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Our staff is the glue that holds our practice together. From setting up appointments and consulting with patients to assistance with endoscopic procedures, our staff keeps the practice and our doctors on top of their game. The result is a seamless experience for you during your visits.
Physician Assistant, Austin Gastroenterology
Biography Elizabeth Bishop joined Austin Gastroenterology in September 2008. She is currently working under the supervision of Drs. Robinson and Ziebert. Elizabeth is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the Texas Medical Board.
Education Texas State University, BS Biology Texas Tech Health Science Center, MPA
Associations National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Texas Association of Physician Assistants American Association of Physician Assistants American College of Gastroenterology Central Texas Society of Physician Assistants
Associated Physicians
John J. Ziebert, M.D.
Biography Elizabeth Blankenship joined Austin Gastroenterology in November of 2007 when relocating from Houston, Texas. Prior the joining the group, Elizabeth worked with a hospitalist service at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she also graduated with a degree in physician assistant studies in 2002. She then worked in primary care at the outpatient Veterans Associations clinic in Texas City, Texas.
Before becoming a physician assistant, Elizabeth worked as an X-ray and CAT scan technician for seven years. She is currently certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners. She is supervised by Drs. Dabaghi and Sperling.
Elizabeth enjoys working with a variety of gastroenterology patients and disorders. She feels much rewarded when improving the quality of life of her patients.
Education The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston
Associations American Academy of Physician Assistants American Association of Radiologic Technologists American College of Radiology American Gastroenterological Association National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
Shad Dabaghi, M.D.
Richard M. Sperling, M.D.
Biography Christy Ernull began her career with Austin Gastroenterology in July of 2010, working under the supervision of Dr. Robinson. She earned her bachelor's degree in community health from Texas A&M University in 1991. Christy completed her physician assistant studies at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 1993. She is certified through the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Christy's previous experience includes providing primary care as well as preventative care services in a private clinic setting.
Education Texas A&M University, BS Community Health 1991 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, PA-C, 1993
Associations National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
Associated Physcians
Glenn C. Robinson, M.D.
Biography Jill Hamburg received her undergraduate degree in biology from The University of Texas at Austin in 1997 and graduated with honors from the Physician Assistant Program at Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in the year 2000. She has been employed as a certified physician assistant with Austin Gastroenterology, working under the supervision of Drs. Sperling and Dabaghi since July 2000. In 2009 she moved North to work with Dr. Chad Long.
Jill enjoys the opportunity to positively impact people's lives and the ability to problem-solve various clinical situations. Although she finds all areas of gastroenterology exciting, she has a special interest in hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease.
Education The University of Texas at Austin, 1997 Southwestern Medical Center, Physician Assistant Program, 2000
Associations Central Texas Society of Physician Assistants Texas Academy of Physician Assistants American Academy of Physician Assistants
Chad Long, M.D.
Biography Kelli Hancock began her career at Austin Gastroenterology in 2011 after graduating with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2010. She is certified through the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a member in both the Central Texas PA Society and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). In her spare time, Kelli likes to travel, write and be outdoors as much as possible.
Education Texas A&M University, BA French, 2008 University of Texas Medical Branch PA-C, 2010
Associations American Academy of Physician Assistants Central Texas Physician Assistants Society National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Pradeep K. Kumar, M.D.
Biography Laura Kerr began her career with Austin Gastroenterology in the summer of 2003, working under the supervision of Dr. Willeford at our Central office. She earned her bachelor's degree in communication at the University of Kansas in 1996 and completed her physician assistant studies at Weill Cornell Medical College in 2003. She is certified through the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Laura is a native of Houston and has lived in Austin for seven years upon returning from her training in New York City. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her children, Jenny and Jack.
Education University of Kansas, BS Communication, 1996 Weill Cornell Medical College, PA-C, 2003
Associations American Academy of Physician Assistants Central Texas Physician Assistants Society National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants
George Willeford III, M.D.
Biography Sara Klopp began her career with Austin Gastroenterology in September of 2009, working under the supervision of Drs. Dabaghi, Sperling, Lubin and Willeford. She completed her physician assistant studies at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2003. She is certified through the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Prior to joining AG, Sara gained valuable experience working in a small town private family practice for over 5 years. Sara moved to Austin from Oklahoma in 2004. She enjoys working as a physician assistant, caring for patients and serving the Austin community.
Education University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PA-C, 2003
Associations Texas Academy of Physician Assistants American Academy of Physician Assistants Central Texas Physician Assistants Society National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Craig H. Lubin, M.D.
