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. Cynthia Binder joined UTMB Health Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 2002. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she also earned her medical degree. Dr. Binder holds a bachelor's degree from Baylor University.

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Binder enjoys providing healthcare and education to her patients and their families. Additionally, she enjoys teaching medical students and residents.

Dr. Binder enjoys all aspects of Pediatrics, but has a special interest in preventive medicine, infectious disease, and the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Dr. Binder is bilingual in English and Spanish.

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.

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

Dr. Varghese is a physician at the Victory Lakes Town Center Clinic in League City. Dr. Varghese completed his medical residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler, Texas, where he served as Chief Resident. While clinically trained in a broad scope of medicine, his expertise includes adult and children's health, minor procedures, and preventative care.

As a physician, my patient care practices are centered around three core beliefs. First, I believe that patient autonomy should be respected. Both patient's beliefs and evidence-based medicine should be incorporated into workup and treatment plans as every patient is different. Secondly, I believe that teamwork is essential to provide the best possible care. I aim to use the knowledge and expertise of other health professionals to do so. Lastly, I believe in the importance of preventative care, which we achieve through education, screening, and counseling.

Ultimately, Dr. Varghese's goal is to address the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health. Dr. Varghese wants to partner with his patients to empower them to restore their wellness.

No Biography details to display.

Dr. Amber Hairfield joined UTMB Pediatrics as faculty in 2011. She is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Hairfield received her doctorate from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She also completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX.

Dr. Hairfield has a special interest in medical education and is currently serving as the Pediatric Residency Program Director at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston.

In addition to serving in various medical education committees, Dr. Hairfield also serves in a few UTMB Quality Improvement committees for academic pediatric clinics