Patient in a blue medical gown stands at a mammography machine while a clinician in a white coat adjusts the equipment and positions the patient.

Keeping breast health in check

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breast health. Understanding your risk, staying aware of changes, and discussing appropriate screening with your healthcare provider can help support early detection and better outcomes.
Dr. Randa Abdelmasih smiles while seated in a medical exam room, holding an anatomical model of a fatty liver on her lap. An exam table and medical equipment are visible behind her

Fatty liver disease gets a new name as treatment advances

MASLD, formerly known as fatty liver disease, often causes no symptoms but can signal broader metabolic health problems and progress to liver scarring, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Four people sit around a round table with microphones, participating in a recorded discussion in front of a dark curtain backdrop. Two participants wear UTMB-branded shirts, and one participant wears a white coat.

Exercise as medicine: Movement, muscle, and real-world sustainability

From muscle health to lasting habits, this podcast explores why movement is one of the most powerful tools for preventing disease and improving quality of life.
Two people seated at a workstation review breast imaging scans displayed on multiple computer monitors, with one person pointing to a screen.

Is it time for your mammogram? What women should know about breast cancer screening

Is it time for your mammogram? This guide explains what women should know about breast cancer screening, including age-based recommendations, risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
Smiling baby lying on a white mattress, wearing a blue shirt and diaper, with arms and legs raised.

Safe sleep awareness can save infant lives

Safe sleep can be simple: Babies should sleep on their backs, in their own crib or bassinet, on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, toys, and other soft items. During Safe Sleep Awareness Month, UTMB Health pediatric experts remind parents and caregivers that following these practices every time is best.
Portrait of a person wearing black medical scrubs and a black jacket, standing in a clinic hallway with seating visible in the background. The jacket is embroidered with “Jill Resendez, NP” and “Plastic Surgery.”

Breast reconstruction at UTMB Health comes with choices and support

After a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can help restore form and confidence. Discover the reconstruction options available at UTMB Health and how patients are supported at every step of the journey.
Person wearing a white UTMB Health lab coat sits indoors facing the camera. The coat displays a UTMB Health logo and embroidered professional credentials.

High risk for breast cancer? Here’s what to know

Learn what it means to be at high risk for breast cancer and how personalized screening and prevention strategies can help support early detection.
Rachel Compton stands between her doctors, Colleen Silva, MD, and Jeffrey Smith, MD, inside UTMB Health Surgery and Cancer Clinics.

A breast cancer diagnosis is life changing. So is the right care team.

Rachel Compton was diagnosed with breast cancer at 41 despite regular screenings and close monitoring after her sister’s diagnosis. She shares how early detection, self-advocacy, and a trusted care team at UTMB helped her navigate treatment, reconstruction, and life after cancer.
The pancreas, located behind the stomach, plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. New treatments targeting pancreatic cancer are giving researchers promising new ways to fight the disease.

New therapies bring a different approach to treating pancreatic cancer

A newly approved targeted drug and promising mRNA vaccine research are creating new possibilities for pancreatic cancer treatment.
A person wearing a white lab coat stands in a well-lit medical office hallway. Framed artwork hangs on the wall beside the individual, and exam room doors and clinical workspaces are visible in the background.

Why stress can make autoimmune symptoms worse

Chronic stress can disrupt immune system regulation and may contribute to symptom flare-ups in autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
https://events.utmb.edu/event/bra-day

A giant leap for healing: Celebrating 14 years of BRA Day at UTMB Health

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but no one has to navigate it alone. UTMB Health's 14th Annual BRA Day connects patients, survivors, families, and care teams to explore reconstruction options, share inspiring stories, and celebrate strength, support, and healing.
Two people sit side by side in an office or exam room, facing a third person in the foreground. A computer monitor is visible beside them.

Could breast cancer be hereditary? Here’s what genetic counseling can tell you

Could your genetics affect your breast cancer risk? Discover how family history and genetic testing can guide prevention and early detection.
Historic brick building with a central staircase and arched entrance is shown flanked by palm trees and lawn areas. The left half of the building is shown in black and white, transitioning to color on the right half.

UTMB: A history of heroes

For 135 years, generations of visionaries, physicians, scientists, educators, and philanthropists have helped transform UTMB from a small medical school in Galveston into a leading academic health system.
A woman wearing a white lab coat over a blue shirt is standing indoors against a softly blurred background. A plant and large windows are visible behind the person.

