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A distance of more than 300 miles didn’t stop a proud grandmother from spreading love to newborns at UT Health Tyler. Nancy Savinelli said her own six grandchildren serve as her inspiration for making the crocheted baby blankets she donates to different baby organizations, including the UT Health Tyler Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “Children are…

As more than 50 resident physicians started their training throughout East Texas this month, Dr. Christian Ferrer, a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Quitman, offers a unique perspective on the experience these residents are embarking on as part of the growing residency program partnership between The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center…

UT Health East Texas is hiring nursing students as externs while they complete their required clinical hours in a new program that benefits not only the nursing students but the hospital as well.  “Our entire vision and intent was to create an environment where students felt like they were accepted, they were treated as part…

For as long as she can remember, Marigold “Gold” Suarez, knew she wanted a career in healthcare. “I’ve always been fascinated with the healthcare industry,” said Suarez, director of therapy services at UT Health Tyler. “As far back as I could remember, even as a kid, I role-played being a doctor and considered pursuing medical…

Janice Blancad, RN, brings a servant’s heart to her job as an intermediate care nurse at UT Health Tyler. Blancad said her biggest achievement is making a difference in someone’s life. She does that by being present for her patients — actively listening to them and frequently checking to make sure they have what they…

When Jamie Morrison learned she would have to deliver her baby early because she was experiencing pregnancy complications, she wasn’t worried because of her background as a NICU nurse herself. “I was overconfident. I’ve seen these babies, I thought, ‘Oh, he’ll be fine,’” she reflects eight years later. “When you’re in that moment and it…

When Greg and Janet Kats moved to Tyler to retire a year ago, the couple turned to hobbies to stay busy, Greg using his 3D printer to create different objects and Janet crocheting blankets and stuffed animals. Greg, retired from a career in IT, makes miniature trains, dinosaurs and fidget toys with his 3D printer…

Two UT Health Athens nurses received DAISY Awards for their extraordinary on-the-job care. Stephanie Beddingfield, RN, “exhibited total patient focus, integrity, leadership, stewardship, teamwork,” according to her nomination form, written by the patient’s wife, who noted that when he was discharged, Beddingfield even pulled their truck into the loading area in the pouring rain. “She…

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re spotlighting our caregivers, the diversity they bring and the difference they make at UT Health East Texas. Velvette Davis prides herself on being a role model for others, just as those in her life have been for her. In fact, it was Davis’ cousin, six years her senior,…

It could be said that Dario Gaona has known what he wants since birth. Dario decided to surprise his parents, Leobardo Gaona Jr. and Fatima De La Hoya, by arriving six weeks before his scheduled due date. And now, at not even two weeks old, he definitely makes his desires known, especially at mealtime.  “He’s…