Press Releases

All UT Health East Texas Physicians clinics will be closed Monday due to inclement weather. This includes the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at UT Health North Campus Tyler, 11937 U.S. Highway 271. Anyone who has a COVID-19 vaccine appointment Monday may come to the clinic to receive their second dose on another day next week. They will not need a scheduled appointment, but will need to bring the vaccine card they received at their first appointment.

The UT Health East Texas HOPE Breast Center added two new 3D mammography units in Tyler, providing technology that significantly increases the detection of breast cancers. This technology allows images to be divided up in multiple layers, allowing the radiologist to review one layer at a time, reducing the tissue overlap effect. This helps the radiologist find smaller cancers that may be harder to find at an earlier stage.

After welcoming a granddaughter this fall, Sharon Statler was moved to spend her time giving back so other new parents would have something special, especially in difficult times.

Statler crocheted baby blankets and hats, which she recently donated to UT Health Henderson’s Family Birthplace.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday for the new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at UT Health Tyler.

A small group of administrators and physicians gathered for a private ceremony to initiate construction of the new medical unit located on the 4th floor of the hospital. Because attendance is limited due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the ceremony also was shown live on the UT Health East Texas Facebook page.

The unit will include nine state-of-the-art neonatal beds and equipment needed to provide intensive care for sick infants in Tyler and East Texas.

Tyler, Texas (January 8, 2021) — UT Health East Texas has filled all available appointments for COVID-19 vaccines designated for high-risk members of the public.

"We had an overwhelming response to the availability of the vaccine, which allowed us to fill all slots," said Dr. Tom Cummins, chief medical officer for UT Health East Texas. "We hope the state will see the great interest by the community and allocate us additional vaccine soon."

Tyler, Texas (January 8, 2021) — UT Health East Texas on Monday will begin providing COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk members of the public. Vaccines will be given by appointment only.

With his left thumb up as the vaccination needle was withdrawn from his right arm, Gary Viljoen proclaimed, “Nothing to it,” as he received the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in East Texas.

Viljoen, director of rehabilitation services at UT Health North Campus Tyler, is actively involved on the COVID-19 units as a physical therapist and has seen firsthand the devastating effects of the virus on his patients.

Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, UT Health North Campus Tyler was named a Top Teaching Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group. Announced today, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers widely acknowledged as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality.

The deadline to join UT Health East Texas EMS is approaching. Open enrollment will close Nov. 20. Membership costs $60 for one year; current members can renew for $50.

“Membership in UT Health EMS protects insured members from costly out-of-pocket expenses because it prepays any portion of the ambulance charges not covered by insurance or Medicare, as long as it is deemed medically necessary by their insurance,” said Jimmy Zednick, UT Health EMS director of operations.