University Health

12/12/2025

What does it take to be No. 1?

For a transplant program it takes saying YES. ✔️

YES, to transplanting complex patients like Mel Koehler when others would turn him away.

YES to embracing robotic surgery and cutting-edge technology.

YES to creating programs that help patients find living donors faster.

Saying “yes” has made our liver transplant program the best in the nation — with some of the strongest patient outcomes anywhere.

Meet Mel before and after back-to-back transplant and bariatric surgeries. We replaced his cancerous liver with a healthy one and reduced him to fighting weight. 👏

Read more about his journey and how we became "The Hospital That Says Yes:" https://ow.ly/fj2k50XIvNI.

12/11/2025

Feeling sneezy, stuffy and have itchy eyes? 🌲🤧 You’re not alone — cedar fever season is here early!

Dr. Chioma Udemgba, a University Health allergist, told KSAT 12 & KSAT.com that over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can help bring relief. She also recommends limiting your time outdoors and changing your home air filters more often.

12/09/2025

The search for the best place to welcome your baby just got easier!🤰

University Health’s Women’s & Children’s Hospital has been recognized once again by U.S. News and World Report as a High-Performing Maternity Hospital in 2026. 🏆

This national designation is based on key quality metrics, giving you the assurance that our team consistently delivers the highest level of comprehensive and safe maternity care. Choosing us means choosing proven excellence for your delivery.

✨Trust your journey to the recognized experts. Discover why so many parents choose us: https://ow.ly/ShOZ50XGqq8.

12/08/2025

Holiday gatherings are full of scrumptious foods and family celebrations — but they can also be hard on your heart. In fact, more people die from heart attacks during the holidays than at any other time of year. ❤️

Dr. James Keeton, a cardiologist at University Health, has simple tips for a heart-healthy season:

• Enjoy food and drinks in moderation.
• Stress-reduction strategies.
• Take your medications and check your blood pressure.

Learn how to protect your health this season. Check out this quick video for tips to assess your risks: https://youtu.be/OdJBC7mYvPA.

Here’s wishing you and your family a merry and healthy holidays!

12/05/2025

Thinking about donating blood? 🤔🩸

You’re not alone, most people have questions before their first donation.

1️⃣ Is it safe? 100%! Sterile equipment is used for every donor.
2️⃣ Can I donate if I’m pregnant? You can safely donate 6+ weeks after delivery.
3️⃣ How much blood is drawn? About 1 pint per blood donation and it can help save up to 3 lives.

Check out how quick, safe, and life-saving donating can be: https://ow.ly/ZFH050XCRbJ.

12/04/2025

Today marks a key achievement for local health care access in San Antonio: The Susan Hall Health Center on the South Side has officially reopened! 🎉

Operating in partnership with Southside ISD, this location provides essential adult and pediatric primary care 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 at 1460 Martinez Losoya Road in San Antonio.

This milestone follows the successful opening of University Health Vida, a new multispecialty health center across from Texas A&M – San Antonio, in November.

The addition of these two health care facilities significantly improves the availability of comprehensive medical services for residents who live on the South Side. 🩺

We look forward to serving you at both locations! 👋

12/03/2025

Richard’s story is a powerful reminder to listen to your body and trust your care team. What started as a persistent cough turned into a life-threatening diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, leading him to the expert care at our University Health Transplant Institute. 💙

After being placed on the waiting list, Richard received his double lung transplant on a day filled with personal meaning: his father's birthday.

Reflecting on his journey, Richard said: "The wait is worth the journey you’re on because there are blessings ahead. I appreciate every donor because I’m a recipient." He also credits the compassionate team that surrounded him: “The doctors, nurses and staff were always there for me. They supported me when I advocated for myself.”

Now, with the health and endurance he needs, Richard is celebrating life's milestones—including traveling and preparing to marry his fiancée! 🙌

This story is a testament to the power of organ donation. Be a Champion for Life. Register your decision to Donate Life today: https://ow.ly/8Omx50XAnmF.

12/01/2025

We've recently seen a concerning spike in severe flu complications in our community. As the holidays approach, your flu shot is the most important gift you can give!

The flu shot is safe, effective and widely available. Here’s why you need to get yours right now:

⏰ Time is ticking: It takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to provide full protection. Get it today so you are fully protected before the holiday gatherings.
❤️ Protect vulnerable loved ones: The flu shot helps create a shield around babies, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions at your family dinner.
🚫 Avoid holiday chaos: Don't let the flu ruin your travel plans, force cancellations or lead to a hospital visit!

Don't delay your defense! Find a University Health pharmacy near you and schedule an appointment today: https://ow.ly/UL9K50Xyglk.

11/28/2025

Meet Bentley! 💙🐶 He’s on a mission to spread comfort and joy one paw at a time.

Watch how pet therapy creates moments of healing for both patients and staff at University Health.

Think your furry friend could make a PAWS-itive impact? Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Certify your pet.
✅ Stay up to date on vaccines.
✅ Be confident, friendly and engaging.

Join University Health’s Pet Therapy Program: https://ow.ly/U12850XzcRT.