Biography Erika Leakey began her career with Austin Gastroenterology working under the supervision of Drs. Lubin and Willeford in July 2000. She is in her tenth year of experience in gastrointestinal medicine. She began her physician assistant career in Dallas, TX with a single-physician gastroenterology practice. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1995 and her physician assistant studies were completed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1999.
Education University of Texas at Austin, 1995 University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 1999
Associations Texas Academy of Physician Assistants American Association of Physician Assistants Central Texas Society of Physician Assistants
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Austin Gastroenterology
Biography Yulia Lyuboslavsky joined Austin Gastroenterology in April 2009 after spending three years in the medical surgical/trauma team at Brackenridge Hospital. She assists Drs. Hsu and Rice at our South – James Casey location.
Yulia is certified as a clinical nurse specialist by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and licensed by the Texas State Board of Nursing. She is also certified by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN).
Yulia believes that patient education is a vital part of patient care. When patients participate in the development of treatment plans, they're more likely to follow those plans and help create better outcomes.
Education B.S. Nursing, University of Texas School of Nursing
Associations Austin Advanced Practice Nurses Organization American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN)
Chia-Wen (Kevin) Hsu, M.D., M.P.H.
Dan C. Rice, M.D.
Biography Marni Martinez has lived in Austin since 1996. She received her undergraduate and master's degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. Marni is board certified in adult health and she has been employed as a clinical nurse specialist with Austin Gastroenterology, working under the supervision of Drs. Frachtman and Ridgeway, since May 2011.
Previously, Marni worked as an R.N. at South Austin Medical Center and as a charge nurse at Stonebridge Health Center. Marni enjoys using her skills as an independent thinker to provide holistic, patient-centered care. She has a special interest in underserved populations, patient education and chronic disease care.
Education The University of Texas at Austin, B.S., M.S.N.
Associations American College of Gastroenterology American Nurses Association American Rheumatology Health Professionals
Robert Frachtman, M.D.
Mona Lin Ridgeway, M.D.
Biography Carol Mitchell relocated to Austin in 1993 and has been with Austin Gastroenterology since May 2001, working with Drs. Alcocer and Frachtman. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She earned her master's degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997 and is board certified as a clinical nurse specialist in adult health by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is licensed by the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners. She has 16 years of nursing experience, eight of which have been with AG. Previously, Ms. Mitchell worked at Seton Medical Center and was part of the opening management team at the Heart Hospital of Austin. While Carol enjoys all aspects of her work, she has a special interest in hepatology, particularly hepatitis C.
Education Lycoming College - Williamsport, Pennsylvania, B.S.N, 1993 University of Texas at Austin, M.S.N., 1997
Associations Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eduardo Alcocer, M.D.
Biography Julie Neighbors completed her undergraduate studies at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas in 1995. She studied nursing and prior to her work with Austin Gastroenterology, was employed as an emergency department and endoscopy nurse. She completed her physician assistant studies at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in the year 2000. Julie has been with Austin Gastroenterology for nine years, working under the supervision of Drs. Stassen, Ziebert, Robinson, Ellis, Godell, Long and Frank. She functions as their hospitalist and makes rounds at all the north area hospitals.
Julie truly enjoys helping people and finds it is very rewarding "when you can improve the quality of a patient's life by treating their illness." She really appreciates being able to help patients learn about their disease so that they can be actively involved in their own care. While she enjoys all aspects of her work, she really has enjoyed hepatology and caring for patients with hepatitis C.
Education Angelo State University, 1995 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, P.A., 2000
Associations Texas Association of Physician Assistants American Association of Physician Assistants
Chris Godell, M.D.
Biography Diane O'Meara joined Austin Gastroenterology in July 2008 after moving to Austin from Salt Lake City, Utah. She is the hospital-based physician assistant for the Central office and works with all seven Central office physicians, at two Austin hospitals: Seton Medical Center and Austin Heart Hospital.
Diane previously worked as a surgical PA for a liver, kidney, pancreas transplant and hepatobiliary surgery team at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Diane undertook her physician assistant studies at the University of Utah PA Program and graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree in August 2007.
Prior to becoming a PA, Diane spent four years at Legacy Health System in Portland, Oregon, as a clinical research coordinator for kidney transplant, trauma, and pediatric clinical trials. She also earned a Master of Science degree in viral immunology from Oregon Health and Science University, where she was involved with the research of T lymphocyte responses to cytomegalovirus. Diane earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Diane is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and is licensed through the Texas Medical Board.
