ALLERGY & ENT ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Dr. Adil Zahiruddin joined Allergy & ENT Associates in August, 2018. He is Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology, as well as Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Dr. Zahiruddin has special interests in asthma and sinusitis; allergies including hay fever, food allergies, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, acquired and inherited immunodeficiencies, as well as skin conditions including eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis.
Dr. Zahiruddin was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He graduated cum laude from Union College with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and economics and then went on to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine, followed by his Allergy and Immunology fellowship at University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he served as Chief Fellow.
Dr. Zahiruddin is committed to partnering with his patients to find individual treatment options using evidence-based medicine and the latest advancements in the field. He enjoys exploring Houston restaurants as well as traveling with his wife and two sons.
Dr. Welsh completed her Pediatrics Residency at Western Michigan University. She then completed Fellowship training in adult and pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences in New Orleans, LA. There, she gained a wealth of experience in diagnosis and management of rare immune deficiencies, as well as treating a wide variety of allergies, asthma, eczema, and angioedema. She is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
After graduating from the University of Colorado at Denver and working in business for four years, she switched careers to medicine, wishing to help make a difference in her patient's lives. The combination of evidence-based medicine with shared decision making based on individual needs, are just a few of the ways that she works to accomplish this.
Dr. Welsh's husband is from Texas and they are happy to now call Houston home. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog Hercules, as well as traveling and spending time outdoors.
Allyson Hebert joined Allergy & ENT Associates in October, 2022. Born and raised in South Louisiana, she attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. There, she played Division I Soccer for the Ragin' Cajuns before graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015.
Prior to joining Allergy & ENT Associates, she worked as a registered nurse for over 7 years, primarily in Trauma and Cardiovascular ICU settings in the Texas Medical Center. She has also cared for patients preparing and recovering from ENT procedures in the outpatient setting. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman's University in August 2022. Allyson is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a member of the North Harris Montgomery Advanced Practice Nursing Society, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.
She believes in the importance of providing compassionate, detail-oriented, and comprehensive care to all of her patients and that advocating for patient's health care goals is essential to delivering quality care.
Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her husband Michael, her son James, and their golden retriever, Sam. She also enjoys running and trying new coffee shops.
Ashley Mendoza, MSN, FNP-C joined Allergy & ENT Associates in 2013. After 11 years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (7 of them with Allergy & ENT Associates), Ashley obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from Purdue University. Ashley grew up in a small Indiana town, but has lived in Houston, TX since 2012. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Northern Kentucky University. Prior to joining our practice, she gained experience in NICU, Pediatric Pulmonology, and Neuro ICU. Ashley is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Ashley believes in providing compassionate care as well as proper education so that her patients can play an active role in their own healthcare. Ashley believes in treating patients in the same way she would want her friends and family to be treated. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the Golden Key National Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Brenda Ladkani received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in Houston. After several years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse in the Texas Medical Center and The Woodlands, she obtained a Master of Science in Nursing, also from UT Health.
She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Received her Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. She then obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Christa is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to joining Allergy & ENT Associates, she worked as registered nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital and as a Nurse Practitioner in the urgent care setting.
Christa is also a patient of Allergy & ENT Associates and knows from personal experience how debilitating allergies can be. As a healthcare provider, she enjoys helping patients with similar symptoms and improving their quality of life.
In her free time, Christa enjoys running, spending time with her husband and two dogs, as well as cheering for the Fightin' Texas Aggies and Houston Astros.
Christi was born in Houston and raised in the Montgomery County area. She received her Bachelors in Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2000. She has been practicing as a physician assistant for over 20 years, with prior experience in ENT and family medicine. Christi is married with 2 active teenagers and resides in Montgomery. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and riding horses.
Clayleene Curry-Odom, Au.D., is Board Certified in Audiology with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Curry-Odom has experience working closely with ENT physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in the diagnosis and care of various hearing and balance disorders.
Her experience ranges from pediatric testing and fitting of amplification, selection, and fitting of hearing aid devices for the adult population, including selection, activation, and mapping of Cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing devices, to testing and diagnosis of dizziness. She has eight years of experience in balance lab oversight, including performance and interpretation of balance testing and training and supervision of balance lab technicians.
