University Health Transplant Institute

University Health Transplant Institute University Health Transplant Institute has pioneered organ transplantation for 50 years.

University Health Transplant Institute has pioneered organ transplantation for over 30 years.

Big day on the South Side! 🎉The very first patients walked through the doors of University Health Vida today — so we ask...
11/17/2025

Big day on the South Side! 🎉

The very first patients walked through the doors of University Health Vida today — so we asked them to help us cut the ribbon! We’re so excited because this marks a huge step forward for expanded high-quality health care on the South Side.

Patients Noe Garza and Andres Tapia joined Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County Hospital District Board of Managers member Pat Jasso, and University Health President & CEO Ed Banos to celebrate this moment.

Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County Commissioner Pct. 1, who has championed better health services on the South Side for years, summed it up perfectly: “It’s so important to have access to care close to home.”

We couldn’t be more grateful — or more excited for what’s ahead! ❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning as we observed World Diabetes Day with educational events and sampling ...
11/14/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning as we observed World Diabetes Day with educational events and sampling delicious food! 💙

In addition to meeting local Chef Blanca Aldaco and sampling her delicious diabetes-friendly pozole, attendees learned diabetes management tips and strategies.

If you attended, please share your biggest takeaway in the comments! If you missed it, remember that managing diabetes is a daily commitment. You can access valuable resources and information from our expert team here: https://universityhealth.com/services/diabetes-endocrinology?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=world_diabetes_day_2025&utm_content=facebook_bio_recap_world_diabetes_day_111425.

Big news! 🎉 University Health has once again earned an “A” grade for patient safety and care from The Leapfrog Group - m...
11/13/2025

Big news! 🎉 University Health has once again earned an “A” grade for patient safety and care from The Leapfrog Group - marking our fifth consecutive “A” rating! This national recognition honors our entire team’s commitment to safe, high-quality care and their dedication to every patient, every time.

This top rating validates one crucial promise: When you and your family need care, you can trust University Health to provide the safest, highest-quality experience possible.

Thank you to our incredible team for helping us maintain the highest standards of safety and trust for our community. 💙

Learn more about this achievement: https://ow.ly/gfn450XrpCc.

November is National Caregiver Awareness Month, and today we want to celebrate the amazing spouses, family, and friends ...
11/13/2025

November is National Caregiver Awareness Month, and today we want to celebrate the amazing spouses, family, and friends who step up to care for their loved ones through the transplant journey.

You are the quiet heroes—holding things together, showing up on the hard days, and reminding our patients they’re never alone.

Thank you for everything you do. We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate YOU!

Important Insurance Update for Our Transplant PatientsIf you have an Aetna or Molina ACA insurance plan, please be aware...
11/12/2025

Important Insurance Update for Our Transplant Patients

If you have an Aetna or Molina ACA insurance plan, please be aware that these plans will not be offered in Texas in 2026.

To ensure your transplant care continues without interruption, you’ll need to select a new insurance plan during open enrollment, which ends December 15, 2025.

Here’s what you need to do:
• Visit www.healthcare.gov or contact a licensed insurance agent to explore new plan options.
• Verify your new plan is accepted by University Health using this link: https://tinyurl.com/4fjd2tec
• Sign up for your new plan before December 15, 2025.

If you have questions or need help, please reach out to your Transplant Nurse Coordinator through MyChart or by phone. We’re here to guide you through this transition!

11/12/2025

Great news for your holiday plate: A University Health expert says NO FOOD is off limits this Thanksgiving! 🤩

That's right—you deserve to savor every single bite of that stuffing 🥔, pie 🥧 and turkey 🦃 without the guilt.

Here’s how you can enjoy every bite without regret:

• Half of your plate: non-starchy veggies like greens, broccoli, or carrots
• One quarter of plate: lean proteins including turkey, chicken, fish, or beans
• One quarter of your plate: healthy carbs like brown rice, potatoes or other starchy veggies

Desserts? Don’t give them up. Just eat small portions and check your blood sugar if needed. Top it off with a brisk walk to burn off calories and create a healthy new holiday tradition.

