Dr. Jorge Zamora-Legoff, M.D.
Dr. Jorge Zamora-Legoff is a board-certified internist and the Associate Chief of Staff for Primary Care at the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in Harlingen, Texas. As a third-generation physician, he carries forward a legacy of medical excellence, blending clinical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care. Over the course of his career, Dr. Zamora-Legoff has become a respected leader within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, recognized for his ability to integrate administrative oversight with hands-on patient care, ultimately enhancing the quality and accessibility of primary care services for veterans.
Dr. Zamora-Legoff earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in 2014. Following medical school, he completed a prestigious research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic from 2014 to 2017, where he specialized in rheumatology and interstitial lung disease. This fellowship allowed him to conduct advanced clinical research and gain in-depth expertise in managing complex, chronic conditions, particularly those affecting connective tissue and pulmonary health. Afterward, he pursued an internal medicine residency at the University of Texas, which he completed in 2020, further developing a comprehensive approach to patient care that emphasizes both prevention and disease management.
Since joining the VA healthcare system, Dr. Zamora-Legoff has held multiple key roles, advancing from trainee to leadership positions including Attending Physician, Chief Medical Officer, and now Associate Chief of Staff for Primary Care. In his current capacity, he leads a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, overseeing strategic planning, clinical program development, and the integration of services such as occupational and environmental health, urgent care, and primary care. His leadership emphasizes operational efficiency, clinical innovation, and high-quality outcomes, ensuring that care delivery meets the unique needs of veterans in the region.
Under Dr. Zamora-Legoff’s guidance, the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System has experienced significant growth, successfully doubling its active patient population while maintaining high standards of care. The system has earned national recognition for excellence in patient experience, receiving awards in 2023 and 2025, reflecting Dr. Zamora-Legoff’s commitment to veteran-centered care. He champions initiatives that improve access to healthcare services, enhance patient engagement, and foster a culture of continuous improvement among clinical teams.
In addition to his administrative and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Zamora-Legoff is an active participant in professional organizations, including the American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, and the American Medical Association. He is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of physicians, regularly guiding family medicine and internal medicine residents, and contributing to scholarly research through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences. His work bridges the gap between academic medicine and practical clinical care, ensuring that innovations in research translate into improved patient outcomes.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Zamora-Legoff is deeply committed to advancing healthcare delivery through innovation, research, and evidence-based practice. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to improving patient outcomes, empowering healthcare teams, and ensuring that veterans receive the highest standard of care. With a focus on both individual patient needs and systemic improvements, Dr. Zamora-Legoff continues to make a meaningful impact on the practice of internal medicine and the broader field of veteran healthcare.
• Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara - M.D., 2014
• Mayo Clinic - Research Fellowship, 2014–2017
• University of Texas - Internal Medicine Residency, 2020
• Board-Certified in Internal Medicine
• Selected and Featured as Top Internist - America's Best in Medicine - 2026
• National Recognition for Patient Experience, 2023, 2025
• Leadership awards within VA Healthcare System
• American College of Physicians
• American College of Rheumatology
• American Medical Association
• Free medical clinics for underserved areas through church group
• Mentorship of internal medicine and family medicine residents, participation in veteran-focused healthcare outreach programs
Patterns of Interstitial Lung Disease and Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatology (Oxford), Dec 10, 2016
Focus: Characterization of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have interstitial lung disease (ILD) and assessment of mortality staging systems (GAP and ILD-GAP).
Progressive Decline of Lung Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Arthritis & Rheumatology, Oct 27, 2016
Focus: Long-term progression of lung function decline in RA-ILD patients and clinical outcomes.
Risk of Serious Infection in Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Clinical Rheumatology, Jul 22, 2016
Focus: Occurrence and risk factors for serious infections in RA-ILD patients, including the impact of prednisone and immunosuppressive therapy.
A Population-Based Study of Outcomes of Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Compared to Non-JIA Subjects
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Jul 10, 2016
Focus: Healthcare utilization and comorbidities in patients with JIA versus age- and sex-matched controls.
Drug Prescribing Trends in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Comparative Study from 2005–2014
Clinical Rheumatology, Jun 22, 2016
Focus: Trends in medication prescribing for RA patients compared to non-RA subjects over a 10-year period.
Opioid Use in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis 2005–2014: A Population-Based Comparative Study
Clinical Rheumatology, Mar 29, 2016
Focus: Trends and chronic use of opioids in RA patients versus non-RA subjects, highlighting age-specific risk.
Treatment of Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in a Population-Based Cohort
Clinical Rheumatology, Jan 29, 2016
Focus: Evaluation of medications and intra-articular injections in JIA patients to inform clinical practice and research.
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Primary Care
- Healthcare Administration
- Comprehensive primary care for veterans
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive care and wellness programs
- Integration of occupational and environmental health services
- Urgent care management
- Clinical leadership and healthcare administration
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I know it sounds cliché, but for me, it’s all about the veterans. I feel privileged to care for the veterans in our region and to be part of a fast-growing healthcare system here in South Texas. Over the past five years, our primary care patient population has doubled—from around 23,000–24,000 to about 50,000 active patients. That growth has given me the chance to help more veterans and to build a veteran-centered healthcare system that delivers top-quality primary care. We really focus on patient experience, and I’m proud that our facility was recognized by the VA in both 2023 and 2025 for excellence in patient experience.
Locations
Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System
Harlingen, TX