She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) as well as a member of Texas Academy of Audiology. Dr. Curry-Odom received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University, her Master of Science degree in Audiology from Lamar University, and her Doctorate of Audiology from A. T. Still University.
Dr. Curry-Odom is a native Texan and is married with three children. She enjoys being outdoors, working in her yard, and family four-wheeler trips to the mountains. Dr. Curry-Odom believes that her diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders is an important part of improving the quality of life for her patients. She has a strong passion for her work and strives to show her passion in her individualized care of each patient.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology
Dr. Angela Adkins was born in Austin, TX and is proud to be a fifth-generation Texan. She attended The University of Texas at Austin, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with highest honors in the Plan II Honors Liberal Arts program and earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1993. She then attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, graduating with honors and as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society in 1997. She attended Baylor University for her Residency in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, while marrying her husband in 2002, graduating in 2003, and becoming Board Certified in Otolaryngology in 2004. She then opened the first ENT office in Pearland in 2003, Pearland ENT, P.A. Her husband, Dr. Omid Abbassi, joined the practice in 2005, and together, they have been blessed to serve the broader Pearland community for many years.
Dr. Adkins is a longstanding member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and Texas and Harris County Medical Associations. She is also an active medical staff member at Houston Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital and has privileges at other regional hospitals. Her clinical interests include rhinology, thyroid disease, and pediatric otolaryngology.
Dr. Karen Bednarski joined Allergy & ENT Associates in August, 2011. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Bednarski received her medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, where she graduated with distinction in medical research. She then completed her residency in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She developed a specific interest in the diagnosis and treatment of sinus disease and attended the prestigious Georgia Nasal and Sinus Institute in Savannah, GA, where she completed a fellowship in Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery. She is also a fellow of the American Rhinologic Society.
Although Dr. Bednarski manages general ENT problems, she has a specific interest in the treatment of chronic sinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis. As an experienced ENT Doctor, Houston patients can also leverage her specific expertise in surgical approaches to the frontal sinus.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bednarski has participated in multiple medical missions and she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and running.
Dr. Omid Abbassi joined Allergy & ENT Associates in September, 2019. He has practiced general otolaryngology in the Texas Medical Center and in Pearland, TX since July, 2000. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Abbassi received his Bachelor of Science Degree with highest honors from the University of Texas in Chemical Engineering, followed by a Master's Degree in Art in Physical Chemistry. He then joined the Medical Scientist Training Program sponsored by the National Institute of Health at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University. Dr. Abbassi received his Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering from Rice University within six years. He completed his Residency training in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Fellowship training in Otology-Neurotology at Baylor College of Medicine. During his postgraduate education, he also completed his pilot training and became instrument-rated in single and multi-engine planes.
Dr. Abbassi enjoys practicing otolaryngology and interacting with patients of all ages. He is interested in head and neck surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, ear surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and pediatric otolaryngology.
Dr. Parul Sinha joined Allergy & ENT Associates in September, 2022. She is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and is a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
Dr. Sinha is a medical graduate from India where she also received ENT training at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. She then completed a 7-year ENT residency at Washington University in St. Louis followed by a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at University of Texas in Houston. Dr. Sinha has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. She is the recipient of several academic awards and honors including the Outstanding Scholar Citizenship, and the Joseph M. Chole Humanitarian Award given by Washington University.
Trained to manage a broad range of ENT conditions, Dr. Sinha's specific areas of interests include nasal surgery to improve breathing, cosmetic rhinoplasty, rejuvenation of the aging face and eyes, facial nerve disorders, hair restoration, and skin trauma and cancer reconstruction. Dr. Sinha focuses on providing safe and meticulous care to meet the goals of her patients and is very passionate about building a strong patient-physician relationship through trust and effective communication.
Dr. Nguyen joined Allergy & ENT Associates in November, 2010. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Pediatrics.
Dr. Nguyen was born and raised in Vietnam. She immigrated to the U.S. with her family at the age of 18. Dr. Nguyen graduated summa cum laude from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, in 2000. She attended the first two years of medical school at Michigan State University and later transferred to the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, where she completed her training in 2005. Dr. Nguyen completed her Pediatric Residency and Allergy/Immunology fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, in 2010. During her training, Dr. Nguyen participated in several volunteering works, including caring for children with HIV in Botswana, Africa, and treating children in Navajo Nation, New Mexico.