Watch Joel’s message and get all his holiday eating tips. 🎥

We're still feeling the inspiration ✨ from last week's Veteran's Day celebration! It's vital that we take the time to re...
11/11/2025

We're still feeling the inspiration ✨ from last week's Veteran's Day celebration! It's vital that we take the time to remember and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by the brave veterans of our nation. 🇺🇸

A special salute to the veterans on our team—we're so proud to work alongside you every day! 🫡

Today, on Veterans Day, we proudly celebrate all the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces — including...
11/11/2025

Today, on Veterans Day, we proudly celebrate all the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces — including many of our own Transplant Institute physicians and staff members.

We honor our veterans for their commitment to protect and defend the country we love, whose courage, dedication, and sacrifice inspire us every day — thank you for your selfless service, today and always!

Coastal residents can access specialized transplant services, through our new, expanded clinic in Corpus Christi! This t...
11/10/2025

Coastal residents can access specialized transplant services, through our new, expanded clinic in Corpus Christi! This targeted approach provides specific outpatient expertise without residents having to travel to San Antonio's hospital campus. 🚗

We’re excited to bring advanced transplant care closer to those who need it - just one more way we’re ‘thinking beyond.’ 💙

Transplant Clinic will be closed Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Although our clinic is closed for t...
11/09/2025

Transplant Clinic will be closed Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Although our clinic is closed for the holiday, we have team members on call 24/7. If you are in need of medical assistance, please contact NurseLink at 210-358-3000.

11/08/2025

Cooking diabetes-friendly meals can be delicious and easy! Locally renowned chef, Blanca Aldaco ( Aldaco's Stone Oak ), shows us how to make her amazing pozole that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. 🫶

Join us on Friday, Nov. 14, to meet Chef Aldaco, pick up more diabetes-friendly recipes and free health screenings during our World Diabetes Day community event at the Texas Diabetes Institute. Attendees will also have the chance to walk away with a free turkey voucher right in time for Thanksgiving (while supplies last)! This event is free to everyone in our community, but registration is required: https://ow.ly/HWkW50XoMrZ.

Our Transplant Institute team was proud to attend and support the 22nd Annual Texas Nephrology Social Workers Associatio...
11/07/2025

Our Transplant Institute team was proud to attend and support the 22nd Annual Texas Nephrology Social Workers Association (TNSWA) Conference in Austin, Texas!

For more than 20 years, TNSWA — a dedicated network of nephrology social workers in the Austin area — has brought together professionals from across Texas for this annual gathering. The conference provides valuable continuing education opportunities, fosters collaboration, and strengthens the support systems that dialysis and transplant patients rely on every day.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to join social workers, advocates, and community partners who are committed to improving the lives of Central Texas kidney and dialysis patients. All funds raised at this conference go directly toward helping patients in need, making this event truly impactful.

Thank you to TNSWA for your continued dedication and for bringing our community together year after year!

Our Kidney team hosted a dialysis social worker symposium in Corpus Christi to engage with partnering dialysis staff and...
11/07/2025

Our Kidney team hosted a dialysis social worker symposium in Corpus Christi to engage with partnering dialysis staff and community stakeholders.

The event featured an engaging discussion about our kidney transplant program — covering what’s involved in the psychosocial evaluation, addressing common challenges such as funding and income, and highlighting helpful resources available to patients throughout their transplant journey.

Guests enjoyed a lunch presentation led by the Medical Director of our Kidney Transplant program, Transplant Nephrologist Dr. Suverta Bhayana, and Social Work Assistant Director, Danielle Oviedo, LCSW.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in helping expand access to life-saving transplant care across South Texas!

After years of managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, Gregory’s kidneys finally gave out — leaving him...
11/06/2025

After years of managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, Gregory’s kidneys finally gave out — leaving him feeling weaker and more fatigued than ever before. What followed was a journey defined by courage, faith and optimism.

Gregory’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From battling diabetes and high blood pressure to enduring the exhaustion that led to his hospitalization, he faced moments of uncertainty that tested both his body and spirit. Yet through it all, his faith kept him grounded. “It’s just another chapter,” he said. “You get up, dust yourself off, and keep going.” Supported by his devoted wife and children, Gregory found strength in small victories — walking hospital hallways just days after surgery and cherishing moments of reconnection with family.

Guided by his deep faith, Gregory never gave up. On June 18, 2025, he received the life-changing call that a donor kidney was available. With trust in his medical team and the healing power of faith, he underwent transplant surgery.

Recovery wasn’t easy. Gregory faced reflux issues, infections, and complications that tested his strength. But with the compassionate care of Dr. Patel and the support of his loved ones, he continued to push forward — one day at a time.

