Dr. Uzoma Obi-Nwankwo is a Board-certified Family Physician with specialized training in Geriatric Medicine. She received her medical degree from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. She completed her Family medicine Residency training at DeTar Healthcare system-Texas A&M university program and her Geriatric Medicine Fellowship training at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Dr. Obi as she is fondly known by her patients and staff is passionate about tailoring individualized quality and compassionate care to her patients and their family’s unique needs through timely value-based care and shared decision making. She loves that she can provide medical care for all age groups and relate and serve them in a one stop, shop all manner. She funnily describes her role as PCP as that of the postal services such that she helps her patients address and bring together all information in their various aspects of health care to clarity and perspective with the goal of a healthier and functional status.

When she is not doctoring, she loves to spend time creating good memories with family and friends. She enjoys volunteering both locally and internationally, traveling, watching wrestling or action and adventure movies, learning American football and crafts and trying out new cultures and food.

Dr. Xie joined the UTMB Health Department of Family Medicine in 2021. Dr. Xie earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of Texas at Dallas and her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Xie completed her residency training from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas and also served on the Texas Association of Family Physician's (TAFP) Resident Council. She is a board certified family physician and will be seeing patients at the Family Medicine Clinic - Island West.

Dr. Xie's clinical interests include patient mental wellbeing and also women's health. Dr. Xie is a member of Doctors for Change serving on the Mental Health Committee and the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Family Medicine for Dr. Banga are the bonds that she builds with her patients over the course of their lives and the enjoyment in keeping them healthy and well.

Her clinical areas of special interest are Lifestyle and Preventive Medicine as well as Nutrition.

In her free time, she enjoy music, traveling and gardening.

 Provider is LGBTQIA+ Responsive

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.

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.

Beverly Pennington completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. A few years later, she came back to UTMB to join the Geriatric Division as the Geriatric Nurse Practitioner serving the Galveston community. Beverly is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau which recognize superior achievements and developing leadership qualities. She is also an active member of organizations such as American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Texas Nurse Practitioners, and Texas Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Dr. Adri P. Smith joined UTMB Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 2006.  She completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2005 and received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio in 2002.  She completed her bachelor's degree in biomedical science at Texas A&M University in College Station in 1997.

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Smith has a special interest in adolescent preventative medicine, infant care, treating and preventing obesity in children and treating allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and asthma.  She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She also enjoys teaching medical students and residents and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

When she is not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with her three children, husband, family and friends.

Taylor Little, FNP-C is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in Pediatric Primary Care. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2012. She began her nursing career at Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center working in Orthopedic Trauma for 3 and a half years. She then went on to earn her Family Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2015. She completed her clinical rotations for her Master's degree in the Downtown Houston and Pasadena areas.

Taylor has now been working in pediatric primary care since 2016 and is excited to continue her career at UTMB. She loves working with children and getting to know the families that care for them. She is passionate about educating her patients on healthy practices and prevention of disease in a holistic manner.

She is originally from Houston and currently lives in Clear Lake with her husband. They are currently expecting their first child and could not be more excited. She is a member of Houston Area Nurse Practitioners and Pasadena Running Club. In her free time, she enjoys running, practicing yoga, playing music, spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, learning, and watching movies.

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. 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