Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience to visit UT Health East Texas, bringing hands-on cancer education to the community. Published 1:52 pm Monday, March 23, 2026 By Special to The Watchman Tyler, TX - UT Health East Texas is proud to announce that the Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience, an immersive national education initiative, will be visiting UT Health Tyler on Thursday, March 26. The traveling exhibit offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in thoracic oncology through hands-on, interactive learning. The Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience, or TOME, truck is a state-of-the-art mobile unit developed to improve understanding of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Through multimedia exhibits, clinical education modules and guided demonstrations, healthcare professionals can learn about screening, diagnosis, treatment innovations and the importance of early detection. "We are excited to host the Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience and bring this valuable educational tool to our community," said Dr. Ghulam Abbas, a board-certified thoracic surgeon and internationally recognized leader in robotic thoracic surgery. "Increasing awareness about lung and thoracic cancers is essential to improving outcomes, and this exhibit allows people to engage with the information in a meaningful and memorable way." During its visit, the mobile unit will be open to healthcare professionals across the region. UT Health East Texas specialists also will be available on-site to answer questions and provide education about local resources, risk factors and screening options, including low-dose CT scans for lung cancer. The arrival of the Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience underscores UT Health East Texas' commitment to cancer prevention, community outreach and expanding access to education about thoracic oncology. Event Details Location: UT Health East Texas Pavilion Parking Lot, 801 Clinic Dr., Tyler Date: Thursday, March 26 Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Note: Dr. Abbas will be available for interviews at 10 a.m.) About UT Health East Texas UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes nine hospitals, more than 90 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services, an EMS fleet of more than 65 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive eight-trauma center care network, including the region's only Level 1 trauma facility. As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state.

UT Health Tyler recognized for excellence with Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation. Tyler, Texas (December 18, 2025) - The American College of Cardiology has recognized UT Health Tyler for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care. UT Health Tyler was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff's ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab. "Achieving ACC Accreditation is a powerful validation of the clinical excellence we provide every day at UT Health Tyler," said Zach Dietz, CEO of UT Health Tyler. "This recognition tells our community that when minutes matter most, they don't have to leave East Texas to find the highest standard of cardiac care. Our neighbors can trust that they are receiving nationally recognized treatment right here at home." Hospitals that have proven exceptional competency in treating patients who require cardiac catheterization have standardized their assessment process for patients before undergoing catheterization to ensure quality and patient safety. They ensure that care in the procedure room for sedation, infection control, radiation safety, universal protocol and time-out procedures is fully coordinated. They also have mastered the appropriate transfer to a cath recovery unit to better monitor and track complications, enhance physician-to-patient communication, patient family communication, discharge instructions and follow-up information. "UT Health Tylerhas demonstrated its commitment to providing East Texas with excellent heart care," said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. "ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award UT Health Tylerwith Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation." Hospitals receiving Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, a rigorous onsite review and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of cath lab patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to improved patient outcomes. "One of the most meaningful moments for me was hearing the ACC representatives, accreditation specialists who have worked with many institutions say, 'We would like to learn from you. You have done something truly amazing, and we want to share it with other institutions.' Those words affirmed the incredible level of excellence we have achieved,"said Ajay Pachika, MD. "This is a recognition of the dedication, skill and passion of the entire Cardiology Unit at UT Health Tyler. This acknowledgment shows that we didn't just meet expectations, we raised the bar. Most importantly, it reflects our promise to the community and our continued commitment to providing care that truly makes a difference." The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like UT Health Tyler access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including the cath lab.