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.

I grew up in Clear Lake myself, so I was very excited to become a part of this UTMB Clear Lake family. I attended the University of Houston – Main Campus for my bachelor’s degree, and I completed my medical training (medical school and my pediatric residency) in the large Texas Medical Center in Houston. In 2023, I moved back to Clear Lake so that I could give back to this wonderful community.

I have a wonderful husband, and we are lucky to have both our families and fur-siblings in the area. My hobbies include playing tennis (when it’s not too hot outside), playing the piano, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Pediatrics has been my calling since high school. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be able to educate and comfort patients and their family members in some of their most stressful times. I love that I get to watch these children grow from newborns into wonderful young adults and help them along the way.

Being a growing child (or even raising one) isn’t easy! Every patient brings their own story, challenges, and personality, and each of them has something to teach me. I just strive to be a positive light during their journeys and work to keep my patients safe, healthy, and happy.

Dr. Michael Binder received his MD from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX and completed his pediatrics internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Binder is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. His clinical interests include all aspects of pediatrics and seeing his patients develop through the physical, emotional and social health through infancy through adolescence and young adulthood.

Alma Chavez began her career as a licensed vocational nurse and worked with the indigent at Harris County Hospital District for 5 years. Striving to advance her skills, she received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1999. It was then that she continued to work with the indigent spending eleven years as a specialty trained RN, providing well child exams to children of all ages. Her passion for patient care then drove her to earn her Master's of Science in Nursing from UTMB, specializing in family practice.

Alma is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and joined the family of caregivers at UTMB Health Pediatrics, Texas City in 2012.

Dr. Syed K. Kazmi joined UTMB Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 1994. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He received his doctorate from Universidad Technologica de Santiago Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and his masters of public health from Tulane School of Public Health in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Kazmi has a special interest in community health education and the uses of homeopathic medicines, earning a diploma in Homeopathy from Galein College, United Kingdom.

In addition to serving as the Medical Director of UTMB Health Pediatrics in Alvin, Dr. Kazmi is the Medical Director of a Houston based charity clinic. He is an active member of the community, working with the Alvin Independent School District as a consultant and as the Alvin City Health Officer.

Dr. Kazmi sees general pediatric patients and is multi-lingual in English, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Dr. Maria P. Nguyen joined the UTMB Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 2001. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston after earning her doctor of medicine from Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned two bachelor's degrees from the University of California at Irvine, one in biology and one in psychology.

Dr. Nguyen is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Nguyen's passion is to provide high quality and compassionate medical care.

She has special interests in asthma management and adolescent medicine.

Her dedication to educating medical students earned her the following honors: UTMB Community Preceptor Award in 2012 and Teacher of Distinction (TOP DOC) Award in 2019 and 2012.

Dr. Nguyen is fluent in both English and Vietnamese.

Dr. Propst is a fellowship trained physician in Primary Care Sports Medicine. His clinical interests include many sports injuries, aches and pains including concussions, sprains, strains, simple fractures. Additionally, his training allows him to investigate nutritional and lifestyle factors that may predispose athletes to repetitive injuries or decrease their performance regardless of their sport.

Dr. Priscila Emmanuel Martinez was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio in San Antonio, TX. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX and subsequently completed her residency in Pediatrics at UTMB.

Her major areas of interests consist of urgent care, adolescent medicine and patient advocacy. She is also interested in medical student and resident teaching.

When not working in the office, Dr. Martinez enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She has a passion for singing and is fond of swimming.

Dr. Crystal Sierra joined UTMB Health in November 2010.  After completing her undergraduate studies at The University of Texas - Pan American in Edinburg, Texas, Dr. Sierra earned her medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2006. In 2009, she completed her Residency in Pediatrics at UTMB. Prior to working for UTMB, Dr. Sierra worked as a pediatrician in Clear Lake.

Dr. Sierra is board certified by The American Board of Pediatrics. She is also certified in Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She has her Texas medical license, and is a member of The American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Sierra is married to Dr. James T. Sierra, a dentist in Friendswood, and they have two beautiful daughters, Gabriella and Francesca.  Dr. Sierra is fluent in Spanish and also enjoys reading and traveling with her family in her spare time.  She has enjoyed living in the area, and is excited to be giving back to the community!

Benjamin found his passion for healthcare while serving in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Shortly after moving back to Texas, he attended The University of Texas Medical Branch to obtain his Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Benjamin went on to earn his Master’s of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from The University of Texas Medical Branch as well.

Benjamin is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. Benjamin also enjoys spending time as a Clinical Instructor for the School of Nursing at UTMB Galveston, where he is able to share his knowledge and experiences as a healthcare professional with future nurses.

Benjamin enjoys fishing, running, spending time with his wife and two rescue dogs, and staying active in church. He focuses on a holistic approach to patient care with an emphasis on disease prevention.