DIGESTIVE AND LIVER SPECIALISTS - Key Persons

Born in Corpus Christi, Dr. Thomson was raised in Houston and received his Medical Degree in New York. He also holds a Ph.D. in X-ray crystallography, and his research focused on the immune system and how the body's cells recognize pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Licensed in both New York and Texas, Dr. Thomson is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. He chose this particular field of medicine largely because colon cancer is such an important public health issue. Though lethal, this form of cancer is also one of the most preventable, which is why screenings are critical. It is also why he's proud to be part of the D&L Specialists team. "We're involved with cutting-edge clinical research," he says. "We can offer patients therapies beyond what most gastroenterologists can prescribe. For refractory conditions not well treated by other practitioners, we may be 
able to help."

Dr. Matthew P. Spinn earned his medical degree in 2003 from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He continued his training at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston where he completed his Internal Medicine Residency in 2006, Transplant Hepatology Fellowship in 2007, and Gastroenterology Fellowship in 2010. Following his Gastroenterology Fellowship, Dr. Spinn was accepted to an ASGE recognized fourth year Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and VA North Texas Health Care System which he completed in 2011. Dr. Spinn joined the faculty of The University of Texas at Houston Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Division as an Assistant Professor in 2011 where he served for three years as the Director of Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy. He joined Digestive and Liver Specialists of Houston in July 2014 where he maintains a busy gastroenterology and hepatology practice. Dr. Spinn has special interest and experience in the diagnosis and management of patients with pancreatic and biliary disease including benign and malignant disorders, benign and malignant gastrointestinal tumors, and gastrointestinal bleeding. He has expertise and experience in a variety of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cholangioscopy, balloon assisted small bowel enteroscopy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), enteral stenting, and radiofrequency ablation. His research interests include endoscopic ultrasound, therapeutic ERCP, and advanced imaging modalities. Dr. Spinn is married and has three children. When he is not at work, he spends the majority of his time with family.

Dr. Khandwalla received his medical degree at the Aga Khan University in Pakistan. He moved to Houston in 2000, and completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas, Houston. Following his training in Internal Medicine, he practiced as a hospitalist at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital and the Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. While there, he was on the teaching service with academic appointments with the University of Texas and Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Khandwalla completed his fellowship training in Hepatology and Transplantation in 2009, and fellowship in Gastroenterology in 2013 from the Baylor College of Medicine. His clinical expertise includes general gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy), inflammatory bowel disease, Barrett's esophagus and liver disease. He is an active member of the major gastroenterology societies as listed below and has presented at national society meetings. He has also participated in a number of clinical trials and published in leading gastroenterology journals. He enjoys interacting with patients and understands that each patient needs individualized attention and care.

Dr. Nguyen is originally from Vietnam and grew up in the Houston area. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston, attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed her internship, residency and fellowship at Texas A&M/Scott & White in Temple, Texas. Dr. Nguyen enjoys working at Digestive and Liver Specialists because of the diverse patient population and the range of diseases tackled. She enjoys getting to know patients and providing individualized care. Dr. Nguyen treats the full spectrum of gastroenterological disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, she has a special interest in women's health and believes in the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Nguyen is married and has two daughters. Her husband is also a physician in the Houston area. In her leisure time, Dr. Nguyen is an avid runner who has completed several half marathons and full marathons. Her goal is to complete all six of the world major marathons. She also enjoys spending time with her very large extended family. Dr. Nguyen is fluent in both English and Vietnamese.

Dr. Kline grew up in Houston and after graduating from Memorial High School, completed undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California. He attended medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio where he met his wife, also a physician in the Houston area. Dr. Kline completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB) where he remained for his fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology. While at UTMB, Dr. Kline performed basic science research focused on better understanding the acquired genetic changes which predispose individuals to inflammatory bowel disease. His clinical research focused on optimizing the electronic medical record to improve care for his patients. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented nationally at gastroenterology conferences. Dr. Kline enjoys building longitudinal relationships with his patients where he can develop personalized treatment plans for their gastroenterological conditions. His interests span the spectrum of pathologies within gastroenterology and include high quality colon cancer screening, eosinophilic esophagitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. When not taking care of patients, Dr. Kline enjoys spending time (preferably outdoors) with his wife and two children, running, and exploring the amazing variety of restaurants Houston has to offer with friends.

Dr. Shiralkar was born in Oklahoma and raised in the Houston area. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Baylor College of Medicine. After receiving her doctorate degree, she obtained further training in Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois Medical Center and subspecialty training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Utah Health Center. Dr. Shiralkar is trained in all aspects of general gastroenterology and hepatology. Her clinical interests include chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and women's health. She enjoys establishing therapeutic relationships with patients and educating patients so that they can make informed decisions regarding their care.

Dr. Mauk is a graduate of Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine. After receiving his doctorate degree he proceeded with specialty training in Internal Medicine followed by subspecialty training in Gastroenterology. He is American Board Certified in both fields. His practice is currently limited to Gastroenterology. This area of medicine allows for daily use of intellectual problem solving skill, performance of sophisticated, modern endoscopic procedures and stimulating direct patient contact. Dr. Mauk's accomplishments include performance in many roles including Baylor College of Medicine Clinical Faculty, Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Department of Gastroenterology, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Chairman of Endoscopy, Chairman of Special Procedures, Harris County Medical Society Branch President and many others. He is a member of multiple professional societies as outlined below. Dr. Mauk is published in his field and he is routinely contacted for his expert opinion as well as for speaking engagements.

Savanna Harper was born and raised in Houston, Texas and attended the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston for her undergraduate and graduate degree. Before becoming a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, she worked as a registered nurse for 6 years in the medical and surgical Intensive Care Unit, with two of those most recent years at Memorial Hermann Memorial City. She is a part of multiple professional organizations and takes pride in providing compassionate care to her patients. Whenever she is not working, you can find Savanna enjoying time with her family, supporting the Houston Astros, and playing all different types of competitive games.