Dr. Nguyen's clinical interests include food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, urticaria, and immunodeficiency in both adults and children. Providing compassionate care and being the patients' strongest medical advocate is her primary goal. She is married and has three daughters.
Prior to joining Allergy & ENT Associates in 1995, Dr. Quintero was in private practice as an allergist/immunologist. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Dr. Quintero received his medical degree from the University of Monterrey. He completed his residency at the Austin Pediatric Education Program of The Children's Hospital of Austin. Fellowships followed in adult and pediatric allergy/immunology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and in pediatric pulmonary medicine at Baylor College of Medicine at Texas Children's Hospital.
He has served as clinical professor of allergy and immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Houston, where he participated in training residents in the area of allergy, asthma, and immunology. He served in multiple leadership roles for more than 15 years on the boards of Memorial Herman Medical Doctors and Finance committee of the Memorial Hermann Hospital System. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of AENT Associates.
Dr. Quintero's leadership and 30 years of experience as a clinician with a quality, comprehensive, innovative, and entrepreneurial approach to the treatment of patients with allergic, ENT, and sinus disease are key in fulfilling the future expansion goals of AENT throughout the State of Texas.
Erica A. Alvarez, Au.D., CCC-A, joined Allergy & ENT Associates in September 2021. She received her Doctor of Audiology degree from Montclair State University and her undergraduate degree at the City University of New York at Hunter College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
After completing her fourth-year externship with Weill Cornell Medical Center, she continued to gather experience managing the hearing health of various patient populations on diagnostic and rehabilitative fronts. During this time, she completed rotations in hearing aids, pediatrics, cochlear implants, vestibular testing, and newborn hearing screening. She enjoys collaborating with other professionals, as well as Spanish and English-speaking families. She thrives on building strong relationships with her patients which allows her to better serve their hearing needs.
Dr. Alvarez is originally from Queens, New York. She enjoys powerlifting at the gym and traveling to different countries.
Greg Ferguson, PA-C joined Allergy & ENT Associates in August, 2021. He is a Physician Assistant with clinical experience in Allergy and Asthma since 2019.
Greg was born and raised in Lake Charles, LA. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from McNeese State University in 2012. He completed his Master of Physician Assistant studies in 2019 at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA and was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants. He is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants.
Greg believes in a collaborative approach that engages patients and focuses on shared decision-making. When he is not working, Greg enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family and friends. He loves sports and is an LSU and New Orleans Saints fan.
Hardik Patel, M.D. is a board-certified allergist practicing in Houston. He is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Dr. Patel prides himself in providing excellent patient-centered care. His interests include asthma, nasal allergies, and food allergies. Dr. Patel grew up in the Houston area, having attended high school in Spring. He received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in College Station and his medical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he served as Chief Fellow for the Allergy and Immunology training program.
In his free time, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with his family. He is also an avid fan of Houston sports teams and Texas A&M athletics.
Dr. James Slater joined Allergy & ENT Associates in November, 2020. He is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Slater received his medical degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship in General Surgery as well as his Residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery at Ohio University.
As an ENT, Dr. Slater offers medical and surgical care for patients suffering from complications, diseases, and disorders of the head and neck, including the ears, nose, and throat. With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Slater treats a variety of disorders that affect upper-airway breathing, speech, swallowing, balance, and hearing.
Janet Wilson, Au.D. completed her Doctor of Audiology degree in 2010 from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been working full time as an Audiologist since then in private practice and ENT settings. She is experienced with hearing evaluations in both adults and children as well as providing amplification for all ages. She is truly passionate about helping people communicate more efficiently with their family and friends through the use of amplification.
Dr. Wilson is originally from Wisconsin and has been living in Texas since 2013. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family- her husband and two boys, and of course the family dog.
Jemila Alharazim, PA-C joined Allergy & ENT Associates in December, 2017. She is a native Houstonian who grew up in Sugar Land, TX. She has been practicing as a Physician Assistant since 2010. Prior to joining our practice, she spent two years in Family Practice and six years in Asthma and Allergy. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Baylor University in Waco, TX in 2004 and a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX in 2009. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the Texas Medical Board.
