University Health

04/02/2026

Nurture and nature: training and heart. It takes both to bring new life safely into the world.

This Express-News story highlights labor & delivery nurses Danielle Lozano and Raquel Rosales—and what it really means to care for moms and babies. One is at the bedside in our Women’s & Children’s Hospital, guiding families through one of life’s most powerful and vulnerable moments. The other is in helicopters and ambulances, stabilizing high-risk patients across South Texas and bringing them here for advanced care.

Different settings, same mission: safe moms, healthy babies. It takes extraordinary skill, built through training, teamwork and high standards. But it also takes something deeper: calm under pressure, trust in critical moments, and compassion that stays with you.

As Raquel said, “They hold a little piece of my heart.” That combination is what defines care at our Women’s & Children’s Hospital—a Level IV NICU and Level IV maternity center, the highest level of care available. And it’s why we’re so proud of Danielle, Raquel, and every nurse they represent.

San Antonio Express-News

04/01/2026

Choose to be a living donor and give the gift of life today. 🩵

To honor Donate Life Month, University Health proudly celebrates the commitment of our organ transplant team in advancing awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation. We encourage health care professionals and community leaders to explore the critical role of organ donation and learn about the expert transplant care offered at University Health.

The selfless gift of living donation, combined with the generosity of donor families, provides priceless opportunities to save lives and strengthen our community’s health. Your compassion can offer someone a new lease on life, consider becoming a living organ donor. Register today at DonateLifeTexas.org/UH.

03/31/2026

Early detection of colon cancer gave Fred Jimenez a second chance at life. 💙

In a moment when time was critical and sudden liver pain was escalating; an emergency colonoscopy turned into a life-saving diagnosis. Upon discovering a highly concerning polyp, Fred was urgently referred to seek specialty care at University Health's Advanced Endoscopy program. Thanks to early detection by Dr. Kaimakliotis, this led to timely treatment for early colon cancer, making a life-saving impact.

Fred shares that what gave him hope and strength was the compassionate and expert care at University Health.

👉 Let this be your sign to check your colon health and take our Colorectal Cancer Health Risk Assessment: https://www.universityhealth.com/blog/colorectal-cancer?hgcrm_channel=organic_social&hgcrm_source=facebook&hgcrm_agency=cli

03/30/2026

A little gratitude makes a big impact! 💙

Studies show that patient appreciation boosts doctors’ happiness, reduces stress, and fuels their passion for care. This National Doctor’s Day, join us in celebrating the dedicated University Health doctors and advanced practice providers. Send them a thank-you message or contribute to their cause with a donation: https://ow.ly/xpoW50YATLk

03/27/2026

His passion for preventing diabetic amputations has earned him recognition in the San Antonio Express-News special series, 20 for ’26. Podiatrist Dr. Michael Sobolevsky, is one of 20 being highlighted as one of San Antonio's leaders making a difference in the community.

Dr. Mike’s journey is just as inspiring as his work. As a Russian immigrant who grew up in a modest, multicultural neighborhood and learned English by watching television, he brings a deep sense of empathy and connection to every patient he serves—especially those at risk of losing a limb because of diabetes.

His story also shows his lighter side: from playing a wide variety of music to lighten up his clinic to almost being chosen as a contestant on Jeopardy!

Our thanks to Dr. Mike and his team for the hope and life-changing care they provide to our patients every day. 💙

Read his story at: https://ow.ly/Jfzi50YzUTQ

03/26/2026

We’re paving the way for another medical campus in San Antonio and today we inked it! University Health and Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine signed an affiliation agreement today.

Building partnerships of this scale takes time, said our CEO Ed Banos, but when our missions are aligned, progress follows.

When it opens next year, our Palo Alto Hospital will provide hospital and emergency care closer to home for thousands of South Side residents. Texas A&M University-San Antonio will provide classroom and office space as part of a broader collaboration.

Through this new partnership, Texas A&M faculty physicians will begin providing care to patients at University Health Palo Alto Hospital in 2027. At the same time, the Texas A&M Vashisht College of Medicine students will begin clinical rotations at Palo Alto and other clinical sites across the community. While medical students do not independently diagnose or treat patients, clinical rotations provide invaluable, firsthand experiences as part of a medical team.

The agreement complements University Health’s longstanding affiliation with the UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine and more recent affiliation with the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. It will also significantly elevate San Antonio’s standing as a premier destination for advanced medical care, innovation and discovery.

03/25/2026

Colorectal cancer was not what Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores was expecting. She was further surprised to learn that the disease is affecting younger people now, and the recommended age for first screenings recently had been lowered from 50 to 45.

