Dr. Julia Tripple is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, specializing in Allergy and Immunology. She received her MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and completed residency training with the Tinsley Harrison Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Alabama. Following residency, Dr. Tripple returned to UTMB to complete her Fellowship in Allergy & Immunology.

Dr. Tripple cares for patients with a variety of allergic and immunologic diseases and has particular interest in nasal allergies and immunotherapy (allergy shots), asthma, drug allergies and chronic hives/angioedema. Her focus is on providing patient-centered, evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Tripple is board certified by the American Board of Allergy & Immunology and is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI), the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI), and the Texas Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society (TAAIS).

Dr. Mariam Khan’s journey into medicine began with a passion for primary care, driven by the desire to build enduring relationships with patients from childhood through their golden years. While completing her medical degree at UTMB, she was initially drawn to pediatrics, and ultimately found her calling in UTMB’s Family Medicine residency program, influenced in part by her husband’s great experience within UTMB.

Dr. Khan's commitment to UTMB didn't end with her training; she chose to stay on as a practicing physician after completing her residency in 2023 and lives in the area. This decision was influenced by the camaraderie among UTMB graduates who have chosen to remain at the institution. She appreciates the stability and strong connections that come from this tight-knit community of medical professionals.

In her clinical practice, Dr. Khan's special interests lie in preventative health and evidence-based medicine, and during residency, was recognized for her dedication to compassionate care with the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence Teaching Award. She thrives on the daily challenges of her role and takes an approach involving motivational interviewing to empower her patients in managing various health issues, whether related to mental health or chronic conditions like diabetes. Her persistence and ability to connect with her patients shine through as she helps them navigate their health journey. Outside of her medical career, she cherishes family time, enjoys traveling, and has a passion for cooking.

Dr. Ann Jimerson is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. She received her BA from The University of Texas at Austin. She then completed MD at Texas Tech Health Science Center in Lubbock, TX and her Pediatric residency at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Jimerson specializes in General Pediatrics, with a special interest in adolescent medicine and asthma.

Before joining UTMB in 2014, Dr. Jimerson was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University Medical Group in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Jimerson is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Audrey Dorsey achieved her Doctorate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. Audrey is passionate about providing excellent primary care to pediatric patients of all ages.

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Priya Mathai is a Family Nurse Practitioner with UTMB since 2019. She received her BSN from India and her Master's Degree in nursing from Texas Woman's University, Houston.

A decorated veteran that served in the Medical Corps in Iraq, Dr. Neely-Shelmire is a board-certified pediatrician with a passion for partnering with parents to raise healthy children through wellness goals, good nutrition, physical activity, healthy sleep habits, and an approach that balances the physical, emotional and developmental aspects of being a child. A parent herself with two adult sons and a host of nieces and nephews, she enjoys spending her free time running, kayaking and with family. She holds professional memberships with the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Pediatric Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Catholic Medical Association. Awards and honors she’s received during her career include:

• Combat Medic Badge
• National Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal
• (2nd)Army Commendation Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Army Service Ribbon
• Pediatrics Resident/Intern Award
• Service Leadership Award
• Dean’s Honor Roll
• Honor Scholar

Juanita has been an FNP working in Pediatrics for UTMB for about 15 years.  She speaks both English and Spanish.  Her certification is through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.  She is also a member or Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society.  Although working with children is her passion, some special interests include working with animals and boxing.

Debra Sharp, MSN, CNM is a graduate of University of Texas Medical Branch, where she obtained her MSN. Ruth specializes as an experienced certified nurse midwife. Her clinical interests include Midwifery.

Brenda Pickhardt, CNM is a Maternal Child Health Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, with UTMB Regional Maternal & Child Health Program since 2011. Ms. Pickhardt is a nationally certified by American Midwifery Certification Board. Brenda received both her Bachelor in Science in Nursing and Master's Degree in Nursing focusing on Nurse Midwifery at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Ms. Pickhardt is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Along with caring for patients not only in the clinic setting but also in Labor & Delivery and Postpartum, Ms. Pickhardt is a Regional Director for the Regional Maternal & Child Health Program. Ms. Pickhardt continues to be an advocate for all women.