Dust mites: The tiny roommates worsening your allergies (and what to do about them)

The good news is that with just a few minor changes, you can help minimize the microscopic intruders' allergy-worsening effects.
Health care provider in a white coat seated across from a patient in an exam room, speaking during a consultation. A sink, cabinets, and wall-mounted medical supply containers are visible in the room.

Menopause or thyroid problems? Knowing the difference matters

Menopause and thyroid disorders can cause similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish. Understanding when to test for thyroid disease can help women get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Person positioning a breast in a mammography machine while another person observes in a clinical exam room. The mammography equipment and positioning process are visible.

What women should know about dense breast tissue

Breast density is common and can make some cancers harder to see on a mammogram. Learn what dense breasts means.
Person wearing a white UTMB Health lab coat and red striped tie stands in front of a light-colored textured wall. The UTMB Health logo is visible on the coat.

Home the same day? How Modern Joint Replacement at UTMB Health is changing recovery

Joint replacement recovery has changed dramatically, with many patients now walking and recovering at home within hours of surgery. Discover how UTMB Health's innovative approach and accredited joint replacement program are improving the patient experience from preparation through recovery.
Two women and a man are shown standing in front of a white textured wall, with decorative stones visible at the base of the wall. One person wears purple, one wears a bright coral top and matching pants, and one wears a navy suit with a red tie.

More than medicine: UTMB Health coordinates complex care around the patient

For patients with rare genetic conditions, innovative treatments are only part of the equation. UTMB Health is building a coordinated model designed to make advanced therapies easier to access.
Seven UTMB Health leaders and representatives pose in a ballroom at the 2026 Vizient Connections Summit in Las Vegas, where Vizient recognized top-performing health systems and hospitals.

UTMB Health pediatric hospital services recognized by Vizient for quality and accountability

UTMB Health pediatric hospital services earned top performer recognition in Vizient’s 2026 Quality and Accountability Awards, marking the second consecutive year UTMB Health has received the honor and the only academic medical center in Texas to do so.
Two adults sit on a couch looking at a laptop, with one person pointing at the screen. Papers and two cups are on the table in front of them.

Medicare coverage changes each year. Here’s what to check.

Medicare plans can change every year, even if your current coverage seems to be working well. Learn what to review during Annual Enrollment to help avoid unexpected costs and maintain access to your trusted UTMB Health providers.
A person stands among audio and speaker equipment while holding a smartphone in one hand and an electronic device in the other. Audio mixers, speakers, and recording equipment are visible in the background.

Never miss a detail: Why audio recording is your best healthcare tool

When important healthcare conversations are difficult to absorb in the moment, audio recordings can provide clarity, improve recall, and support better-informed decisions throughout a patient’s care journey.
A person kneels on indoor turf and assists another seated person with a leg movement exercise. Resistance bands and rehabilitation equipment are visible in the background.

Getting active this fall? How to reduce your risk of weekend warrior injuries

Getting active again this fall? Learn how to reduce your risk of strains, sprains, and overuse injuries with tips from a UTMB Health sports medicine specialist.
Three people sit around a round table with microphones and papers, participating in a recorded discussion in front of a dark curtain backdrop.

Back-to-school nutrition and the essential role of dietitians

As routines shift with the school year, podcast hosts Sarah Samreen, MD, and Andrea Stark, DO, join registered dietitian Chelsea Hoover to share practical meal planning tips, nutrition updates, and strategies for long-term metabolic health.

UTMB Health adds prescription kiosks to urgent care

New prescription kiosks at UTMB Health urgent care clinics will provide faster access to medications, eliminating the need for many patients to make a separate pharmacy trip.
An aerial view of Galveston’s beachfront shows a shoreline road, sandy beach, Gulf waters, and a pier extending into the water, with a dense residential and commercial area stretching inland.

Red tide along Galveston coast: What beachgoers need to know

The algae bloom could cause respiratory symptoms in beachgoers and poses additional risks for people with asthma and other chronic lung conditions.
A person holds a handful of multicolored pills and capsules in one hand, representing the many nutritional supplements people may take. The image illustrates the importance of understanding what supplements are needed and how they may affect health.