Jemila is bilingual and is committed to delivering compassionate care and patient education. She continues to stay abreast of the constantly changing field of Asthma and Allergy. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Greater Houston Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Society, and the Texas Gulf Coast Physician Assistant Association. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, learning new languages, volunteering, exploring Houston's food scene, and spending time with family and friends.
Jessica Varghese joined Allergy & ENT Associates in September, 2022. Prior to joining AENT, she worked for six years as a Physician Assistant in Gastroenterology, Urgent Care, and Pediatric Surgery. She received her Bachelor's degree in psychology from Baylor University in 2007 and then taught high school Biology and Physics for four years. In 2014, she fulfilled her passion to study medicine by attending The University of Texas - RGV to earn her Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), where she received honors from the Pi Alpha Honor Society and National Golden Key Honor Society.
She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the Texas Medical Board. She loves helping patients understand their diagnosis to be involved in their own treatment plan and works hard to build relationships and treat patients as she would her own family. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, cooking/baking, trying new restaurants, reading, and traveling.
Dr. Mai joined Allergy & ENT Associates in September, 2018. A native Houstonian, Dr. Mai is privileged to give back to his community by providing high-quality care at Allergy & ENT Associates. Dr. Mai sees patients of all ages, including children, with conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Mai has also received advanced training in laryngology, enabling him to treat patients with complex breathing, swallowing, and voice disorders, including professional singers.
Dr. Mai earned his Bachelor's Degree at The University of Texas, graduating summa cum laude. His medical training started at McGovern Medical School in Houston, TX, where Dr. Mai was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. This distinction is given to students not only with the highest academic standing, but who also demonstrate leadership, a firm set of ethics, and a commitment to service in the community. Dr. Mai received surgical training in Otolaryngology at The George Washington University. From there, he completed additional surgical training for voice, airway, and swallow disorders as Laryngology Fellow at the University of Wisconsin, where he also served as staff physician.
Outside of work, Dr. Mai enjoys cooking and exploring Houston's many fine restaurants. Most importantly, Dr. Mai enjoys the company of his friends and family.
Dr. Verma joined Allergy & ENT Associates in August, 2012. She is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. She also holds memberships in both local and national medical societies.
Dr. Verma graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences and a Doctorate in Medicine. She completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, followed by her fellowship training in Allergy/Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX.
She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions, including nasal and ocular allergies, asthma, and skin conditions such as eczema and hives. She also evaluates and treats food and insect allergies. She truly enjoys treating both children and adults and loves spending time educating her patients about how to best address their asthma and allergy conditions. In Dr. Verma's opinion, the best care is provided by working with patients and their families to find optimal ways to treat her patients so that they can enjoy an improved quality of life.
In her free time, Dr. Verma enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
Kareen Aguihap, FNP-C joined Allergy & ENT Associates in April 2019. She received both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing at University of Texas at Arlington.
Dr. Shaw joined Allergy & ENT Associates in September, 2005. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He specializes in both pediatric and adult asthma, allergy, and immunology. Dr. Shaw received his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, and then went on to obtain his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio. Subsequently, he completed three years of residency in internal medicine at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, IL, where he received three Outstanding Teacher awards. He then completed his fellowship in allergy and immunology in the combined Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center/Cook County Hospital training program. Prior to joining Allergy & Asthma Associates, he practiced allergy/immunology in Dallas, Texas, for two years.
Dr. Shaw's areas of expertise include the diagnosis and treatment of infants, children, and adults with asthma, sensitivity to allergens, chronic sinusitis, urticaria, and the delivery of allergen immunotherapy. His general philosophy in medicine is tailoring treatments to minimize the impact of both disease and therapy on the lifestyles of his patients and their families so they can lead normal lives. Dr. Shaw is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. He and his wife have three children.
Kimberly graduated from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Studies. She started her career working in the Microbiology Lab at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, studying Tuberculosis and other pathogens which furthered her interest in medicine. She then attended the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and graduated in 2007 with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
After PA school, she worked in Neurosurgery for 5 years before transitioning to primary care, where she worked for 7 years. Kimberly believes in treating patients with the same compassion and care she would want for her family and friends.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, and traveling. She also enjoys watching sports, especially her alma mater Red Raiders, Houston Astros, and her favorite teams- her children's various sports teams.
