr County, coordinating testing and vaccination efforts, providing accurate and timely health guidance, and ensuring resources reached those in greatest need. His tireless commitment and willingness to put the community’s well-being first left a lasting impact, safeguarding countless lives during this unprecedented crisis
“Your health, your confidence, our priority.”
Family Nurse Practitioner
Julia E. Vazquez, FNP-C
With over 15 years of experience as a registered nurse, Julia Vazquez brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a deep commitment to ensuring families in our rural community have access to quality, compassionate care. A familiar and trusted face in Starr County, Julia has cared for patients in diverse settings, from nursing homes to home health, always guided by integrity, kindness, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved areas.
Now a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Julia earned her Master of Science in Nursing to expand her ability to serve patients across the lifespan, from infants to seniors. She provides comprehensive primary and preventive care, chronic disease management, wellness screenings, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. She also specializes in women’s wellness and is certified in medical aesthetics, enhancing our clinic’s ability to meet the preventive, chronic, and personalized health needs of the women and families we serve.
Julia’s journey has been inspired by her two children, Alonzo and Gianna, who motivate her to persevere, dream bigger, and show that with hard work, anything is possible. She is deeply grateful for the strength and guidance of her mother, Julia Moreno, and she honors the memory of her late father, Uriel Moreno Saenz, whose legacy of hard work and sacrifice remains a source of pride and inspiration.
“My mission is to help people feel seen, heard, and cared for, inside and out.”
Family Nurse Practitioner
Xenia Garcia, FNP-BC
Xenia Garcia is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to serving individuals and families throughout our rural community. She provides care for patients of all ages, offering services such as preventive care, chronic disease management, wellness visits, and family health education.
Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Xenia worked as a Registered Nurse at Starr County Memorial Hospital from 2017 to 2022, gaining experience in a variety of clinical settings. After completing her advanced training, she returned to a rural healthcare setting to give back to the community she proudly calls home.
Serving a rural community is deeply meaningful to Xenia, and she is committed to going above and beyond for her patients and their families. She values the lasting relationships she builds and takes pride in making a positive impact through every stage of life.
"Caring for others isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling."
Family Nurse Practitioner
Sandra L. Salinas, FNP-C
Sandra Lee Salinas is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of experience caring for patients of all ages. She provides comprehensive care at our rural health clinic, including chronic disease management, wellness exams, preventive care, and patient education.
Sandra has worked extensively with elderly patients and individuals with disabilities, and she brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to every visit. Her goal is to help each person feel welcomed, heard, and supported on their health journey.
Sandra values meaningful, long-term relationships with her patients and takes time to understand their unique health needs. She is passionate about delivering compassionate, thorough care and making sure every patient feels valued.
"My goal is to treat each patient like family—with kindness, honesty, and care that lasts."
Physician Assistant
Melissa Cantu, PA-C
Melissa Cantu is a Certified Physician Assistant with over 23 years of experience providing high-quality care to patients at Family Medical Specialty Clinic. She delivers comprehensive medical services across the lifespan from newborns to seniors. Including pediatric and family medicine, chronic care management, routine physicals, immunizations, and CDL physicals.
Melissa is deeply committed to her patients’ well-being and takes pride in helping individuals understand their health and feel their best. Known for her compassionate and thorough approach, she strives to care for the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Her long-standing role in the clinic has allowed her to build lasting relationships with families and provide care through every stage of life. For Melissa, it is an honor to be a trusted part of each patient’s healthcare journey.
"In every visit, I strive not just to treat symptoms, but to care for the person behind them."
