Heart surgery patient praises UF Health for saving her life

“I’m so grateful to be here today,” Rita Jay said. “Dr. Zeyl and Dr. Belli saved my life twice. I know how lucky I am, and I’m amazed by their skill and the…

While traveling in the Czech Republic in 2023, retired nurse Rita Jay awoke with intense chest pain. Misdiagnosed abroad, she returned home to Jacksonville and ultimately drove herself to UF Health North. Tests revealed she was experiencing an aortic dissection, a life-threatening tear in the aorta in her heart. She was rushed to UF Health Jacksonville, where cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Thomas Zey performed emergency surgery to repair the extensive damage. Six months later, a follow-up scan showed Rita had developed an aortic aneurysm in another part of her aorta, requiring a second, carefully planned surgery by Dr. Erol Belli, director of aortic surgery. With both procedures behind her, Rita completed cardiac rehab and has since returned to international travel. Her journey from crisis to recovery is a powerful testament to her determination and the advanced, lifesaving care at UF Health Jacksonville.

Keri Beats Unbearable Back Pain with Complex Spine Surgery at UF Health Jacksonville

Keri Atchley went from being a daredevil horseback rider to barely being able to get out of bed. From a yoga instructor to struggling to bend and load the…

Keri Atchley once led an active lifestyle, spending time as an equestrian, gymnast and yoga instructor. However, she endured 20 years of debilitating back pain that sometimes didn’t allow her to even get out of bed. That was before Keri underwent a complex spine surgery at UF Health and rediscovered her former self.

Veteran Finds Hope Through Deep Brain Stimulation After Parkinson's Diagnosis

Christian Villarose was in his 30s when he began to notice his right arm no longer swung naturally when he walked. Years later he would be diagnosed with…

After Christian Villarose was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at an early age, he later received treatment with deep brain stimulation, a procedure to implant a device in the brain that sends electrical impulses to areas that control movement. DBS helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms when medications are no longer effective. Call 904.383.1022 or visit UFHealthJax.org/DBS for more information.

Returning to the Field

Milo Sidlo’s Journey Back to Soccer after significant injuries.

UF Health Jacksonville Opens Second Hospital Tower on North Campus

UF Health Jacksonville cut the ribbon today on its latest expansion of UF Health North, a state-of-the-art campus that continues to grow to meet the needs of…

On July 8, 2024, UF Health and University of Florida leaders, along with faculty, staff, city officials, representatives, and other members of the community, celebrated the grand opening of the second bed tower at UF Health North with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

This six-floor tower is now open and accepting patients. It features 124 new patient rooms, a state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation unit, a new concierge wing, a larger emergency department, and more advanced patient care services. This latest expansion allows UF Health to help more patients in the fast-growing area of North Jacksonville and Nassau County.

An Unusual Headache Leads to Stroke Diagnosis

Ann Webb initially dismissed her headache, but what started as a minor inconvenience, turned out to be the first sign of a stroke.

Absolute altitude

UF Health Jacksonville gave Harvey his life back after a terrifying, life-threatening accident.

The race to save a life

David Henley is a dedicated husband, father and software engineer. He and his wife, Karen, have been married for more than 29 years and have two children…

UF Health Jacksonville TraumaOne saves a Gate River Run participant after he goes into cardiac arrest.

Risk now, walk later: A story of a spinal tumor

Juan Sanchez experienced tingling and numbness in his left foot, which prompted a visit with his UF Health Jacksonville primary care physician.

The Haley Brain Wellness Program

The UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, Brain Wellness Program started seeing patients October 2021 and its first cohort of three graduates completed the program December 2021. The Haley Brain Wellness Program is an interdisciplinary treatment program for military veterans experiencing persistent health issues associated with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries, along with associated behavioral health issues, such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and substance use disorder.

A young patient’s path to recovery

UF Health TraumaOne team saves the life of a boy who was hit by a car while riding his bike.

Conquering treatment-resistant depression

New psychiatric therapy helps patients with major depressive disorder.

UF Health Psychiatry offers transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, an FDA-approved therapy for individuals who have treatment-resistant depression.