Payne Family Supports Driscoll Children’s Hospital with $1 Million Endowment for Pediatric Residency Program
EDINBURG, Texas – A monumental gift of $1 million has been made to Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley by the Payne Family, founders of Payne Auto Group. This generous contribution establishes the Payne Family Endowment for Pediatric Residency, which has been described as "transformational" for the community.
A New Era in Pediatric Healthcare Training
The newly accredited Pediatric Residency Program at Driscoll is the very first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). With this endowment, the hospital aims to enhance the training of future pediatricians, addressing one of the major healthcare needs in the region. The commitment from the Payne Family is poised to help attract top medical talent to the area, which will ensure that children in the Valley receive high-quality healthcare close to home.
Matt Wolthoff, president of DCH-RGV, noted that this endowment will fund essential elements such as physician training, educational resources, and professional development opportunities for the residents. He elaborated on the significant impact this initiative will have on the local community, emphasizing that the future pediatricians trained through this program will care for the children and families of the RGV.
Interview Insights
In a recent interview, Wolthoff spoke about the enduring impact of the Payne Family’s gift, stating, “This support is helping build a program that will train physicians and strengthen our communities for generations to come.”
To learn more about this initiative, watch an exclusive interview with Matt Wolthoff here.
Commitment to Community Growth
The Payne Family expressed their deep-rooted commitment to the Rio Grande Valley, indicating their honor in supporting Driscoll’s Pediatric Residency Program. They stated, “There’s no place quite like the Rio Grande Valley, and the Payne family is committed to supporting the growth of our communities valley-wide.”
Their investment will not only enhance educational and healthcare opportunities but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and development of the RGV’s healthcare system.
For more insights, watch the interview with Austin and Mark Payne here.
Pediatric Residency Program Launch
The Pediatric Residency Program received its accreditation in 2025 from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Following the announcement in September, the program has attracted over 800 applications, with plans to welcome its first cohort of residents in July 2026.
Dr. Mary Huckabee, director of medical education for Driscoll Health System, emphasized that training pediatricians locally will significantly improve access to specialized care for children. She highlighted that residency training is critical in producing compassionate and skilled healthcare providers ready to serve the community.
For an interview with Ana Almeda, chief medical officer for DCH-RGV, click here.
Honoring Generosity and Forward Looking Goals
In acknowledgment of the Payne Family’s generosity, Driscoll has dedicated the hospital café, now known as the Drive-In Diner, to honor their contribution.
The Payne Family joins notable community partners, including Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and Frost Bank, whose support also contributes to the residency program. The initiative has long-term ambitions to increase the endowment to $15 million, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of pediatric residency training in both Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley.
This significant gift and the resulting Pediatric Residency Program represent a transformative step forward in improving healthcare and fostering the next generation of pediatricians dedicated to the health of children in the Rio Grande Valley.
