Dr. Maria Mercedes Ferreira Caceres
Family Medicine & Geriatric Center
Dr. Maria Mercedes Ferreira Caceres is a compassionate and dedicated Family Medicine physician who brings a wealth of international and U.S.-based experience to the Rio Grande Valley. Originally from Bucaramanga, Colombia, Dr. Ferreira was raised in a family where medicine and compassion went hand-in-hand. Inspired by her father, she learned early in life the power of empathy, integrity, and the lasting value of building strong patient-doctor relationships. These foundational principles continue to guide her practice today.
In 2016, Dr. Ferreira earned her medical degree from Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga and later completed a postgraduate degree in Epidemiology, strengthening her skills in preventive care and public health. She graduated from the Family Medicine residency at UTRGV-Knapp Medical Center in Mercedes, Texas, where she has received multiple honors including being named “Resident of the Year” for both 2023 and 2024.
During her residency, Dr. Ferreira has led community health initiatives, conducted research, and mentored younger physicians—reflecting her dedication not only to her patients but also to advancing the field of medicine. She was also actively involved in leadership roles that highlighted her passion for advocacy and mentorship.
Dr. Ferreira was awarded the 2024 Family Medicine Leads Scholarship by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), served as a Resident Alternate Delegate to the AAFP’s National Conference on behalf of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP), and was selected for the 2024 TAFP Resident Leadership Experience. Through these roles, she represented her peers, helped shape policy discussions, and worked to improve the future of family medicine in Texas and beyond.
Dr. Ferreira has cared for patients across diverse healthcare systems, from private and public hospitals in Colombia to U.S. clinical settings, including rotations in New York and Texas. Her bilingual fluency in Spanish and English allows her to serve and connect deeply with the local population, including underserved and immigrant communities.
Dr. Ferreira’s professional interests include chronic disease management, preventive care, women’s health, geriatrics, and community health education. Dr. Ferreira is also a published researcher and a passionate advocate for resident education, having presented her work at national and international conferences.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Ferreira enjoys running, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr. Ferreira’s philosophy of care is rooted in treating the whole person—physically, emotionally, and socially. She believes that great care begins with listening, and she takes the time to understand not just her patients’ symptoms, but also their lives, families, and goals. She is passionate about establishing long-term, trusting relationships with her patients and walking with them through every stage of life.
“I see medicine as a partnership. I want every patient who walks into my clinic to feel seen, supported, and empowered to take control of their health.” — Dr. Ferreira