UTMB News Articles

  • A snow-covered mountain peak rises above a layer of clouds, with sharp ridgelines visible against a clear blue sky, including 3 people holding a UTMB flag.

    UTMB Health pediatric ENT specialist pursues excellence at every altitude

    Having scaled five of the renowned Seven Summits, Dr. Harold Pine, UTMB Health pediatric ENT, plans to attempt the tallest one, Mount Everest, in 2027. But first, he will embark on a Mount Everest medical mission this month, providing round-the-clock medical care for conditions such as altitude-related illnesses, frostbite, and injuries.

  • A middle-aged couple stands together outdoors near the water, smiling at the camera. The man wears a baseball cap and gray long-sleeve shirt, while the woman wears a Texas A&M T-shirt and rests her hand on his chest.

    Against the odds, UTMB Health and EMS give cardiac arrest patient a second chance at life

    Blaine Pogue suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a gym workout in Dickinson, and a rapid “chain of survival" — including bystander CPR, EMS response, and emergency care at UTMB Health — kept him alive after 34 minutes without a pulse. Despite low odds of survival, swift defibrillation, continuous resuscitation, and advanced hospital treatment restored his heartbeat, allowing him to recover.

  • Max Wintermark appears in this headshot wearing a white coat feature an orange and blue UTMB logo.

    Researchers double success rate of initial depression treatment with MRI-guided approach

    A collaborative team of researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and Stanford University has published an article in Nature Mental Health showing how MRI can guide treatment decisions for patients with depression. The precision medicine approach doubles the success rate of initial treatment.

  • Limiting children's screen time this summer

    UTMB psychologist Kim Gushanas talks about the risks of too much screen time for children and realistic ways for families to create healthier habits this summer.

  • About two dozen diverse medical students stand on outdoor steps, smiling and raising one finger to celebrate being first in their families to attend medical school, wearing matching light shirts in front of a brick staircase.

    Breaking new ground as first in family to pursue medicine

    For first-generation medical students, earning a white coat represents not only years of hard work, but also breaking new ground for their families and expanding what feels possible for those who follow. At UTMB, students like Ronaldo Tijerina and mentors like Dr. Mahwish Khan are building a supportive community that helps first-in-family students navigate challenges, find mentorship, and turn personal experiences into purpose-driven careers.

  • Scientists race to develop Ebola drugs as outbreak surges

    The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is evaluating whether to trial the only approved Ebola vaccine, called Ervebo, which was first proven effective during the 2014–16 outbreak in West Africa. The vaccine is highly effective against Ebola Zaire, but it’s unclear how well it would work against Bundibugyo virus, said Thomas Geisbert, a virologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. "It's kind of a coin flip," he said.

  • WHO: Ebola outbreak in Africa deemed an emergency

    "Ebola Zaire is the one that got all the attention, for very good reasons," said Susan McLellan, director of the biocontainment care unit at the University of Texas Medical Branch. The development of medical countermeasures, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, is less advanced for Bundibugyo, she said.

  • Key enzyme ATR protects DNA during replication stalls

    The study reveals that ATR plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the cell's DNA replication machinery when faced with challenges such as damaged genetic material. By preventing chromosomes from breaking during replication stalls, ATR acts as a guardian of the genome, preserving the fidelity of DNA replication processes.

  • A healthcare provider in a white coat sits facing a patient in an exam room, using a plastic anatomical model to explain a medical concept. The patient, seated on an exam table, listens attentively as they engage in a calm, one-on-one discussion.

    Path to endometriosis diagnosis begins with listening to symptoms

    Jules Meadows endured years of debilitating, unexplained menstrual pain beginning at age 8, facing repeated dismissal from doctors before finally being diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis in her early 20s. After surgery and ongoing treatment, her symptoms have significantly improved, and she now advocates for awareness and earlier diagnosis of the often-overlooked condition.

  • Patient satisfaction surveys: How and why to use them

    “Healthcare is complex and matrixed, and it’s assumed that we deliver excellent care, but we need validation from our patients on whether we are hitting our mark,” says Stephanie Guzik, MBA, BSN, RN, CHRC, vice president of patient experience and patient services at the University of Texas Medical Branch. “Patient satisfaction surveys are an important barometer because they provide direct, unfiltered insights into the experiences and expectations of the patients, their family and communities we serve.”

  • Galveston tourism leaders discuss workforce shortages, off-season tourism at industry summit

    Communities investing in recreation, fitness and wellness amenities increasingly attract visitors seeking outdoor experiences and health-oriented travel year round, Craig Kovacevich, UTMB associate vice president of Waiver Operations and Community Health Plans, told The Daily News. “What studies and results show in many communities is people make healthier choices,” Kovacevich said. “They often see the workforce becoming more stable and they often see the retention rate of employees going up.”

  • Children of various ages wearing backpacks walk along a tree‑lined campus walkway, viewed from behind, with buildings visible to the side in warm daylight.

    When kids talk about gun violence, other kids listen

    UTMB pediatric surgeon Dr. Bindi Naik‑Mathuria is leading a CDC‑funded, youth‑driven program to prevent firearm violence among middle school–aged children. The Rise Up! initiative engages young people as peer messengers to address community violence early.

  • A smiling clinician in scrubs and a surgical cap sits in a chair, holding hands with a woman seated across from him in a clinic room, as they talk. A floral painting hangs on the wall behind them.

    Is hormone therapy right for your menopause symptoms? Ask the doctor

    Hormone replacement therapy can be life-changing for women navigating menopause, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. UTMB expert Dr. Truong Nguyen explains how personalized care, risk assessment, and evolving guidance are helping women make informed choices about HRT.

  • Life lessons from garden wisdom

    "Go ahead, get dirty. Enjoy the clouds, the wind, the sun, the rain, the blooms and sprouts in the garden. If you don’t have space for one, maybe even a forlorn, struggling houseplant can use your love." - Dr. Victor S. Sierpina, member of the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine, and a professor emeritus of Family Medicine at the The University of Texas Medical Branch.

  • Diphtheria isn’t gone, just forgotten

    Drs. Megan Berman, a professor of internal medicine, and Richard Rupp, a professor of pediatrics, at the University of Texas Medical Branch discuss how quickly progress can unravel and how difficult it is to regain control once an outbreak takes hold.

  • “Three people stand on a brick walkway outside a campus building. One adult holds a baby wearing a light-colored outfit and cap. Another adult stands nearby in a light patterned dress and glasses. Trees, planters, and buildings appear in the background.”

    A joyful homecoming for the tiniest miracles at UTMB Health

    About 50 families returned to UTMB Health for the 20th annual Preemie Reunion Prom, celebrating the growth and resilience of children who once began life in the NICU under uncertain conditions. The emotional event reunited families with caregivers, highlighting lasting bonds and the life-changing impact of neonatal care.

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