Are supplements worth it? How to separate the science from marketing

Nutritional supplements may have a role for some people, but they are not a substitute for a healthy diet, medical care, or lifestyle changes.
Plants fill wood containers that provide structure in a community garden.

The simple benefits of adding more plant-based foods to your plate

A plant-based diet focuses on foods that come from plants, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Learn more about exploring this lifestyle option.
Five students and two UTMB staff members gather by a sign reading "Island Scholars Inaugural Cohort Fall 2026."

First ISLAND Promise nursing students find community, support, and a future at UTMB

A new group of students in The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing is making history as the inaugural recipients of the ISLAND Promise, a scholarship and workforce development initiative.
Woman standing beside an open stainless-steel freezer filled with stacked bags of stored milk in a clinical setting.

Hope in every ounce for UTMB Health NICU babies

A UTMB Health breast milk donation program delivered 6,700 ounces in its first year, supporting fragile newborns in the NICU.
Three people pose in a hospital lobby at UTMB Health League City Campus following the campus’s accreditation as a Total Joint Replacement Center of Excellence.

UTMB League City Campus earns Total Joint Replacement Center of Excellence accreditation

The UTMB Health League City Campus has earned Total Joint Replacement Center of Excellence accreditation, recognizing its high standards in joint replacement care.
Assortment of protein-rich foods on a wooden board, including beef, chicken, salmon, deli meat, egg, cheese, cottage cheese, milk, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Wooden blocks in front spell “PROTEIN.”

How much protein do you really need each day?

Starting in midlife, adults lose approximately 3% to 8% of their muscle mass per decade, and that loss accelerates after age 60. Declining muscle mass is associated with increased risk of falls, reduced mobility, hospitalization, and loss of independence.
A woman wearing a white UTMB lab coat stands indoors in front of large bright mural featuring trees and purple wildflowers.

5 simple ways to keep your kidneys healthy

Taking care of your kidneys doesn’t require drastic changes — just consistent, informed choices over time. Small steps now can make a lasting difference in your long-term health.
Red stethoscope coiled around a heart-shaped object patterned with the American flag, with a faint electrocardiogram line in the background on a white surface.

25 Years later: Lessons in emergency preparedness

Christine Wade reflects on how the events of 9/11 shaped her approach to emergency preparedness, leadership, and crisis response. Her experience continues to inform the university's commitment to training, planning, and readiness.
Illustration of a human brain formed from layered flowers, leaves, and branching plant stems on a dark blue background.

UTMB is Taking the Brain “Out of the Lab”

From his adopted home in Galveston, world-renowned professor and researcher Dr. Giulio Taglialatela is helping redefine brain health as the foundation for healthier lives and stronger communities.
A child and an adult look at an open children’s book together in a library setting, with bookshelves visible in the background.

Bright futures begin one book at a time

Reading with children for just 20 minutes a day can strengthen family bonds, support healthy brain development, and build skills that last a lifetime. Pediatricians at UTMB Health share why reading early and often matters.
UTMB nurse practitioner Ruth Diamampo Jetty sits at a computer in a clinical exam room, smiling at the camera. She wears a dark jacket over scrubs and has a stethoscope around her neck.

How poor sleep undermines women's weight, mood, and memory in midlife

Many women accept poor sleep as a normal part of midlife, but chronic sleep deprivation can affect weight, memory, mood, and overall health. UTMB Health nurse practitioner Ruth Jetty says prioritizing sleep is essential to improving physical and emotional well-being.
A group of seven healthcare professionals stands together in a hospital hallway, posing for a group photo. The group includes four men and three women, dressed in a mix of professional and casual attire.

What palliative care really means for patients with serious illness

Palliative care is not end-of-life care. It can begin at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatment, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. UTMB palliative care specialist Dr. Moustafa El Sayed explains how the specialty supports the whole person and helps patients and families navigate serious illness, treatment decisions, and difficult conversations.
An older man walks from his bedroom to a brightly lit bathroom during the night, illustrating nighttime bathroom trips associated with an enlarged prostate.

You don't have to live with enlarged prostate symptoms

BPH is a common, treatable condition in men that can cause frequent urination, interrupted sleep, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life. Medications and minimally invasive procedures offer effective treatment options, and men do not have to accept bladder symptoms as a normal part of aging.
A woman stands at a workstation in a medical exam room, entering information into a computer beside medical equipment. The clinical setting includes an exam sink, cabinets, blood pressure monitor, and other patient-care supplies.