Dr. Moore joined Allergy & ENT Associates in 1985. She is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where she also performed her internship and residency in internal medicine, in addition to her fellowship in adult and pediatric allergy and immunology.
Dr. Moore is a well-known speaker and teacher on both allergy and asthma. Her experience facilitating educational seminars for parents and children in the community has given her an increased understanding of family issues that complicate the treatment of these disorders.
According to her treatment philosophy, diagnosis includes giving patients the personal attention necessary to determine what lifestyle factors are influencing their disorder, and thus, the course of therapy. Dr. Moore is the mother of four children.
Macy H. Truncali, Au.D., FAAA, joined Allergy & ENT Associates in June, 2020. She received her Doctorate of Audiology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
Dr. Michelle Maria Joseph joined Allergy & ENT Associates in August, 2020. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Dr. Joseph is highly-qualified in managing immune deficiencies, food allergy, anaphylaxis, angioedema, seasonal allergies, asthma, sinusitis, and hives. She strives to provide excellent medical care by staying up-to-date with medicine while taking her patients concerns into account.
Dr. Joseph is originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She has lived in various places all over the country and has now put down her roots in Houston, TX. She completed her residency training at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA and completed her Allergy & Immunology fellowship training at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Her exposure to a vast variety of rare allergic and immunologic diseases at Texas Children's Hospital provides her with a unique point of view and experience with uncommon disease entities. When she is not working, she enjoys partaking in different workout classes, hiking, and traveling.
Monique Allman, PA-C joined Allergy & ENT Associates in October, 2018. She was born in New York and raised in the Houston area. She has been a Physician Assistant since 2009, specializing in asthma and allergy.
Monique Allman obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from Hampton University in Hampton, VA and a Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Midland, TX. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the Texas Medical Board. She takes pride in not only treating her patients with kindness, but also educating them on their diagnosis so they can be an active participant in their care. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA), American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), Texas Gulf Coast Physician Assistant Association, Texas Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Society (TAAIS), and Greater Houston Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Society (GHAAIS).
In her free time, she sings with her church choir, spends time with her friends and family, and enjoys Houston's diverse arts scene.
Dr. Avila joined Allergy and ENT Associates in 2016. He is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Avila completed medical school at the University of Brasilia, Brazil, residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, and Allergy-Immunology Fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF).
Dr. Avila spent 18 years in academia at UCSF and Northwestern University (NU) in Chicago where he rose to the rank of Professor of Medicine. He directed the UCSF-Stanford and then the NU Allergy-Immunology Fellowship Programs for a total of 13 years, supervising the training of 50 doctors in Pediatric and Adult Allergy-Immunology. He has been active in medical research as well, authoring or co-authoring over 130 papers and book chapters on asthma, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (nasal and seasonal allergies), and chronic rhinosinusitis (sinus problems). He treats children and adults with those diseases as well as hives, food allergies, angioedema (swelling), eczema (atopic and contact), anaphylaxis, drug allergies (penicillin), insect allergies, and primary immunodeficiencies (not HIV).
Dr. Avila has spent his entire career cultivating knowledge about allergy and immunology issues. He brings that passion to our patients and their families, educating them about their disease process, treatment, and prevention. He provides practical and effective treatment options for patients and teaches them how to self-manage their acute and chronic symptoms.
Dr. Prathyusha Savjani joined Allergy & ENT Associates in January, 2018. She is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Allergy and Immunology. She is a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. She treats food allergies, environmental allergies, sinusitis, anaphylaxis, eczema, hives, angioedema, asthma, and immune deficiencies.
Dr. Savjani prides herself in practicing up-to-date, evidence-based medicine and tailors her care to each patient's specific needs. She believes educating her patients is an integral part of the practice of medicine and assures that every patient has a thorough understanding of their medical conditions.
Dr. Savjani made Texas her home after her family moved to Austin in 2003. She studied Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She left Texas to complete her residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Tulane in New Orleans, where she also took advantage of the culture and local cuisine during her five years there. She went on to practice Allergy and Immunology in Manhattan and gained experience treating patients of all ages and of various backgrounds. After six years away, she is now happy to be back home in Texas with her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, traveling, and being outdoors.