Today, Gregory is deeply grateful — for his doctors, his family, and the donor who gave him a second chance. He shares his story to inspire others still waiting, reminding them, “Don’t give up. Keep your faith strong — healing happens in its own time.”

November is National Caregiver Awareness Month! Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the transplant journey—offering stre...
11/05/2025

November is National Caregiver Awareness Month! Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the transplant journey—offering strength, support, and compassion every step of the way.

We invite all Transplant Caregivers to a special Support Group dedicated to showing gratitude and recognition:

📅 Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 University Health Main Garden
🕞 3:00 – 4:30 PM

This interactive gathering is our way of saying thank you for the incredible care you provide.

Please RSVP to join us and allow us to celebrate you!

11/05/2025

Case has done it! 🎉 After a brave journey, this incredible young patient completed his final cancer treatment and celebrated his victory by ringing the bell three times! What an inspiring milestone. 🔔 🙌

Case showed incredible strength and resilience throughout his entire journey, and seeing his smile today is the greatest reward.

Flood the comments with love and congratulations to Case and his wonderful family as they close this challenging chapter and look forward to a healthy, bright future. 🧡

Think of your heart as the engine of your body. Its coronary arteries are the fuel lines that deliver life-saving blood....
11/04/2025

Think of your heart as the engine of your body. Its coronary arteries are the fuel lines that deliver life-saving blood.

When coronary artery disease (CAD) strikes, plaque acts like gunk, narrowing those lines. Restrict the fuel, and you risk a total shutdown—which is why CAD is a leading cause of heart attacks. 💔

💻Dr. Anand Prasad, University Health interventional cardiologist, breaks down everything you need to know about heart disease and its symptoms in our new blog: https://ow.ly/XbKB50Xk1Uz.

Celebrating our amazing Transplant Case Managers! Their compassion, expertise, and dedication make all the difference fo...
11/04/2025

Celebrating our amazing Transplant Case Managers! Their compassion, expertise, and dedication make all the difference for the patients and families we serve. From advocating for care to guiding every step of the transplant journey while inpatient, they’re the heartbeat of coordinated, compassionate care.

Thank you for helping our patients navigate the transplant journey with hope, clarity, and support. You truly make transplant excellence possible every day!

“The conversations I have with 3-year-olds are so rich! 🌟 But the truly layered and beautiful part is the relationship w...
11/03/2025

“The conversations I have with 3-year-olds are so rich! 🌟 But the truly layered and beautiful part is the relationship with the parents—and the family as a whole—as we partner together to ensure the child gets the care and support they need. It’s a team effort that makes all the difference,” says Dr. Sarah Gross, a pediatrician at our One Medical and Naco Perrin locations.

“When you step through our doors, that partnership is our promise,” she continues. “You'll be greeted by friendly faces, and you can absolutely count on me to be a dedicated listener. More than that, I promise to go above and beyond for your child, treating them with the same care, focus and dedication I give my own children!” ❤️

Watch Dr. Gross explain why your child's care is as personal to her as it is to you. Click to watch her full video: https://youtu.be/nZssJjS6qtk.

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Lakshmi Anandini Suri, MBBS, to our University Health Transplant Institute family!Dr. Suri ...
11/03/2025

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Lakshmi Anandini Suri, MBBS, to our University Health Transplant Institute family!

Dr. Suri joins us as a Pediatric Transplant Hepatologist, bringing extensive experience caring for children with complex liver conditions and those needing liver transplants.

She recently completed her Pediatric Transplant Hepatology fellowship at Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she also served as an Assistant Professor in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

Dr. Suri has a passion for helping young patients thrive after transplant, with special interests in post-transplant care, pediatric liver diseases, and multidisciplinary approaches to treatment. Her research and dedication have earned her several national honors, including the Early Career Investigator Award from the AASLD Foundation and the Best of Liver Meeting Award in 2022.

Beyond her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Suri is known for her compassion and commitment to teaching the next generation of physicians.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Suri—we’re honored to have her expertise, kindness, and vision guiding the care of our youngest transplant patients.

"Just being alive is a gift!" ✨We are celebrating an incredible milestone with 14-year-old Miguel. Having received the l...
10/31/2025

"Just being alive is a gift!" ✨

We are celebrating an incredible milestone with 14-year-old Miguel. Having received the life-saving gift of a kidney at the University Health Transplant Institute 12 years ago, Miguel is now dedicated to giving back.

