Galveston Island is recognized worldwide for its health care and medical research advances. Island residents have the peace of mind in knowing that the most advanced health care technologies and the best-trained medical staffs are easily accessible.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) is a leading academic medical center dedicated to health science education, high-quality patient care, cutting-edge research and service to the community.

Located on the east end of Galveston Island, UTMB operates six hospitals in Galveston, which collectively constitute one of  the 14 health facilities in Texas that have earned Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence. UTMB also operates the Austin Women’s Hospital in Austin, and an extensive network of campus- and community-based clinics that offer primary and specialty care to serve the health needs of Texans in east, southeast and central Texas.

Hundreds of thousands of patients from Galveston and beyond seek care at UTMB every year. In addition to its hospitals and clinics, UTMB operates a Level 1 trauma center and specially designed Children’s Emergency Room. Clinical areas of excellence include women’s, infants’ and children’s health; ophthalmology; surgery and its subspecialties; the Center for Weight Management, breast imaging and care, ear, nose and throat care, adult and pediatric burns care, gastroenterology and diabetes care. The university’s comprehensive geriatrics programs features the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit, designed to help hospitalized seniors maintain their independence.

With the largest telehealth program in the world, UTMB is able to provide the medical expertise of its staff to remote areas that would otherwise be unable to access this level of care.

Biomedical research at UTMB delves into a broad range of promising topics that often have immediate application to patient care. Among the numerous areas of research strength are neuroscience and neurological recovery; gastrointestinal health; environmental health and asthma; infectious diseases, biodefense and vaccine development; cancer; molecular medicine, structural biology and proteomics; aging; and diabetes.

The University of Texas Medical Branch is in the process of investing over $300 million in campus facilities. This investment includes the Galveston National Laboratory which, when completed in 2008, will be one of just two national biocontainment laboratories constructed under grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. With more than 12,000 employees, the university is the largest employer in Galveston County, and among the largest employers in the Houston-Galveston area. Jobs attributable to UTMB numbered 19,000 in 2002, and the university’s impact on Galveston County business volume topped $305 million.

Since 1952, Mainland Medical Center has been saving lives and improving the quality of life. Each year, over 62,000 outpatient procedures are performed and more than 8,000 persons are admitted to Mainland Medical Center from the greater Galveston County region.

In order to give their patients the best care, they are committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities and techniques. Their operating rooms, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department are all on the leading edge of technology. As such, physicians and staff are able to stay abreast of the latest developments in their specialties. The physicians on Mainland Medical’s staff are highly skilled professionals who have knowledge in all areas of medical care. In fact, 78 percent of the medical staff is board certified and offers expertise in primary care, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, women’s health, psychology, surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, plastic surgery, urology and pediatrics.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, an accrediting agency for hospitals whose mission is to improve the quality of healthcare provided to the public, accredits Mainland Medical Center with commendation. Only one percent of hospitals nationwide receive this commendation, which is the highest level of accreditation awarded.

Mainland Medical Center is located on the corner of Emmett F. Lowery Expressway and Highway Three in Texas City, easily accessible from all areas of Galveston County.