Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

February’s Cancer Prevention Month highlights the importance of early intervention, risk reduction, and timely screening in reducing cancer burden. Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) play a critical role in advancing these efforts across the continuum of care.

The Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics within the Department of Pediatrics at UTMB Hospitals is expanding its Advanced Practice Provider workforce with the integration of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). This addition reflects an intentional evolution of the division’s care model in response to the increasing prevalence, complexity, and acuity of pediatric mental, behavioral, developmental, and learning concerns.

We are proud to recognize Leslie Johnstone, PA-C, Pediatric Physician Assistant at UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Bay Colony, as a "40 Under 40 of Galveston County" honoree for 2025. At just 36 years old, she exemplifies the dedication, leadership, and compassion that define the very best of advanced practice providers in our community.

We are proud to recognize our Geriatric Advanced Practice Providers and colleagues for their grant-funded publication recently featured in Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine. Congratulations also to Dr. Tammie Michael on recognition by the Department of Internal Medicine!

In September, we celebrated Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week, which is a time dedicated to honoring the skill, dedication, and essential role APPs play within our healthcare teams. From Sept. 22 through 26, our institution, along with many others across the country, took time to recognize the critical contributions of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Physician Assistants (PAs).

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.

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.

As healthcare systems evolve to meet the complex needs of an aging population, one model stands out for its compassion, accessibility, and patient-centered approach: the Geriatric House Call Program. At UTMB, the Geriatric House Call Program has become a vital service for older adults who are no longer able to visit traditional clinic settings.

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, the role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) continues to expand beyond direct patient care. Reflecting this progression, Dr. Allison Mitchell, a highly respected APP within the UTMB Division of Nephrology, has recently been appointed as the new Nephrology APP Lead.

One of UTMB’s most cherished traditions is the Preemie Reunion, an annual event that brings together former NICU patients, their families, and the care teams who supported them through the earliest and most fragile days of life. Thanks to Dr. Keleigh Warnke, NNP-in-Chief for UTMB Neonatal Nurseries, for sharing insights into this special event.

A new community-based clinic is opening its doors this month in Lake Jackson, bringing accessible and high-quality primary and urgent care services to the region. The clinic is staffed by a team of highly experienced and compassionate providers, each bringing unique strengths and deep commitment to patient-centered care.

Dr. Aimee Jackson recently joined UTMB as Senior Director of Clinical and Administrative Operations for Regional Women’s Services and Pediatrics (RWSP). She brings three decades of valuable health care experience to the role. Dr. Jackson graciously took the time to discuss her return to UTMB and share more about herself.

This month we are featuring a Q&A about migraine management, with Brandi Pipes, ANP-C, Nurse Practitioner in the Department of Neurology. She has 10 years’ experience in neurology serving in both inpatient and outpatient capacities, with a passion for providing the best care for each patient as an individual with unique needs.

This month we are featuring a Q&A on menopausal care, with Ricshonda "Nickie" Milburn, DNP, MBA, APRN, WHNP-BC, RNFA, Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Erika Schulze, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, was one of two providers awarded for “Going Above and Beyond for their Patients” for her diligent efforts to increase Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) in October 2024. Ms. Schulze is a Nurse Practitioner at the UTMB Health Primary Care Clinic at Marina Bay.

Colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is a malignancy that originates in the colon or rectum, integral components of the digestive system. It ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally. While it is not possible to completely prevent colon cancer, certain lifestyle modifications may help lower the risk.

UTMB celebrated Advanced Practice Provider Week from Sept. 23 to 27. One of the week's highlights was the annual APP Awards of Excellence dinner. Please join us in congratulating the outstanding APPs who were selected this year, in recognition of their commitment to their patients, their professions, and the advancement of health care. We are proud to share an excerpt from each of their nominations.

Shibi Kunjumon, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is committed to helping patients enjoy fulfilling, active lives through good bone health. At UTMB's Bone Health Clinic, Dr. Kunjumon’s role involves screening and diagnosing osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders to prevent secondary fractures.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder marked by repeated interruptions in breathing due to relaxed throat muscles blocking the upper airway. Erin Gurski, NP in the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, helps patients acclimate to treatment options for OSA.

The inaugural Urgent Care Skills Clinic was conducted on June 14, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure Advanced Practice Providers are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care grounded in evidence-based practices and prioritizing patient safety.