Midlife sleep problems might point to apnea

Sleep apnea can affect women differently than men, with midlife symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, headaches, mood changes, and night sweats often mistaken for menopause. Recognizing the signs and seeking an evaluation can lead to effective treatment, better sleep, and improved overall health.
Dr. Laura Porterfield and Christen Walcher, MPAff, stand side by side in a primary care clinic at UTMB Health. The pair collaborated on research published in Annals of Family Medicine examining the paradoxes of integrating social care into primary care.

UTMB Health physician explores the complex realities behind social care in primary care

A UTMB family medicine physician is helping reshape how healthcare addresses social needs. New research explores surprising paradoxes in social care — and why embracing complexity could lead to better outcomes for patients and providers.
Clinician places a small vial on an exam table beside four color-coded vials while a seated patient looks on in an examination room.

Allergy shots: A long-term solution for lasting relief

Instead of simply managing symptoms season after season, immunotherapy works to retrain the immune system and reduce the overall allergic response. For many patients, that means fewer sick days, better sleep, less medication, and more freedom to enjoy daily life.
Illustration shows people at different stages of life, with symbols representing physical activity, nutrition, preventive screening, and healthy aging. The figures appear in four connected panels with health-related icons and a tree in the background.

Health care for the ages: preventive screenings you shouldn’t skip

Staying proactive with both physical and mental health checkups is a simple step that can have a life-saving impact.
Health care provider in a white coat seated in an exam room, speaking with a patient whose back is to the camera. Medical posters, a sink, and a window with blinds are visible in the room.

Medicare GLP-1 coverage just changed: What to know about the new $50-a-month program

By bridging the gap between specialized clinical care, integrated pharmacy support and expanded coverage, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program is changing how obesity treatment is delivered. Learn how UTMB helps streamline the process so patients can focus on their health rather than paperwork.
Tammy Jimenez and Aimee Jackson stand together at a UTMB Health WIC clinic, smiling for the camera near the clinic’s reception area.

UTMB secures record $10.3 million to expand WIC services across Southeast Texas

UTMB Health secured a record $10.3 million in USDA funding for its WIC program, nearly $1 million more than last year. The funding will expand nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food resources across Southeast Texas.
Open lunch container with a sandwich and sliced apples on a table, with a banana nearby and hands reaching toward the food.

Smart school-day nutrition: Breakfasts, lunches and snacks that help kids learn and thrive

Balanced breakfasts, lunches, and after-school snacks can help children stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. Get practical school-day nutrition tips from UTMB Health.
A female health care provider in a white coat sits across from an older man at a table during an office visit. The man rests a hand on their chest while the provider takes notes on a clipboard.

Talking to your primary care provider about mental health

You don’t need the perfect word — or a crisis — to start the conversation about stress, anxiety, or depression with your primary care provider.
Two people sit across from each other at a round table with microphones, participating in a recorded discussion in front of a dark curtain backdrop. A coffee cup, papers, and mobile phones are visible on the table.

Stay connected after bariatric surgery, understand new obesity treatments

Following positive feedback from patients and viewers, Sarah Samreen, MD, and Andrea Stark, DO, returned for another discussion about obesity care, long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery, and the rapidly evolving treatment landscape.
Two children with backpacks travel down a tree-lined residential street, one riding a bicycle and the other on a scooter while wearing a helmet.

Bike and scooter safety: Back-to-school tips for safe rides and outdoor play

Help kids ride safely this school year with bike, scooter and helmet safety tips from UTMB Health, including helmet fit, visibility, riding rules and when to seek care after a fall.
Two people jog on a paved path along a shoreline, with rocks, beach, ocean waves, and clouds visible in the background.

UTMB is redefining what it means for Texans to live long, healthy lives

Through programs that support healthy living to innovative heart health studies, the institution shows that healthcare starts long before treating an illness.
Hands rinse a head of leafy green lettuce under running water in a kitchen sink while fresh vegetables sit nearby on a countertop. Thoroughly washing produce and practicing good hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of Cyclospora infection.

More than a stomach bug, Cyclospora can cause weeks of severe illness

Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite that can cause weeks of severe diarrhea, fatigue, and stomach cramps after consuming contaminated produce or water. UTMB Health experts urge early testing, treatment, hydration, and safe food handling to prevent complications.
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