Last year, he collected toys for the pediatric patients of the kidney and dialysis clinic, sharing: "I know what it’s like to go through medical challenges and seeing their smiles reminds me why this is so important." ❤️

Miguel's resilience, his commitment to school and community service shines brightly. Join us in celebrating Miguel and the amazing care transplant team who made this second chance possible!

Learn more about how you can save a life by becoming an organ donor: https://ow.ly/e20350XhGSY.

10/29/2025

Feeling nostalgic hearing this song? 🎶 Let this be your reminder to prioritize your health. Did you know women 55 and older face a higher risk of breast cancer? Getting regular mammograms beginning at age 40 can help you protect your health.

💗 Take action to reduce the risks:
• Keep your weight at a normal, healthy level
• Exercise regularly (3-5x a week)
• Reduce your alcohol consumption, none would be even better
• Pay attention to your body

Stay proactive about your health, early detection saves lives. Visit the University Health Breast Center for the highest level of care in South Texas. Click here to schedule your screening today: https://ow.ly/bNKt50Xk0zO.

10/28/2025

What an inspiring day! San Antonio stepped up to host the biggest Congenital Heart Walk in the country, with a turnout that truly moved us.

Watching more than 1,100 walkers—from dedicated medical teams to families proudly led by “heart warriors” like Little George Ramirez, Jr.—push strollers and carry banners was a powerful reminder of the resilience in our community. Every step raised awareness for the medical advancements that allow children like George, Jr. to thrive.

University Health is honored to sponsor this vital event. Together, we raised over $80,000! This funding will continue to support the research that is helping these children grow strong.

Our team recently took part in the 11th Annual Transplant Quality Institute (TQI) Conference, held October 22–24. This y...
10/28/2025

Our team recently took part in the 11th Annual Transplant Quality Institute (TQI) Conference, held October 22–24. This year’s event brought together transplant professionals from across the country to share insights, exchange ideas, and inspire new ways to improve care and outcomes.

We were thrilled to see several of our own leaders on the program—Jennifer Milton, Chief Administrative Officer and one of TQI’s founding members; Rebecca Weisberg, Director of Transplant Quality & Compliance; Dr. Elizabeth Thomas, Surgical Director of Adult Kidney and Living Donor Programs; and Patricia Jones, DNP, RN, Vice President of Transplant & Donation Services. Each contributed their expertise and passion to important conversations shaping the future of transplant care.

It was an energizing few days of learning, collaboration, and connection—all centered on advancing excellence, innovation, and access for the patients and families we serve.

The community showed up! Thanks to all of you, more than 2,300 San Antonians were safely vaccinated against the flu duri...
10/27/2025

The community showed up! Thanks to all of you, more than 2,300 San Antonians were safely vaccinated against the flu during our recent drive-thru events! 🎉 🎉 🎉

In partnership with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and commissioners, we loved offering this fast, easy way for you to protect yourselves and your families. Your commitment to health makes our community stronger - all without leaving the comfort of your vehicles.

If you missed our drive-thru events, please make plans to get your flu shot soon! Learn more about all the ways our pharmacy services support your well-being: https://ow.ly/9mgj50XiIFW.


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San Antonio, TX
78229

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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Our Story

University Transplant Center has pioneered organ transplantation for 50 years. In that time, we’ve helped thousands of patients and their families overcome end-stage liver, kidney, lung, and pancreas diseases. The greatest benefit of being a part of “our story” is the unyielding commitment and dedication our team has for people. There are so many of us, from the schedulers, finanicial coordinators, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, doctors, and even volunteers, who work together to help children and adults reach the highest quality of life possible. The things many take for granted like breathing and peeing mean the world to us. Be a part of our story by asking your doctor to refer you to UniversityTransplantCenter.com/referral.

Because of our passion for patients, we’ve evolved into the most comprehensive transplant program in South Texas. Beyond liver, kidney and lung transplantation, we provide specialized care for children and adults with cancerous and non-cancerous liver and pancreas tumors. We also have advanced endoscopists performing complicated procedures, pulmonologists specialized in rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and we are the second highest in volume program for living liver donation in the country.

Our strong foundation in research, education, state-of-the-art technologies, evidence-based practices, superior outcomes, and medical and surgical expertise ensures patients receive the best care. Watch this short video to see who we are - bit.ly/2AXgq2H