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A calendar page with the word ‘colonoscopy’ handwritten on the 11th.”

What to expect from your first colonoscopy

March 26, 2026 • 9:48 a.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Facing your first colonoscopy? It’s quicker, easier, and more empowering than you think. Here’s what really happens—and why it could save your life.

A group of six students look intently toward the front of the room, listening to speaker presentations during the 2025 Innovation Summer Camp.

Innovation in Life Sciences Summer Camp returns for fifth year at UTMB

March 26, 2026 • 7:01 a.m. by Leslie Sanderson

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is accepting applications through April 10 for the Innovation in Life Sciences Summer Camp, a four-day immersive program designed to inspire the next generation of scientific and entrepreneurial leaders through hands-on learning and real-world problem solving.

Check your polio protection when traveling

March 26, 2026 • 12:00 a.m.

"The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised travelers to consider a polio booster when visiting about 30 countries, including destinations that might surprise people, such as the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany," Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp write in their latest column.

UTMB Health supports community wellness through expanded acupuncture services at St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic

March 25, 2026 • 2:12 p.m. by Katherine Adams

UTMB Health has expanded services at St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic to include free acupuncture, offering the community an option for managing chronic pain and related conditions.

Take simple steps to help poison-proof your home

March 25, 2026 • 12:00 a.m.

"Many people are surprised to learn that poisoning is the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, claiming more lives annually than firearms or motor vehicles," writes Jessyka Reynoso, an education specialist with the Southeast Southeast Texas Poison Control Center at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Two women smile in a bright playroom, sitting beside a children’s activity table with toys and books around them.

The quiet, calming work of child life specialists

March 24, 2026 • 8:41 a.m. by Katherine Adams

Child life specialists support children and families during medical crises by explaining procedures in kid-friendly ways, easing fear through play and preparation, and helping everyone cope with stress and uncertainty.

Match Day has relevance far beyond the personal and professional

March 24, 2026 • 12:00 a.m.

"That’s why Match Day matters — it’s both culmination and commencement. It’s also high among the reasons institutions such as the medical branch matter. When a significant share of graduates remain in Texas — and a meaningful portion stay right here in Galveston County — the return on that educational investment is tangible," writes Daily News Editor Michael Smith in an editorial on Match Day 2026

Texas invests $5M in forensic psychiatry to bolster mental health workforce

March 23, 2026 • 11:56 a.m.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced $5 million in state grants aimed at expanding forensic psychiatry fellowships at nine medical training centers across Texas, including The University of Texas Medical Branch.

Dreams delivered: Match Day 2026 sends UTMB graduates across Texas and beyond

March 20, 2026 • 5:06 p.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner and Katherine Adams

A Match Day envelope weighs no more than a few ounces, but the weight of what it carries is much heavier: It’s the weight of a career, of a life, of a future – or at least the start of one.

The best ingredient for performance and longevity is probably already in your kitchen

March 20, 2026 • 12:00 a.m.

"Coffee helps feed the brain with the aroma, the taste, and the moment," UTMB neuroscientist Dr. Agenor Limon said.

Protect your children from rotavirus through vaccination

March 19, 2026 • 1:53 p.m.

Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences faculty members Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp explain why ruling in favor of the rotavirus vaccination for your child is the smart and easy choice.

A glowing, glass-like sphere radiates golden energy at its core while surrounded by swirling blue light trails and orbit-like rings

UTMB extends Master of Science in Aerospace Medicine program

March 19, 2026 • 11:07 a.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner

The 12-month, in-person master's program opens aerospace medicine training to a wider range of health professionals and international students in Galveston–Houston.

Person working at a laptop in a home office with shelves and plants in the background.

Texas McCombs launches MD/MBA program for Houston and Galveston medical students

March 18, 2026 • 8:52 a.m. by Sally Parker, UT Austin

A new dual MD/MBA pathway is opening doors for future physician‑leaders, giving UTMB medical students an efficient route to pair clinical training with top‑tier business expertise.

Artificial intelligence being adapted into more aspects of health care

March 17, 2026 • 9:09 a.m.

Researchers have built a new AI system that may predict risks for over 1,000 diseases up to 20 years before symptoms appear. In their column, Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel ask, 'Would you want to know?"

Seven staff members of the Office of Life Support Education and Training stand together in recognition of the All-Star Award they received.

Office of Life Support Education and Training receives AHA All-Star Award

March 17, 2026 • 8:00 a.m. by Leslie Sanderson

The AHA All-Star Award recognizes training centers that deliver superior, high-quality lifesaving training to their communities. The UTMB OLSET trains about 3,500 people a year, primarily UTMB employees and students, but courses are open to the public.

A group of foods arranged on a white wooden surface, including eggs, milk, nuts, seeds, cheese, cooking oil, and flour.

Food allergy vs. food intolerance: What’s the difference?

March 16, 2026 • 1:56 p.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Food allergies and intolerances aren’t the same. Learn the key differences, symptoms, and when it’s time to see a specialist so you can eat with confidence.

A person wearing a white medical coat and a multicolored striped tie stands against a plain background. The coat includes embroidered text on the left side.

Dr. Brent Masel receives national lifetime achievement award for brain injury research

March 16, 2026 • 10:17 a.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Celebrated neurologist and longtime advocate Dr. Brent Masel has been named the 2026 NABIS Legends Award recipient, honoring a career that helped transform how the world understands and treats traumatic brain injury.

Using AI and operational strategy to transform care delivery with Dr. Salim Hayek

March 16, 2026 • 12:00 a.m.

In this episode, Salim S. Hayek, MD, Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer, and Interim Chair of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch, discusses how AI-driven referral triage and operational redesign can reduce administrative burden and improve patient access. He also shares how health systems can build strong foundations for growth amid financial pressure and regulatory uncertainty.

What are peptides and how do they impact health?

March 13, 2026 • 4:11 p.m.

"Peptides have the possibility of providing significant health benefits when used appropriately," Dr. Samuel Mathis writes in his most recent column. "However, at this time, there is not enough evidence to support those being advertised as healthy alternatives to healthy eating and regular physical activity."

Tiered water fountain in the foreground with a large modern hospital building rising behind it under a partly cloudy sky.

Accreditation team invites public to comment

March 13, 2026 • 7:18 a.m. by UTMB Police Department

An external team of campus law enforcement experts will visit UTMB this month to evaluate the police department’s commitment to professional excellence and accreditation. Learn how the community can take part in this important review.

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