Fetal Medicine & Maternal Medicine Doctors in Texas

Biography: Dr. Nima Goharkhay is the Medical Director of the Pregnancy Specialty Center of Texas. He is board certified in Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). He is a member of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG). Dr. Goharkhay holds a PhD in Cell Biology. Prior to founding the Pregnancy Specialty Center of Texas, he was Medical Director at Texas MFM, and a perinatologist with Maryland Perinatal Associates in the Washington DC area, where he also served as Quality Control Representative. He is a Voluntary Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and was a Women's Reproductive Health Scholar and faculty member at that institution until 2009. Dr. Goharkhay has a strong interest in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, prenatal diagnosis, maternal complications in pregnancy and developmental programming of disease. He has participated in research studies sponsored by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network of the NICHD and has had independent research support by the NIH and the National Perinatal Foundation, among others, and has authored numerous articles. He was recognized for his research by the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine and was Researcher of the Month at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in December 2007. Dr. Goharkhay was honored by the BIRTH organization in both 2015 and 2016 for his support of the midwife and natural birth communities in the Houston area. Dr. Goharkhay completed his fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine and a Ph.D. in Cell Biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and his residency at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. He earned his medical degree at the University of Vienna in Austria and was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He is fluent in Spanish, German and Persian.

Biography: Dr. Joey England is a double board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist. While she enjoys caring for all patients with high-risk pregnancies, she has special interest in the fields of maternal and fetal cardiac disease, diabetes, multiple gestations and substance use disorders. She received her undergraduate degree as a Chancellor's scholar at Texas Christian University and earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The University of New Mexico awarded her the Outstanding Fellow Teaching award and she was named a Top doctor of Albuquerque during her fellowship. Since that time, she has served as an Assistant Professor at McGovern Medical School, UT Health in Houston Texas and was selected and graduated from the Academic Medical Department Leadership class. She created and co-directed the Women's Vascular and Cardiac Health Interdisciplinary Center and was named a Top doctor of Houston as voted by her peers. In 2018, she co-published her first book, Obstetrics and Gynecology Morning Report: Beyond the Pearls. She is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, serves on the March of Dimes Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait Advisory Board and is a Maternal Care Site Surveyor for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Dr. England enjoys spending time with her husband, two stepsons and friends. They can be found outside fishing, playing baseball and with their dogs.Dr. England welcomes new patients and referrals. When appropriate, the practice does offer telehealth visits.

Biography: Dr. Karolina Adam, MD is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist who practices in Houston, TX. She is 71 years old and has been practicing for 42 years. Dr. Karolina Adam, MD is affiliated with The Woman's Hospital of Texas.

Biography: Dr. Poole is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with a subspecialty of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a minor in Spanish. He then earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his residency, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. In 2015, Dr. Poole completed his fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Prior to joining El Paso Maternal Fetal Medicine, Dr. Poole served as the Medical Director of Labor and Delivery, Co-chair for the Perinatal Advisory Board, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division Research Lead, and Associate Residency Program Director at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth as an officer of the United States Navy. Dr. Poole has been featured in a number of publications for his research on maternal-fetal health. In 2016, he was recognized as the APGO/CREOG Teacher of the Year. Other recognitions include second place awards for oral presentation at ACOG Armed Forces District in 2018 and for his oral presentation at Quality Symposium at Naval Medical Center on reduction of severe postpartum hemorrhage in 2019. Dr. Poole is affiliated with The Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and is a fellow of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also board certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. His clinical interests include resident education, patient safety, diabetes, multifetal gestation, and complex maternal conditions. He is fluent in Spanish. In his free time, Dr. Poole enjoys playing sports, learning, and spending time with his spouse and 5 children.

Biography: Ayamo G. Oben, M.D., is a trilingual (English, French and Spanish) board-certified Maternal Fetal physician at Maternal Fetal Consultants of Houston. With a passion for empowering women with high-risk pregnancies, Dr. Oben believes in providing exhaustive care that addresses not only the clinical aspects but also the mental, social, and emotional well-being of her patients. Having grown up in Cameroon, a country where women's health is underserved, she became determined to be a partner to women in the journey of their complex pregnancies. Dr. Oben received her medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine and completed her training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. She concluded her expertise with a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine from the University of Alabama. She is Double Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology ad well as Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Oben enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, watching reality TV and cheering on her favorite soccer team: Chelsea. She welcomes new patients and referrals.

