David Garza, DO, MEdL, FACOFP, dist., FAAFP

Dr. David E. Garza serves as Chair of Primary Care and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM), where he joined the full-time faculty in 2020 after 25 years in solo family medicine practice in his hometown of Laredo, Texas.

Prior to his transition to full-time academic medicine, Dr. Garza played a foundational role in developing Laredo’s first graduate and undergraduate medical education programs. He served as the Founding Program Director of TIGMER's Laredo Family Medicine Residency and assisted in the creation and staffing of an Internal Medicine Residency, in Laredo, Texas. In addition, he designed and directed a 12-month longitudinal core clerkship for third-year UIWSOM students, strengthening community-based clinical training and expanding access to medical education in South Texas.

Dr. Garza earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center–Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He later completed a Master of Medical Education Leadership degree at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, reflecting his longstanding commitment to educational innovation and physician leadership development.

He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

Throughout his career, Dr. Garza has been deeply engaged in organized medicine and public service. He served for seven years as a member of the Texas Medical Board and is a past president of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, the Texas Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, the TMF Health Quality Institute, and the TCOM Alumni Association. He currently serves as Chair of the TOMA Foundation Board and as a Trustee of the American Osteopathic Association.

At UIWSOM, Dr. Garza is dedicated to advancing the school’s mission of preparing osteopathic physicians committed to compassionate, community-centered care, with a particular focus on primary care and underserved populations. Through teaching, mentorship, and institutional leadership, he works to cultivate physicians who combine clinical excellence with service, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to improving the health of South Texas and beyond.

• DO, University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• MEdL, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
• BA, The University of Texas at Austin