So she set out to educate others on this important information during March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and is joined in her campaign by Dr. Sandeep Patel, our Chief of Gastroenterology. Dr. Patel emphasizes that while there are several screening options, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard. It not only detects issues early but can also prevent cancer by removing polyps during the same procedure. “It’s safe, it’s easy and there’s nothing to be nervous about,” he said.

Colonoscopy is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer. Talk with your primary care doctor about your risks, your family history, and when you should get screened.

Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County Commissioner Pct. 1

03/24/2026

Bexar County’s diabetes rate is a growing health concern and is now higher than both the state and national averages. Many people are unaware of the risks and may not know that they are already developing diabetes.

💪 Take preventative action:
• Start walking for 30 minutes a day
• Eat one to two servings of vegetables and fruits per day
• Limit sweets and sugary beverages
• Build good sleeping habits

Worried about your risk of diabetes? This lifelong condition can bring serious health challenges, but you can take control!

👉 Take our quick Diabetes Health Risk Assessment to discover your risk for Type 2 diabetes and get practical tips to lower your risk.
https://ow.ly/IJQS50YykIe

03/23/2026

What a day at University Health Vida! 🎉

Hundreds of you gathered with excitement for Vida’s Community Day and made it something special. We shared behind-the-scenes tours and the chance to meet our amazing public health partners—and totes full of fresh, healthy produce. A big thank you to Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County Commissioner Pct. 1 and Bexar County Hospital District Board Member Pat Jasso for joining us and helping spread the word about the power of preventive care.

We loved showing off our clinics, services, and the beautiful public art that makes this space so unique. This is more than a facility—it’s a true game changer for health care on the South Side. 💙

03/21/2026

Turning safety education into a fun-filled adventure! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️

Today, the Safe Kids San Antonio team brought safety education to life with fun, interactive experiences that had everyone excited and empowered! From mastering bike safety to exploring fire prevention, the day was full of vital tips and fun learning moments. Swipe through the photos to catch all the action!

Want to keep your family safe? Discover more about our injury prevention programs today: : https://ow.ly/sn8g50VlM9W

03/20/2026

Be the friendly face that welcomes our patients and helps guide them with a smile! 😄✨

As a Welcome Ambassador you can help make every visit a welcoming and positive experience!

As a volunteer at University Health you can:
1️⃣Explore new career fields
2️⃣Network socially and professionally
3️⃣Practice important job skills in real administrative settings

Ready to be the warm welcome everyone deserves? Visit our website to apply and add some light into a patient’s life! https://ow.ly/otuS50Yx1KA

03/20/2026

Join us this Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for a FREE and FUN family event to promote child safety!

University Health is a prominent academic medical center with two teaching hospitals and a network of outpatient centers serving San Antonio, Bexar County, and South Texas.

03/19/2026

Delivering babies and high-quality care when it matters most. 💕✨

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes in the March 23 edition of the San Antonio Express-News, for a spotlight of our two incredible labor and delivery nurses Danielle Lozano and Raquel Rosales.

From helping new moms feel confident and comfortable with their newborns to supporting high-risk patients during critical moments—even during helicopter transports from the Rio Grande Valley—our nurses bring unmatched skill, compassion, and heart to everything they do.
It’s because of this dedication that University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital has achieved Level IV designation for both our NICU and maternal care programs—the highest level of care possible.

We are so proud of this team and can’t wait for you to see their story written by Vince Davis and photographed by Katina Zentz!

03/18/2026

Savor this delightful mix of fresh vegetables, packed with nutrients and fiber, while being naturally low in calories and sodium. Lower your risk of diabetes by fueling your body with this One-Pot Mexican quinoa recipe! 🌱🥗

Want to take control of your diabetes? Join our classes at the Texas Diabetes Institute, where our diabetes educators cover everything from exercise, self-management techniques for diabetes and more.

When you make small nutritious choices every day you can achieve significant health benefits.

👉 Find the full recipe details on our website at https://ow.ly/eJH350Yw53e

03/11/2026

Let’s energize your day with a quick, effective workout! These gentle exercises are designed to build strength and stability, keeping you balanced and empowered. 💪😄

1-Minute Movements:
• 10 standing marches with arms raised to activate your core and improve circulation
• 5 sit-to-stands or chair-supported squats to strengthen your legs and enhance mobility

Looking for a challenge? Step it up with these options:
• Use a chair to perform controlled push-ups, boosting upper body strength
• Add light resistance bands or dumbbells—bend forward and lift elbows close to your body to engage your back and shoulders
• Try light squats without chair support to improve balance and leg power

⏰ Move through each exercise, take a rest, and repeat for a quick, revitalizing boost!

03/06/2026

💙 It’s Wear Blue Day! Our gastroenterology team wants to remind you: getting screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) could truly save your life. Did you know CRC is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50?

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone to ask their doctor about colonoscopies or screenings—starting at age 45, or sooner if you have a family history or higher risk.

