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.

Brittany Menefee was born in the great state of Texas and was raised in Galveston County. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas State University in 2012. Brittany started her nursing career as an Emergency Room RN in Round Rock, Texas. She then moved back to the Houston area, to be closer to family, and began working as an Emergency Room nurse at Ben Taub Hospital. Brittany continued working at Ben Taub throughout her Master's degree program. She graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in December 2017. Brittany is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and her rescue dogs.

Ms. John joined the Department of Family Medicine in 2017.

Ms. John earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Leelabai Thackersey College of Nursing at SNDT Women's University in Churchgate, Mumbai, India. She also earned earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing, from the Prairie View A&M College of Nursing in Houston, Texas.

She is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and is licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Erika Schulze was born and raised in the Midwest in Illinois 30 minutes outside of St. Louis, MO. She completed her academic training at Goldfarb School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO. Her experience spans 16 years, which included working at Barnes Hospital as staff nurse on general medicine floor for 8 years; Pulmonary and Critical Care research at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. In 2003, Erika was accepted into graduate school at Goldfarb School of Nursing and completed Master of Science degree in Nursing with focus as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. This program was two and half years of additional medical assessment and decision training including diagnostic testing. Since completing Graduate School, she has worked in the primary care setting. She moved to Texas and started working at UTMB in January 2013.

During her time off, she enjoys her home, gardening, and time with her family and friends. She is passionate about animal welfare charities and animal fostering programs. Erika is also very passionate about the mental health of the community. She chairs a weekly support group, Nar Anon, for family and friends of those suffering from addiction.

Dr. Nicanord joined The UTMB Health Department of Family Medicine in 2017. Dr. Nicanord earned a Bachelors of Science in Biology from the Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, and a Doctorate of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. Dr. Nicanord graduated from the UTMB Family Medicine Residency Program and continued his training by earning a fellowship in Geriatrics, also at UTMB.

Dr. Priya Shah is a family physician. She received her MD from St. George's University - West Indies and completed her family medicine internship and residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, New York, an affiliate of the Mount Sinai Health System. Her clinical interests include all aspects of family medicine including preventative medicine.

 Provider is LGBTQIA+ Responsive

Laura Ellender, MSN, RN, CEN, FNP-C is a graduate of University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, where she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing. Laura specializes as an experienced board certified family nurse practitioner as well as a certified emergency nurse. Her clinical interests include all aspects of family medicine.

 Provider is LGBTQIA+ Responsive

Katie Cotta is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has been in the medical field for 12 years. She was born and raised in Texas where she obtained her degree in nursing. Katie began her career in 2010 as an RN where she first worked on Tele units for 2 years. Then in 2012 she continued her educated and obtained her bachelors in nursing. From 2012 to 2018, she worked as an RN for UTMB in Galveston. While working, in 2016 she obtained her Master's degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner through UTMB. Since starting her career as an FNP she has had 2 years in GI and 1 year in Family Practice where she was seeing women, children, and adult patients. Katie is passionate about helping others and making a difference.

Dr. Jackson has been with UTMB since 2011 when he started his medical education. After graduating from Medical School at UTMB, he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine with UTMB in Galveston. Dr. Jackson first joined the UTMB Community Based Clinics in 2018. In 2020, he transferred to UTMB/TDCJ in Galveston as the Associate Medical director and Transitional Care Unit director. Dr. Jackson is committed to taking care of the people in his community in Galveston and we are excited to have him rejoin the Community Based Clinic’s Family in 2023 as a Galveston Provider.

He is married to Maira Jackson, BSN, RN, BC, who also works for UTMB at the Galveston campus, they have 4 adorable children. Dr. Jackson enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering with the Luke Society, mentoring, traveling, cooking and gardening. He is a Veteran of the US Air Force.

Samuel Kahiu is a graduate of Texas Woman's University in Houston, where he obtained his Master of Science in Nursing. Samuel specializes as an experienced family nurse practitioner, and enjoys all aspects of family medicine and urgent care.