Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

Complex fractures, joint injuries, and post-traumatic complications often require advanced surgical expertise and thoughtful reconstruction. Boris Zelle, MD, MBA, FAAOS, FAOA, recently joined UTMB’s Orthopedics team, bringing extensive experience with comprehensive trauma care.

With advanced expertise in stroke care, aneurysm treatment, and interventional neurology, Ali Fadhil, MD, brings a decade of rigorous training and clinical experience to UTMB.

Muhammad Musab Shamim, MD, finds retina surgery to be a uniquely immersive experience – one that combines precision, patience, and profound impact.

With a deep commitment to academic medicine, patient-centered care, and surgical excellence, Matthew Hutter, MD, MPH, MBA, brings nationally recognized leadership to his new role as Chair of UTMB’s Department of Surgery. Dr. Hutter arrives with a strong track record in surgical quality and safety.

A new addition to UTMB Health's ENT service, Felix Maldonado Chapa, MD, has devoted his career to restoring dignity, function, and hope through surgical innovation. In his practice today, he provides surgical management and follow-up care for head and neck cancers and advanced reconstructive procedures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UTMB’s newest addition to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences brings three decades’ worth of knowledge and experience to the Galveston area. To longtime UTMB patients, he is also a trusted and familiar presence. Fredericus (Erik) van Kuijk, MD, PhD, previously spent 16 years at UTMB. After retiring from the University of Minnesota last year, he returned earlier this year to resume caring for the community he called home for so long.

An oral cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but a skilled surgeon with specialized training can provide the expert care needed to safely and effectively remove the tumor. What UTMB’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) team provides is an above-and-beyond solution for these cancers. The team not only removes the cancer in the jawbone but also reconstructs the entire structure of the jaw in a single session, termed “Jaw in a Day.”

Previously, patients with benign hematologic disorders were referred to hematology specialists. This was not always necessary or practical as most hematology specialists are trained to handle cancerous blood conditions. Today, primary care providers are equipped with the knowledge necessary to help their patients manage non-cancerous blood conditions, like anemia or clotting disorders. UTMB’s John Sealy Diagnostic Center seeks to make this even easier.

The human body is like a puzzle, with all of its parts fitting together to complete a picture of health. When a piece goes missing or does not fit, the body’s systems may not work as they should. This is where a physician comes in, applying their expertise to solve the puzzle and help the patient feel healthy – and whole – again. This perspective inspired Israa Ali, MD, to pursue endocrinology and continues to drive her passion for patient care.

The Division of Rheumatology at UTMB is experiencing significant growth—bringing expanded access, more treatment options, and, most importantly, much-needed relief to patients suffering from a wide range of often painful and chronic conditions. Rheumatic diseases primarily affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. These disorders are frequently driven by autoimmune and inflammatory processes, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

With a mission to provide area patients with high-quality, comprehensive orthopedic care, UTMB’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation continues to enrich its faculty roster with new talent. Burak Altintas, MD, joined the department last year, increasing access to critical orthopedic services on the mainland.

The feeling of being constantly unable to breathe can be agonizing, with significant implications for one’s quality of life. While medications may provide relief to many, some patients experience persistent sinus issues that require an expert approach and more advanced interventions. The field of Rhinology is dedicated to solutions for nasal and sinus conditions.

With a goal to enhance Nephrology programs at UTMB, the institution welcomed a new chief last September. Ajay Israni, MD, MS, arrived with extensive experience, a vision for growth, and excitement for the tremendous potential he saw at UTMB. Now, UTMB is on track to emerge as a leader in kidney care.

UTMB’s capacity to provide the full breadth of vision care continues to grow, as the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences builds upon its team with talented new additions. Ashley Nickens, MD, brings experience with common ophthalmologic conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.