11/27/2025

What a great morning at the San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot! Thank you to everyone who laced up their shoes and ran, walked or cheered - we are truly grateful for this generous community!

Because of your participation, this year’s Turkey Trot was a huge step forward in the fight against hunger. As a proud sponsor of the San Antonio Food Bank, every registration and donation directly supports their mission to feed vulnerable families throughout South Texas. We ran off some pre-feast calories while ensuring thousands of our neighbors will have meals on their tables. 🍎💙

Happy Thanksgiving! Comment below what you’re grateful for and share this post to spread awareness of the San Antonio Food Bank’s work. 👇

11/26/2025

Big win for San Antonio heart patients! ❤️

University Health just received two top U.S. accreditations from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) after a rigorous review of our care, team and outcomes.

Why this matters:
• Best in SA: We are one of only TWO hospitals in the city accredited for life-saving catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures.
• Unique Expertise: We are the ACC’s ONLY certified Heart Valve Program in Central and South Texas, specializing in non-surgical valve replacement.

Providing the best advanced care right here in San Antonio! Learn more: https://ow.ly/SFfI50XxQtl.

11/25/2025

AI is already helping make health care safer, faster and more personalized — and we’re working hard to make sure these tools stay human-centered every step of the way.

In a recent interview with Josh Archote from the San Antonio Report, our COO Bill Phillips talked about the guardrails we’re putting in place to protect patients and support our care teams.

That includes:
• Helping doctors spot issues earlier so patients get the right care sooner.
• Supporting people with chronic conditions to prevent avoidable hospital stays.
• Reducing paperwork so nurses and doctors can spend more time with you.
• Using AI to back up — not replace — the judgment of experienced providers.

And most importantly: every clinical decision will always be made by a real, human member of your health care team. 💙

We’re excited about what AI can do and we’re committed to using it responsibly to make care better for everyone: https://ow.ly/YUwH50XxbvU.

The University Health Board of Managers approved the county hospital system's first policy for adopting artificial intelligence technology.

11/24/2025

Holiday schedules get busy, and blood donations drop, but patients still rely on our support.

With your donations we are able to serve the tens of thousands of patients who need blood donations every year. This season give the gift of life by donating blood, you could save 3 lives. ❤️

If you’re able, consider making a life-saving donation this season and receive a special holiday keepsake as a thank you for helping save lives!

Every donation makes an impact.
🗓️ Schedule on our website: DonateBloodToday.com
📞 Call to schedule: 210-358-2812

11/21/2025

We are truly inspired by Mary, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1983. Her story is a powerful testament that a long, healthy life is possible! 💖

Knowing her mom also lived with diabetes, Mary took proactive steps early on, starting simply by walking to work. That one change made a huge difference, and she shares her wisdom for a healthy life:

🍎 Doctor-guided diet: Work closely with your doctor to create a sustainable diet. Mary cuts back on fatty foods and sweets but still enjoys her favorites—in moderation!

🚶‍♀️ Start small, stay safe: Exercise doesn't need to be intense. "Start with small movements," she advises. "And always take care of your feet!"

👯‍♀️ Find your community: Every Friday, you'll find Mary walking with our Texas Diabetes Institute’s walking group. She calls the group her sisters—the support is what keeps her motivated!

Are you ready to find your 'sisters' and get moving? Join Mary and others in our community for our free fitness classes! Learn more and register here: https://ow.ly/czaf50Xuhxs.

11/20/2025

Big news for women’s health: the FDA is officially removing the “black box warning” from estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

After years of fear based on a 2002 study that turned out to be flawed, more women may now feel comfortable trying HRT — and more doctors may feel comfortable prescribing it — to help with menopause symptoms.

Family Nurse Practitioner Jamie Cano-Gomez told KSAT 12 & KSAT.com's Courtney Friedman it’s “a huge stepping stone for women’s health.” HRT can help with hot flashes, insomnia, joint pain, irritability, weight gain and even bone density loss. Newer research also shows benefits like improved cognitive function and reduced risk of osteoporosis.

It’s not for everyone. Women should talk with their doctors, and those with hormone-sensitive cancers, a history of blood clots or stroke, or certain liver conditions can consider other options, including new non-hormonal treatments.

But overall? A big relief—and a big step forward—for a lot of women navigating menopause.

11/19/2025

Fran Yanity was healthy and a non-smoker, yet a suspicious lung nodule was found on a wellness screening. When a traditional test failed to confirm anything, her doctors turned to the advanced ION Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy System at University Health.

The ION system used 3D mapping to precisely navigate her lungs, found the tiny tumor and confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Because of this early and accurate detection, she is now cancer-free! 💙

"Because I caught my cancer early, I have a 95% long-term survival rate,” Yanity says.

Dr. Philip Ong adds, “This breakthrough technology allows us to biopsy smaller lesions, earlier and safer.”

Early detection changes everything! Know your risk: Talk to your provider about lung cancer screening if you are 50-80 years old and have a 20+ pack-year smoking history (current or quit in the last 15 years).

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! ❤️