Dr. Saunders is a board-certified physician in allergy immunology and also in internal medicine. Dr. Saunders joined Allergy & ENT Associates in 2001.
Dr. Saunders completed his pre-medical education at Mississippi State University and received his medical doctorate from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1972. Upon joining the Air Force, he completed his internal medicine training, including a year as chief resident at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, MS. After practicing Internal Medicine for several years in California, he completed a fellowship in allergy/immunology at the University of California Davis Medical Center in 1995.
Dr. Saunders is qualified to treat both adults and children. He particularly enjoys the patient education process and his goal is for his patients to enjoy the same lifestyle as their non-allergic/asthmatic peers do.
He retired from the Air Force Reserves in 2007 with the rank of Colonel. He is married and has two daughters, a stepson, three granddaughters, and a grandson. He and his wife enjoy sampling the cuisine at many of Houston's amazing restaurants.
Dr. Tamboli joined Allergy & ENT Associates in February, 1998. She is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and the American Board of Pediatrics. She is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Dr. Tamboli earned her medical degree at Dow Medical College, Karachi, followed by internships in internal medicine and general surgery. She then completed a three-year residency in pediatrics at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan. This was followed by a fellowship in allergy, asthma, and immunology at the National Jewish Center in Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining AENT, Dr. Tamboli worked in a multi-specialty practice in Houston for two years. She has lectured locally on allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
She is passionate about optimizing each patient's quality of life and freeing them from limitations. Her clinical expertise is in the accurate diagnosis and optimal management of asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergen immunotherapy, chronic sinusitis, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis. She specializes in patients of all ages, including infants, and emphasizes patient and family education as the cornerstone of a successful treatment program.
Dr. Tamboli was proudly selected by her peers and recognized by Texas Monthly magazine in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Dr. Tamboli is married and has two children.
Dr. Bhutani joined Allergy & ENT Associates in September, 2008. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
A Houston native, Dr. Bhutani graduated magna cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and then returned to the Houston area to complete his medical education at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Following his residency, he worked for a year as a hospitalist and completed his fellowship in allergy and immunology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. As a fellow and since starting private practice, he has published papers and presented research for several national conferences. He also volunteers at UT Houston as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Stark attended the University of Texas at Austin as a National Merit Scholar and graduated in three years with a B.A. in Biology. He then attended medical school in San Antonio, graduating with honors.
Dr. Stark then left Texas as a Medical Officer in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he trained first one year as an intern in Surgery, then spent four years as Residency training in Otolaryngology. He then served in the Navy in his specialty in Okinawa, Japan then Long Beach, California.
Dr. Stark became Board Certified by The American Board of Otolaryngology in 1983. He undertook additional Fellowship training and examination and achieved the status of Fellow in The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy in 1989. This national group is comprised of ENT specialists who deal with the complexities of allergy and immunology.
He moved to The Woodlands in 1988 and has been practicing in Montgomery County steadily since then. He embraces cutting edge technology, and has extensive experience with modern nasal and sinus surgeries, including the use of sinus dilation balloons and micro-fiber lasers. Dr. Stark treats children of all ages, including various pediatric ENT services.
Dr. Traci W. Bailey joined Allergy and ENT Associates in July, 2022. She is a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist.
Dr. Bailey attended medical school at Loma Linda University, where she graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her residency training as well as a Fellowship in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery and Microvascular Reconstruction at Loma Linda University in Southern California. Her primary clinical interests include surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, salivary glands, and treatment of head and neck cancers. She takes pride in her ability to provide treatment for a broad range of ENT concerns. She has a particular passion for holistic care; addressing not just the patient's disease but treating the patient as a person. She was previously employed at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she quickly developed a reputation for being a skilled surgeon who listens to her patients and addresses their concerns.
Outside of work, she enjoys travel, cooking and trying new foods, cycling, and gardening.
Dr. Kancherla joined Allergy & ENT Associates in August, 2007. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is a Sugar Land native and received his undergraduate degree from Houston Baptist University. In 2002, he received his medical degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. During his training, he excelled in research involving disorders of the immune system, presenting his findings at various national conferences.
His completed his two-year fellowship training in Allergy and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX. He enjoys working with patients of all ages and takes the time to educate and answer questions about allergic diseases.
Dr. Kancherla is married and is an avid Houston sports fan.