Biography: Dr. Tracy Papa is a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at Trinity Perinatal Specialists in the Alliance area of Fort Worth. She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Maternal Fetal Medicine. She received her medical degree at University of North Texas Health Science Center, where she also completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her Maternal Fetal Medicine fellowship was completed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.Dr. Papa has been named a Top Doc by Fort Worth Magazine for the last 15 years. She serves on the board of the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas and lectures frequently to medical professionals about delivering the diagnosis of Down syndrome. She is an assistant professor at Texas Christian University Burnett Medical School.

Biography: Dr. Sandra Herrera, MD is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist who practices in Austin, TX. She is 41 years old. Dr. Sandra Herrera, MD is affiliated with St. David's South Austin Medical Center, St. David's Medical Center and St. David's North Austin Medical Center.

Care Philosophy: Committed not only to excellent patient care but also to a great doctor to patient professional relationship

Biography: Dr. Brian Kirshon, MD is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist who practices in Houston, TX. He is 68 years old and has been practicing for 45 years. Dr. Brian Kirshon, MD is affiliated with The Woman's Hospital of Texas.

Care Philosophy: Welcome to North Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine. We are glad that you are here. We know pregnancy involves caring for two patients ? mother and baby. Whether you are seeking routine pregnancy risk assessment and screening or have a complicated pregnancy, you will get the same special attention by our trained office staff, nurses, sonographers, and physicians. North Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine opened its doors in 2009 and has been helping to improve the care of high-risk pregnancies throughout Central Texas. Our capabilities are comprehensive. And we follow the science of evidence-based medicine, adhering to what is known to be both appropriate and effective.

Biography: After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in chemical engineering and a degree from Plan II, Dr. McDonnold received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She then moved to Providence, RI to continue her medical studies at Brown University, Women and Infants Hospital in an obstetrics and gynecology residency. She then returned to Texas for a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.During her education, Dr. McDonnold developed a passion for improving women's health care that led to a career in obstetrics and gynecology. She discovered a love for helping and educating women through one of the most important and special times of their lives - pregnancy. This, along with her the desire to further understand why complications of pregnancy develop and ultimately how to prevent and treat them, led her to further specialize in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. She enjoys the challenge and the complexity of taking care of two patients together, mother and baby, and is passionate about working with every patient to achieve the goal of a healthy pregnancy. She has pursued research in the field of preeclampsia, including disease development, methods of prevention, and long term effects of maternal preeclampsia on children. She has authored several scientific papers and presentations, and has received recognition for outstanding research from the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine. Her interests also include maternal medical disease in pregnancy and preterm labor. Dr. McDonnold is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is an active member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine.I have a love for helping and educating women through one of the most important and special times of their lives - pregnancy. I enjoy the challenge and complexity of taking care of two patients together, mother and baby, and am passionate about working with every woman to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Like many women, I have also experienced two high risk pregnancies. I've also experienced all the worries that come with your newborn baby being taken to the NICU, and the joy when I was finally able to take them home. I am married and a mom to two precious little girls. I was born in Austin and grew up here. I did my undergrad at UT Austin. In my free time, I enjoy everything living in Austin has to offer; especially doing anything outdoors with my family.Only Maternal-Fetal Center in Central Texas as well as one of only few nationwide to be accredited by the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) for both Ultrasound and Fetal Echocardiography, It is the only center in Central Texas to offer fetal intervention and surgery.

Biography: Dr. Gene La Monica is board certified in Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), a member of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG). Before joining the Pregnancy Specialty Center of Texas, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs where he was voted a Top Doc in Maternal Fetal Medicine by the Colorado Springs Style Magazine in 2014 and 2015. Subsequently, Dr. La Monica was recruited by the Government of Qatar to start a world class Women's Hospital in Doha (Qatar), where he practiced for five years. He obtained his medical degree from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and finished his Ob/Gyn residency and fellowship at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Dr. La Monica is fluent in Spanish and Italian.

