Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

The UTMB community came together to celebrate Dr. Cynthia Judice's impressive career, as she retired from UTMB on Sept. 1, 2025.

Obesity is a complex disease influenced by multiple factors, requiring targeted, evidence-based care. Physicians specializing in obesity medicine are at the forefront of this evolving field, offering comprehensive treatment strategies that address the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors contributing to weight gain. Andrea M. Stark, DO, FACP, aims to advance the standard of obesity management.

Welcome to UTMB Health!

While many associate a visit to the optometrist with getting new glasses or contact lenses, optometry encompasses far more. Patients with a wide range of vision-related conditions – especially those stemming from neurological issues – can find expert care and meaningful relief under the guidance of a skilled optometrist.

Congratulations to Maxine Aguilar, MSN, RN-BC, RDMS, Nurse Clinician IV, in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the UHC RWSP ultrasound clinic. She was the lucky winner randomly selected from all who correctly identified the front entrance of the UTMB Eye Clinic in Friendswood.

CMS created the G0136 to be used for billing the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Risk Assessment. There are certain rules and documentation requirements surrounding this code. This code is time based; time must be documented.

Presented by the UTMB Medical Staff Professionalism Committee, this award honors individuals who exemplify collegiality, competence, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement and clinical excellence. This year two allied health professionals were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Additionally, learn more about National APP Week.

Faculty members, are you due for a new headshot? The Office of the Provost will host two sessions for faculty members to drop in and take a professional headshot.

UTMB’s hyperbaric medicine program is undergoing an exciting renewal, bringing reinvigorated focus, advanced care, and expanded access to a vital area of patient treatment. UTMB recently welcomed Joseph Nevarez, MD, a highly experienced physician in wound care and hyperbaric therapy, to lead the program. With more than two decades in practice and a deep commitment to education and innovation, Dr. Nevarez ushers in a new chapter in UTMB’s mission to deliver cutting-edge care to the community.

Welcome to UTMB Health!

For many physicians, the journey into medicine is deeply personal, shaped by their own health challenges or those of their loved ones. UTMB’s Nicole Christians, MD, had a fair amount of exposure to her specialty long before she ever entered medical school. She didn’t just choose Allergy and Immunology – she lived it. Now she is treating patients with the same needs she experienced growing up.

Congratulations to Chelsi Olvera, Patient Service Specialist II at Town Center in the Internal Medicine clinic. She was the lucky winner randomly selected from all who correctly identified the main lobby of UTMB Health Primary and Specialty Care Clinic in Webster.

Per CPT Guidelines, if an abnormality is encountered or a preexisting problem is addressed in the process of performing this preventive medicine evaluation and management, and if the problem or abnormality is significant enough to require additional work to perform the key components of a problem-oriented evaluation and management service, then the appropriate office visit should also be reported.

Samantha Boggs, APRN, MSN, ACNP-BC, an advanced practice registered nurse in the Division of Gastroenterology, has a passion for liver health, metabolic disease prevention, and patient education. She aims to increase awareness of the evolving terminology around steatotic liver disease, empower healthcare professionals with up-to-date knowledge, and help patients better understand their own health risks.

UTMB’s new Division Chief of Hematology-Oncology is no stranger to the institution – but his return marks a new era for cancer care on campus. A former resident, fellow, and longtime faculty member, Maurice Willis, MD, FACP, brings not only deep institutional knowledge but also a nationally respected leadership record in oncology, shaped by years of experience.

For patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other inflammatory neurological conditions, ongoing advances in treatment options have introduced vast improvements for long-term prognosis – making it possible for patients to live longer and enjoy a greater quality of life than ever before. Bringing hope and healing to these patients is one reason Michlene Passeri, MD, finds fulfillment in her work within UTMB’s Department of Neurology.

The final unit in the Women and Children's Wing at John Sealy Hospital has opened, welcoming its first patient on July 15, 2025. The High-Risk Mother-Baby Unit on the fourth floor offers 14 additional patient rooms with beds for mothers and babies.

Congratulations to Rebekkah Mangogna, Nutritionist I at the Pearland WIC Clinic. She was the lucky winner randomly selected from all who correctly identified the exterior near the ER entrance at Angleton-Danbury Campus.

Welcome to UTMB Health!