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.

Nancy Ross comes from a long line of health care professionals and is a long time nurse, first specializing in cardiac surgery, then wanting more patient contact, obtained her master's degree and becoming a Nurse Practitioner. From there Nancy worked in a private solo practice in Alvin for three years, enjoying seeing a wide variety of patient conditions, including our older patients. Upon coming to UTMB, Nancy worked with oncology patients in the Department of Surgery before working in primary care and enjoyed the professional challenges of working with the patient population.

A recurrent theme of Nancy's career is that she enjoys challenges and learning at every opportunity to provide the best outcomes for her patients. When her mother retired at 67 from nursing, her mother found new challenges to enjoy in a new career as a published poet and author. Nancy took this to heart, understanding that every phase of life is a challenge to be relished and enjoyed. Nancy also enjoys quilting, baking, travelling and reading a good book.

Jillian was born and raised in the Houston area. She initially received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing in 2010. She graduated in 2017 with her Master's Degree in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Science Innovation, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Jillian joined the UTMB Community Based Clinics (CBC) in Webster in August 2017. She moved to UTMB CBC Friendswood location in 2022. She was a Registered Nurse from 2010-2017 before starting her role as a Nurse Practitioner. Her experience as a bedside nurse primarily includes a women's health background.

Jillian is board certified in Family Medicine as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Jillian enjoys spending time hiking, traveling and fishing with her children and husband. She is an avid Texas Longhorn and Houston Astros fan.

Dr. Ikram joined UTMB Health's Department of Family Medicine in 2023. He currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor and will serve as faculty on the Family Medicine Inpatient Service as well as see patients at all three of our Family Medicine Clinics - Dickinson, Island East and Island West.

Dr. Ikram earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center Medical School in Fort Worth, Texas. and completed his family medicine residency training at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Dr. Ben-Okoli's special interests include prevention, health maintenance, integrative medicine, counseling and adult medicine. He is dedicated to patient empowerment and patient education which are essential to helping patients achieve their medical, mental and social health goals. He is looking forward to developing lifelong relationships with his patients and their families.

Rosana Draper, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC is a graduate of University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, where she obtained her MSN as well as her PhD. Rosana specializes as an experienced board certified nurse practitioner. Her clinical interests include family medicine, healthy lifestyles and diabetes care.

Leslie Nabors was born in Mississippi and moved to Texas early in her childhood. She stayed in this great state and pursued a Bachelor's of Science in Health at Texas A&M University. After graduating from Texas A&M, she worked for a year in the Texas Medical Center where she prepared for enrollment into the physician assistant program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She finished her training and graduated with a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies in August 2015. She is currently treating patients at the UTMB Health Family Medicine clinic in Angleton, Texas.

Dr. Karl Crudo is board certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He completed his residency at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital - Forbes Campus in Pittsburgh, Pa., and received his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines.

Maria Escamilla is a certified nurse practitioner. She graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing from UTMB and her clinical interests include occupational medicine and family practice medicine.

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.