Let’s raise awareness and take action together! 💪

03/04/2026

What a fantastic turnout at our quarterly Wellness Wednesday at University Health Southeast Pharmacy! 🏥❤️

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by for blood pressure checks and expert health advice. We’re honored to be your partners in health and help our neighbors stay well.

Missed the event? No problem! You can still take advantage of our convenient pharmacy services designed to save you time and hassle: https://ow.ly/PxB650YpmOn.

03/03/2026

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but at University Health, we’re fighting back with breakthroughs that improve both longevity and quality of life. 🩺✨

Dr. Anand Prasad, director of University Health Cardiovascular Center, spoke to the San Antonio Business Journal and highlighted how our targeted programs—like the Limb Salvage Clinic and our minimally invasive Structural Heart team—are saving lives and preventing amputations right here in Bexar County.

We are growing with you! Whether you’re visiting our recently opened University Health Vida clinic on the South Side or looking forward to our three hospitals opening soon, advanced heart care is right around the corner.

03/03/2026

Leadership matters.
Certification matters.
Thank you, Nelson, for championing certified nursing excellence.
Join us on March 21.
Register today: https://sachapteraacn.nursingnetwork.com

03/01/2026

Is your body ready for the time change? ⏰

On Sunday, March 8, we lose an hour of sleep, but the impact lasts much longer than one morning. Dr. Suhaib Haq, sleep medicine specialist at University Health, warns that this sudden shift can spike stress hormones and inflammation, affecting your heart rate and blood pressure.

How to prepare this week:
- The 15-minute rule: Start going to bed 15 minutes earlier every few nights to ease the transition.
- Ditch the blue light: Put electronics away 30 minutes before bed to help your brain produce melatonin.
- Soak up the sun: Get some morning sunlight next week to help reset your internal clock.

Don't let the time change catch you off guard! Read our full guide to protecting your heart and your sleep: https://ow.ly/MP7E50YncPy.

02/27/2026

Did you know that women can face many heart health issues very different from those in men? ❤️🤔

As Heart Month comes to an end, Dr. Ildiko Agoston, cardiologist at University Health, breaks down the unique ways heart disease affects women and why you should never ignore your "gut feeling" when something feels off.

Learn how the University Health Cardiovascular Center is leading the way in specialized care for women: https://ow.ly/zTP150YncAf.

02/24/2026

Today, University Health joined Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County Commissioner Pct. 1 to kick off Colon Cancer Awareness Month. After her own diagnosis in late 2024, Clay-Flores is on a mission to ensure no one in our community is caught off guard by this disease by educating the public about risk factors, symptoms and the importance of lifesaving screenings.

The critical takeaway: Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50. Because of this trend, the recommended screening age was lowered from 50 to 45. How you can join us this March:

- Wear blue: March 6 is National Wear Blue Day.
- Light it Blue: Help us by lighting your home or business with blue lights.
- Get screened: If you’re 45 or older, talk to your doctor about a colonoscopy or non-invasive stool test.

Let’s turn awareness into action. 💙

02/23/2026

Would you know what to do if a heart attack began right in front of you?

About 750,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack every year, but many of them experience early warning signs long before a crisis occurs. The American College of Cardiology's Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC®) education teaches you to recognize these subtle symptoms—like chest pressure, jaw pain or even just a feeling of fullness—so you can become an active bystander and save a life.

Most heart attack care is most effective within the first two hours. Don’t wait for damage to occur. Know the signs and act early!

👉 Learn more and become a Deputy Heart Attack responder: https://dha.acc.org/.

02/21/2026

Because of our Placenta Accreta Program, 172 moms—including Bianca Chavarria—have survived a dangerous pregnancy complication that can result in life-threatening blood loss. Nationally, this condition can be fatal for as many as 7% of women, but in the past five years, every mom in our care has recovered following their risky deliveries.

💕 Read Bianca’s inspiring story in the San Antonio Report and meet the doctors behind this unique program: https://ow.ly/vw5n50Yj7lF.

02/20/2026

In 2016, Jillian Williams was a 19-year-old college student just diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in her leg. With our help, by 2020 she was a Paralympic gold medalist.

Williams chose amputation over limb preservation because that way she could be more active. Dr. Aaron Sugalski and the multidisciplinary team in University Health’s Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program helped her through surgery and chemotherapy, and now this fall that same team commitment will be on a global stage when the International Society of Paediatric Oncology comes to San Antonio.

We were selected over Vancouver and Houston to host the only worldwide multidisciplinary forum dedicated entirely to pediatric and adolescent oncology. Surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses and psychosocial experts will gather here to advance research, collaboration and care.

The team that helped a young woman become a champion will now help convene the world to improve outcomes for 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year.

Watch Williams’ story on News4: https://ow.ly/E7Py50YisTe.