UTSA alumnus Peter Ramirez, M.D. ’81 is investing in future physicians

MARCH 31, 2025 — Dr. Peter Ramirez ’81 was a member of the first graduating class to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology through a joint degree program offered by UTSA and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio). His education set him on a path to become a board-certified pathologist in anatomic, clinical and cytopathology and to practice with South Texas Pathology Associates until his retirement in 2021. Now, through the Peter Enrique Ramirez, M.D. Endowed Scholarship and a $675,000 planned gift to UTSA, he’s creating opportunities for future Roadrunners to pursue their own careers in medicine.

Ramirez, a native of Laredo, Texas, first discovered his passion for science in high school. Encouraged by his interest in biology, he earned a full scholarship to Laredo Community College, where he completed his associate degree in medical laboratory technology before transferring to UTSA.

At UTSA, he enrolled in a joint degree program with UT Health San Antonio, splitting his studies between both institutions. Most of his coursework was offered by UTSA while his clinical training was offered at UT Health and its affiliated hospitals, including the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. In 1981, Ramirez graduated summa cum laude from both schools.

“I remember stretching every dollar, working campus jobs and relying on student loans to get by. That’s why helping students has become such a priority for me.”

Left: Ramirez sits for a photo near the Sombrilla Plaza on the UTSA Main Campus in 1980. Right: Ramirez holds his diploma after earning a dual degree in medical technology from UTSA and UT Health San Antonio in 1981.

During his time at UTSA, Ramirez worked in the biology department’s procurement office, reporting to staff member Kohinoor Mukherjee. More than a supervisor, Mukherjee created a space where Ramirez could balance work and school without added stress. At a time when he was juggling a demanding academic load and financial limitations, her willingness to accommodate his needs helped him stay on track.

After graduation, Ramirez became a certified medical technologist and began working in microbiology at University Hospital. He remained in that role for five years. He credits the mentorship of James Jorgensen, M.D., director of the microbiology lab, for helping him make the decision to pursue a career in medicine.

When Ramirez decided to apply for medical school, he found he needed to complete one final prerequisite at UTSA.

“When I returned to UTSA to complete my Organic Chemistry II requirement, everything seemed to fall into place,” Ramirez said. “My supervisor at the hospital created a new evening shift so I could take the class and continue working my job, making up hours as needed. Without that opportunity and without UTSA offering the course, I wouldn’t have been able to apply to medical school.”

Ramirez was admitted to the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio in 1986 and graduated in 1990. He then completed a five-year residency in pathology and a one-year fellowship in cytopathology.

After completing his training, he joined Ameripath San Antonio, and in August 2008 he joined  South Texas Pathology Associates, working across hospitals in the Methodist Healthcare System, where he completed his career as a pathologist.

In 2009, he was appointed chief pathologist and laboratory medical director at the newly opened Methodist Stone Oak Hospital.

Over the years, Ramirez found himself diagnosing patients and guiding the next generation of doctors. Mentoring pathology residents during his first two years in practice became one of the most fulfilling parts of his career, leading him to receive the first-ever Peter M. Banks Excellence in Pathology Teaching Award, bestowed by UT Health San Antonio pathology residents.

Left: Ramirez peers through a microscope in his role as pathologist and laboratory medical director at the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital in 2011. Right: Ramirez smiles upon seeing the cake at his retirement party in 2022.

Over the years, Ramirez found himself diagnosing patients and guiding the next generation of doctors. Mentoring pathology residents during his first two years in practice became one of the most fulfilling parts of his career, leading him to receive the first-ever Peter M. Banks Excellence in Pathology Teaching Award, bestowed by UT Health San Antonio pathology residents.

He credits much of his teaching style to one of his most influential mentors, Nan Clare, M.D., a former faculty member at UT Health San Antonio. Clare’s effectiveness stemmed from her clarity, structure and deep commitment to her students’ learning. Ramirez describes her as someone who could take complex concepts and make them understandable, especially in the field of Hematopathology, which demands precision and critical thinking.

“Dr. Nan Clare was especially influential. Her work ethic and teaching style stayed with me throughout my career,” he said. “When I began teaching residents during my first two years in practice, I modeled my own approach after hers.”

Reflecting on his time as a student, Ramirez acknowledges that financial challenges were among his greatest obstacles. He relied on student loans and work-study opportunities to cover expenses.

“I know firsthand how financially difficult school can be,” Ramirez said. “I remember stretching every dollar, working campus jobs and relying on student loans to get by. That’s why helping students has become such a priority for me. I want to make sure others have the support they need to keep moving forward.”

In 2003, Ramirez helped establish the Medical Laboratory Sciences Scholarship Endowment Fund at UT Health San Antonio for clinical laboratory sciences students. In 2012, he created the Peter Enrique Ramirez, M.D. Endowed Scholarship at UTSA to support pre-med students, as an annual scholarship which he later converted to an endowed fund in 2021.

This month, Ramirez solidified his commitment to student success by including UTSA in his estate plans, ensuring support for future roadrunners in perpetuity.

Left: Ramirez enjoys the outdoors in November 2024. Middle: Ramirez uses this telescope setup to explore the night sky. Right: As an amateur astrophotographer, Ramirez captured this image of the polar ice caps on Mars in February 2025.

These days, Ramirez is enjoying his retirement. He’s exploring the world through the lens of a telescope. Inspired by a visit to UT Austin’s McDonald Observatory in West Texas, he began practicing amateur astronomy and astrophotography.

As UTSA and UT Health San Antonio move forward with their integration, Ramirez sees the growing collaboration as a powerful step for future health care professionals.

“Bringing these two institutions together creates incredible opportunities for students,” he said. “It will strengthen academic pathways, expand access to cutting-edge research and make San Antonio a true destination for those pursuing careers in medicine and science. The future is bright, and I’m excited to see where it leads.”

— Jordan Allen