Education University of Utah, MPA Oregon Health and Science University, M.S. Colorado State University, B.S. in Biology
Associations American Academy of Physician Assistants American College of Gastroenterology Central Texas Physician Assistant Society Texas Academy of Physician Assistants Texas Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
Binh V. Pham, M.D.
Biography Jessica Ranheim received her undergraduate degree in exercise and sports science from Iowa State University in 2004. She completed her training as a physician assistant in 2007, with a Bachelor of Science Physician Assistant and a Master of Medical Science degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Jessica moved to Austin and began working with Austin Gastroenterology in late 2007, working under the supervision of Dr. Stassen. She is currently certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners.
While she is interested in all aspects of gastroenterology, her specific interests include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and ulcer disease. She enjoys spending time with her patients, listening to their concerns, explaining the nature of their illnesses and answering any questions they may ask to impact their health in a positive way.
Education Iowa State University, Exercise and Sports Science, 2004 Nova Southeastern University, B.S., MPA
Associations American Academy of Physician Assistants Texas Academy of Physician Assistants
William N. Stassen, M.D.
Biography Kellie Reyna is a physician assistant under the supervision of Dr. Gagneja. She joined Austin Gastroenterology in May of 2009, after working in Nephrology at Scott & White in Temple, Texas, and in Urology here in Austin. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification for Physicians (NCCPA), the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA).
Kellie was born and raised here in Austin. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies and taking in Austin's famed live music scene. She worked in the newspaper industry prior to pursuing a career in medicine.
Education B.S. Biology, St. Edward's University M.S. Health Administration, Southwest Texas State University M.P.A.S. Physician Assistant Studies, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Associations National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) Central Texas PA Society
Harish K. Gagneja, M.D.
Biography Kara Skelton has been with Austin Gastroenterology since November 2001, working under the supervision of Drs. Becker and Utts. She was employed as a clinical laboratory assistant at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth and has also worked for the Texas Medical Association. Kara completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin in 1997, with a degree in biology. Her physician assistant studies were completed at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2001.
Kara really enjoys the interaction with her patients. She says she often learns management strategies from things they have tried. She believes this is a challenging and rewarding field of continuous progress and change, and she likes participating in the research and development of new treatments. She particularly enjoys treating liver disease and coordinates much of the care of patients involved in hepatitis research protocols. Kara has been certified by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners and the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). She is also board certified in general surgery by the NCCPA.
Education University of Texas at Austin, 1997 University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, P.A.-C., 2001
Associations American Academy of Physician Assistants Texas Academy of Physician Assistants Central Texas Physician Assistant Association
Kenneth K. Ellis, M.D.
Biography Amy Sweet began her career with Austin Gastroenterology in February of 2009, working under the supervision of Dr. Godell. She earned her bachelor's degree in science from the University of California in 2000. Amy completed her physician assistant studies at Lock Haven University in 2003. She is certified through the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Prior to joining AG, Amy's primary areas of expertise and interest were gynecologic oncology, genetic education, identification and testing, and nutrition counseling. Amy has a strong personal commitment to serve underprivileged communities.
Education University of California, BS, 2000 Lock Haven University, PA-C, 2003
Associations National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants American Academy of Physician Assistants Texas Academy of Physician Assistants American Physician Assistant Association of OB-GYN
Biography Dawn Warner is a physician assistant under the supervision of Dr. Carl Frank. She joined Austin Gastroenterology in March 2011, after working as a PA in Houston for the past nine years. Dawn has worked as a physician's assistant in gastroenterology since receiving her master's degree as a PA from Baylor College of Medicine in 2001.
Dawn enjoys the small town feel of Georgetown, where she resides. In her spare time, she loves to read and do crafts.
Education Texas Lutheran University, 1998 Baylor College of Medicine, MS, PA-C, 2001
Associations Texas Academy of Physician Assistants American Academy of Physician Assistants
Carl D. Frank, M.D.
Biography Mikel Zamora joined Austin Gastroenterology in September of 2004 and works under the supervision of Drs. Lubin, Ridgeway and Willeford. She is a 1999 graduate of the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology. Mikel completed her physician assistant training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2003. There she earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. She is currently certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners. Prior to joining Austin Gastroenterology she worked at a gastroenterology clinic in San Antonio and has a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease. She has lived in Austin since 2004 and in Texas since 1995.
Education University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, BS, 1999 University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, MPA, 2003
Associations American Academy of Physician Assistants Texas Academy of Physician Assistants Central Texas Physician Assistant Society Bexar County Physician Assistant Society