Biography: Dr. Monsivais earned his medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. After graduation, he remained at UTMB where he completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency, as well as his Maternal Fetal Medicine fellowship training. Prior to joining Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine, Dr. Monsivais served as a Clinical Educator during his fellowship with the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine at UTMB. Throughout his training, he participated in medical student, resident, and fellow education by providing lectures and interactive simulations. Dr. Monsivais has also been a member of multiple non-profit medical groups which have provided international medical missions to the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Vietnam. Dr. Monsivais is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and is fellowship trained in maternal fetal medicine. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Gold Humanism Honor Society, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. In his free time, Dr. Monsivais is an avid runner, enjoys spending time with his dogs and barbecuing on the weekends.

Biography: Dr. Samuel and her family moved to The Woodlands from Atlanta, where she served as the Medical Director for the Perinatal Center at Emory University Midtown Hospital. Prior to that, she completed her residency training at the University of Pittsburgh and fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center. She enjoys all aspects of maternal-fetal medicine including ultrasound screening, genetic screening and diagnosis, monitoring high-risk pregnancies and assisting in the care of women admitted and delivering with medical complications of pregnancy or fetal abnormalities. Her favorite part of her practice is providing the highest quality of care for the mothers and babies within her community of The Woodlands and Kingwood.

Biography: Dr. Alexander Reiter, MD is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist who practices in Houston, TX. He is 79 years old and has been practicing for 53 years. Dr. Alexander Reiter, MD is affiliated with The Woman's Hospital of Texas.

Care Philosophy: Welcome to North Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine. We are glad that you are here. We know pregnancy involves caring for two patients ? mother and baby. Whether you are here for routine pregnancy risk assessment and screening or have a complicated pregnancy, you will get the same special attention by our trained office staff, nurses, sonographers, and physicians.

Care Philosophy: Dr. Feinstein believes in caring for the whole woman with use of advanced technologies in the field.

Biography: Dr. Cantu is originally from the Texas Hill Country and has been providing care for the women of central Texas for the past 9 years. She received her medical degree with high honors from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. After completing her OB-GYN residency at Baylor, Dr. Cantu completed a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.Dr. Cantu is board certified in OB-GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine. She is a member of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.Dr. Cantu currently serves as the Maternal Medical Director and Director of Maternal Transport at St Davids Medical Center.She strives to provide evidence-based and compassionate care to women with a wide-range of maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. She considers it an honor and privilege to support families as they navigate complicated pregnancies. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Care Philosophy: I am passionate about providing compassionate, excellent care to patients during their pregnancies. It is my greatest privilege to walk alongside patients and their families through the challenges and joys that come with each pregnancy. As with so many women, I have also experienced a high-risk pregnancy and it is given me a deep sense of respect and empathy for my patients.

Care Philosophy: Kimberly DeStefano MD, specializes in Maternal Fetal Medicine treating women with high risk pregnancies. This means after she completed her Obstetric and Gynecology physician training, Dr. DeStefano received three more years fellowship training in Maternal Fetal Medicine. Relationship is our uncommon offering at North Austin Maternal Medicine, PLLC. Being or having the potential of a high risk pregnancy is a difficult time. North Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians and staff provide comprehensive and compassionate patient care in a friendly environment. Our high risk pregnancy care is geared not only to the woman, but also to her family, including her children. A high risk pregnancy may include women who have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease, multiple gestations, decreased fetal movement, post dates, preterm labor or other issues regarding the baby?s growth and development or function of the placenta. Women of advanced maternal age or who have had a child with birth defects or a family history can benefit from this specialized care. North Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine provides ultrasound scans, non-stress tests, amniocentesis, genetic counseling and the full spectrum of services for high risk pregnancies.

Biography: Dr. Thomas Rowe, MD is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist who practices in Webster, TX. He is 68 years old and has been practicing for 36 years. Dr. Thomas Rowe, MD is affiliated with HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland and HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake.

Care Philosophy: I want to provide my patients and their families with an experience focused on patient education, collaboration, and empowerment. As a mother of two, I can personally understand the concerns and worries that come with pregnancy. I am here to help my patients with their concerns and support my patients through their pregnancy journey.