Rene Lopez

Rene Lopez
Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Lopez started his tenure as CEO with Knapp Medical Center in April 2016, bringing more than 30 years of experience in healthcare to this leadership position. Under his leadership, Knapp Medical Center has earned numerous awards while serving as one of three Prime Healthcare hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley (in addition to Harlingen Medical Center and Mission Regional Medical Center).

Also under Mr. Lopez’ leadership, Knapp Medical Center has partnered with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to train new physicians through the UTRGV School of Medicine / Knapp Family Practice Residency Program in Mercedes and the new UTRGV Internal Medicine Residency Program at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. In addition, Knapp Medical Center continues to serve as the only acute care hospital in the Mid-Valley, as well as Weslaco’s only Level III Trauma Center, Advanced Primary Stroke Center, and Level II Newborn Nursery.

Mr. Lopez previously served as CEO of Doctors Hospital in Laredo, Texas. Under his leadership, the hospital received numerous awards and accolades, including recognition as a top performer for patient satisfaction. In addition, the hospital created a successful heart program, and achieved other accomplishments in revenue enhancement and quality outcomes.

Prior to Doctors Hospital, Mr. Lopez served as CEO of Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center in Eagle Pass and Providence Hospital in Laredo. Mr. Lopez received his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas, Mexico and he is a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Healthcare Executives.

Mr. Lopez and his wife have two daughters.