Married for 36 years to Dr. Tommy Sim, an allergy/immunology specialist in Friendswood, TX. Dr. Sim is a proud mother of 3 children; Tom, diagnosed with Autism, graduated from University of Houston in HRM, currently employed at UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus hospital; Timmy, graduated from Baylor University with a BS in Biology, currently schooling in Computer Science at UHCL; and Theresa, graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering from UT Austin. I feel empathetic to parents with children with disability. I feel a need to share my family's story about my eldest son with Autism and maybe can inspire somebody like him to strive and succeed.

I am grateful for the opportunities that came my way. I am honored for the trust that parents have given to me to take care of their children's health. I feel rewarded when I see my patients grow up healthy and become good citizens.

Her professional associations include the Texas Pediatric Society, Bay Area Pediatric Society and the Harris County Medical Society.

She believes that good listening leads to good care and appreciates the opinions of parents.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, reading and traveling with her family.

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.

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.

Dr. Kyralessa B. Ramirez joined the UTMB League City Pediatric and Adult Primary Care clinic in January 2012.  Prior to joining UTMB, she worked for 2 years in South Houston at a pediatric private practice.

Dr. Ramirez received her medical degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo.  She attended the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston where she completed her pediatric residency in 2009.

Dr. Ramirez's clinical interests include the prevention and treatment of common pediatrics illnesses, specifically ear infections. She is interested in the treatment of eczema as well as other common skin disorders, preventive pediatrics and anticipatory guidance.  She enjoys helping new parents with their newborn babies, counseling them about breastfeeding and infant safety. Dr. Ramirez is fluent in English and Spanish.  She is married to Dr. Rafael A. Fonseca, a faculty member in the Department of Neonatology at UTMB, Galveston.  She enjoys taking care of a diverse population of patients.

After being a Labor and Delivery / Nursery / Postpartum nurse for over 9 years, I decided to further my education and pursue a career in pediatrics. I have been practicing pediatrics in the Brazosport area for the last 3 years. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate care to children as well as their families. I am married with two children and live in the Brazosport area, where I was born and raised. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, anything outdoors, and watching my son and daughter grow and excel in the extracurricular activities they are involved in.

Dr. Azhar joined UTMB's Department of Family Medicine in 1993. He attended medical school at Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India. Dr. Azhar completed his residency training in Ophthalmology at the Royal College of Surgeons in England then completed a fellowship in Neuro-Ophthalmogy at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

Dr. Azhar advanced his career by receiving additional residency training at UTMB in the Department of Family Medicine.  In addition to his doctorate degree, he earned an MBA from the University of Houston, Clear Lake.

Dr. Azhar is board certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Azhar's interests are in family medicine, ophthalmology and residency training.

Dr. Jana received her Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from Vassar College in New York and attended medical school at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at The University of Hawaii at Manoa. She completed her family medicine residency training at The University of Illinois in Chicago and went on to complete a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at The Albert Einstein Medical Center in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jana previously served as Major in the US Air Force and was an attending physician at Pope Air Force Base, Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Following her honorable discharge in 2001 Dr. Jana has had a successful civilian career, and she now joins us from University of Central Florida. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine with an additional certification in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Jana's interests are in preventative medicine, medical student education and geriatrics.

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.

Barbara Herrington graduated from Texas Women's University in 2013 and is board certified by The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Barbara is originally from New York and moved to the area in 2004. She has been in the healthcare profession since 1998.

Barbara enjoys theatre, traveling, and spending time with her three children and husband. She is bilingual in English and Serbian.

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