Austin Clinic - University Transplant Center

04/20/2026

Colon cancer is rising in younger adults. Our Chief of Gastroenterology Dr. Sandeep Patel goes on KSAT 12 & KSAT.com SA Live to tell Jada Pickett why the recommended first screening age has dropped from 50 to 45, and why earlier screening saves lives.

🩺 Dr. Patel notes that many lifestyle patterns are risk factors, and they’re getting more common: we tend to eat lots of processed food, alcohol and red meat, and poor sleep, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are contributors, he said.

👉 The good news is that there’s more screening available than ever before. Not only has the lowering of the recommended screening age made colonoscopies more available, but a primary care provider can also offer other, less invasive screening tests like f***l immunochemical (FIT) and stool DNA tests.

If those tests detect abnormalities, a colonoscopy is recommended. The colonoscopy is the most effective method with the added advantage that pre-cancerous polyps and early cancers can be detected and removed or treated immediately, improving survival and reducing deaths.

“It’s safe, it’s easy and there’s nothing to be nervous about,” Dr. Patel said.

Screening is safe, easy and can prevent colon cancer when caught early. If you’re 45+ or have a family history of colon cancer, talk to your primary care doctor about screening options.

What often is risky is waiting. Take action by using our Colon Cancer Risk Assessment to learn if you are at risk: https://universityhealth.com/colonhealth?hgcrm_channel=mass_media&hgcrm_source=other&hgcrm_agency=client&utm_source=ksat_medical_minute&utm_medium=sponsored_article&utm_campaign=colorectal_cancer_2026&hgcrm_campaignid=25381&hgcrm_tacticid=44931&hgcrm_trackingsetid=64819

04/18/2026

Did you know you can donate part of your liver or one of your kidneys to someone in desperate need of an organ transplant? Your liver will grow back to its full size, and you can live a full and healthy life with the one kidney that remains.

💙 During this National Donate Life Month, we’re highlighting the generous people who step forward to become living organ donors. Their gift gives a patient awaiting transplant the surgery they need much more quickly than if they wait for a deceased donor. And the patient’s outcome is usually better.

⏰ In her Medical Minute television message Dr. Elizabeth Thomas from University Health Transplant Institute says the first step to considering living donation is to learn about it.
Here’s where you can do just that: https://ow.ly/RkZU50YLnMl

04/17/2026

We are thrilled to kick off Fiesta 2026 with a chance for you to become a blood donor hero! Donate blood at University Health and receive a FREE limited-edition Fiesta medal! 🎊🤩

Did you know that just one blood donation can save up to three lives? By giving the gift of life, you’ll not only make a difference in our community but also earn this exclusive medal to commemorate your generosity! But hurry—these medals are going fast and are available only while supplies last! Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference, schedule today at: https://ow.ly/J7lT50YLfKv

Are you ready to make an impact?
📞 Call 210-358-2812
🗓️ Schedule your appointment
🎖️ Claim your FREE blood donor Fiesta medal today

04/14/2026

Our remarkable liver transplant team is saving lives and making history!

University Health Transplant Institute at University Hospital made history with the first-in-the-nation seven-pair living donor liver transplant exchange.

The medically and logistically complex process required matching seven remarkable people willing to donate portions of their livers with seven patients needing life-saving transplants.

Lead physician Tarunjeet Klair said the success of the exchange was a natural culmination of the work his team put into the program for both donors and patients.

Read More👉 https://ebx.sh/8jOFD3

04/14/2026

You’d never guess that the 24 kids flying down zip lines, aiming their archery bows and riding horses at our Kids Heart Camp were born with heart defects.

Before we started this annual outing three years ago, many of them had never experienced an overnight camp because of their health conditions. Now, their parents feel comfortable letting them spend a weekend here—because their doctors and medical team are right by their sides, ready to jump in if needed.

Many of these kids come back every year to do what every child wants to do: have new adventures, make some memories and get a little rowdy with friends who truly understand them. ❤️

Morgan's

04/13/2026

The wait is over! 🎉 Check out our stunning Fiesta Medal we crafted to commemorate the grand opening of our Vida Clinic and expansion into the Southside. This special design, inspired by the colorful tile mural adorning Vida's exterior, was crafted by talented South Side artist Louis Vega Treviño. His mural adds a lively touch to the community, perfectly blending art and healing.

Experience exceptional health care, where creativity meets wellness! Visit our Vida Clinic to see this extraordinary 30-foot mural for yourself.

👉 Please note while we greatly appreciate your interest, our Fiesta Medal is not available for purchase at this time.

Fiesta San Antonio

04/11/2026

Unstoppable for 5 Years Straight! 🎉

This achievement truly belongs to our outstanding team, because of your excellent care University Health has once again earned the Top Workplaces USA award issued by USA TODAY and Energage!🏆 Based entirely on employee feedback, our team happily expresses that when people feel supported and proud, incredible care follows. Huge shoutout to everyone who makes University Health one of the best places to work in South Texas. As Ed Banos, our president and CEO, says, “Our employees are the heart of University Health—passionate, compassionate, and mission-driven.”

Ready to love your job and your mission? Join our Top Workplace family today! 💙 https://ow.ly/hJXS50YHis9

04/11/2026

In case you missed it: We made NBC Nightly News tonight! Check out our liver transplant team making history with the largest living donor liver transplant chain in the U.S.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kauH7hEqWa0

More than a dozen strangers who changed each other’s lives through organ donation came together for the first time, as part of the largest liver transplant c...

04/11/2026

Tears of gratitude flowed as 7 living liver organ donors met the 7 transplant patients they saved by giving them part of their livers.

This was the largest paired living liver exchange ever performed in this country. It was possible because we have a liver transplant team with the skills and commitment to help every patient who needs a second chance at life.

The altruistic donor who agreed to give to anyone who needed his liver said: “I did it just because I could. Why wouldn’t I help someone who needed part of my liver to survive.” This is another example why the Interlink organization has recognized our liver transplant program as the best in the country four years in a row. 💙

04/09/2026

El Rey Feo's visit to University Health was truly a special one! 🎉

He brought the Fiesta to our Transplant Clinic and the Hope Hits Harder Child Life Center at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital, bringing smiles, encouragement and a spirit of hope to our patients, families and care teams. His visit was filled with heartfelt conversations, uplifting moments and a genuine connection with those on their healing journeys.

From our youngest patients to our transplant community, his presence reminded us all of the power of compassion, culture and community. 💙

Thank you, El Rey Feo, for sharing your time and inspiring hope across University Health! Viva Fiesta!

04/08/2026

Two courageous donors. Two lives saved. 🤝🩵

Meet Rachel Higginbotham, a selfless friend with a courageous heart. When a post about living organ donation appeared on her screen, her thoughts instantly turned to her dear church friend, Billy Massie. After a thorough evaluation by our transplant team, Rachel was confirmed as a match and generously donated a portion of her liver to Billy. Without hesitation, she chose to give the gift of life.

Inspired by Rachel's example, Billy’s wife Shannon decided to become a living donor, too! Knowing that the small part of her liver would grow back, Shannon offered to donate to anyone who needed part of her liver. Shannon’s donation gave 28-year-old Rozlyn Hope Bermea the transplant she needed to survive.

During this National Donate Life Month KSAT 12 & KSAT.com shared the journey of these four remarkable people. We celebrate their example and encourage others to learn about living organ donation.

You can give the gift of life by registering as a living donor at: DonateLifeTexas.org/UH.

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