Meet Our Team
Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Asit Choksi
Board-Certified Oncologist
Dr. Asit Choksi is a Board-Certified Oncologist who has practiced in Greater Houston since 1992. He earned his medical degree from King Edward Memorial Hospital and G.S. Medical School in Bombay, India. He furthered his education in the United States at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Choksi is a Fellow at the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Oncology, and the American College of Cancer Specialists. He is also a member of the Southern Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Choksi has been awarded several academic and business-related awards, including being selected as the Top Doctor in Texas for many years, including 2024. He has also invested decades of his experience into the development of infusion centers across the state of Texas.
Sharlyn Dawn Smith
MS, PA-C
Sharlyn Dawn Smith is a highly experienced and dedicated Physician Assistant with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Holistic Medicine at Kingdom University, with an ongoing internship in Medical Oncology and Hematology. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Academy of Physician Assistants, the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants, the Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Smith’s professional career spans various significant roles, including her long-standing position as a Physician Assistant with Asit Choksi, MD TPMA in Houston, Texas, where she has been employed since 1991. Smith and Dr. Choksi are now partnered with MyCHN to provide Oncology services. Her dedication to her profession and her patients is evident in her continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence in the medical field.
Dr. Eugene Wyszynski
Board-Certified Hematologist and Oncologist
Dr. Eugene Wyszynski is a Board-Certified Hematologist and Oncologist with decades of experience in providing exceptional care to patients with blood disorders and cancer. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed specialized fellowships in Hematology and Oncology at Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Wyszynski has been serving patients in the Dallas area for several decades and is affiliated with multiple hospitals, including the Medical Center of Plano and Dallas Medical Center.
Dr. Wyszynski is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Hematology/Oncology. He has held several leadership roles, including Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at RHD Memorial Medical Center, where he also served on numerous committees. His professional memberships include the American Osteopathic Association, the Dallas County Medical Association, and the Texas Medical Association.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Wyszynski has contributed to advancing oncology care through participation in various clinical cancer trials, including work with the Southwest Oncology Group and the Eastern Cooperative Group. His extensive expertise in hematology and oncology is matched by his dedication to delivering personalized, compassionate care to his patients.
Dr. John Knecht
M.D., Board-Certified Medical Oncologist & Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. John Knecht is a highly experienced, board-certified medical oncologist and internal medicine specialist dedicated to providing cutting-edge cancer care. He combines his extensive clinical expertise with a commitment to patient-centered treatment.
Dr. Knecht earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from St. George’s University before completing his residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UTMB, where he actively mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals.
With a strong research background, Dr. Knecht has served as a primary investigator in multiple clinical trials focusing on advanced treatments for solid tumors, breast cancer, and hematologic malignancies. His work has contributed to the development of innovative therapies in oncology, including collaborations with pharmaceutical leaders and academic institutions.
Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Knecht is actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Physicians. He has also held leadership roles in cancer committees and advisory boards, shaping policy and improving patient care at regional and national levels.
Passionate about improving outcomes for cancer patients, Dr. Knecht is dedicated to staying at the forefront of oncologic advancements, offering his patients the highest quality of evidence-based care.
Dr. Wei Yang
Board-Certified Hematologist & Oncologist
Dr. Wei Yang is a Board-Certified Hematologist and Oncologist dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to patients with cancer and blood disorders. He completed his medical training at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, followed by residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where he served as Chief Fellow. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology, Dr. Yang has extensive clinical experience treating a broad spectrum of hematologic and oncologic conditions, with prior practice at respected institutions including Michigan Health and Ochsner Health. He has authored peer-reviewed publications and presented nationally on topics including immunotherapy, leukemia, and cancer outcomes, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to advancing care in the field. In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Yang brings a unique background in computer science and technology, which complements his innovative approach to patient care and research. He is passionate about integrating clinical excellence, innovation, and compassion to achieve the best outcomes for his patients.
Primary Care Team
Dr. Martin Basaldua
M.D.
Dr. Basaldua has served the Kingwood community since completing his residency in 1983 at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Basaldua is the founding partner of Optimal Health. He has practiced family medicine in the Kingwood area for more than 20 years and is a trusted physician and friend to many in the community.
Board certified in Family Practice, an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Basaldua has served on many national and state committees to improve the quality of health care and education for everyone in the community.
Dr. Carl Heller
M.D.
Dr. Heller started Basaldua and Heller, PA family practice in 1985 with Martin Basaldua, M.D. and has been a part of the community for over 30 years. In his spare time he enjoys traveling the world, and playing golf on the weekends.
Dr. Heller completed medical school at Syracuse College of Medicine, his residency in family practice at Southwest Memorial and is a board certified Family Practice Physician.
Board certified in Family Practice, an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Basaldua has served on many national and state committees to improve the quality of health care and education for everyone in the community.
Dr. James Phelan
M.D., A.B.F.P.
Dr. Phelan joined optimal health in 2015. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois, and attended Medical School at the Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center. He completed his Family Practice Residency in Baylor Affiliated Hospitals, also in the Texas Medical Center.
Dr. Phelan began practicing independently in the Humble / Kingwood area in 1977 and has been here ever since. Dr. Phelan is an expert in robotics and has a wife and daughter. In his spare time he teaches robotics classes and writes articles for Robot Magazine.
Dr. Allan Daniels
M.D.
Dr. Allan Daniels, MD is an internal medicine specialist in Kingwood, TX and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine in 1997.
Dr. Marriyam Jawad
M.D., FACP
Dr. Marriyam Jawad, MD, is a compassionate physician, board certified in Internal Medicine with a specialization in Geriatric Medicine. A proud Texan, Dr. Jawad’s journey in medicine began in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she graduated from Nacogdoches High School. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Stephen F. Austin State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.
Dr. Jawad then attended medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where she developed a strong foundation in medical knowledge and patient care. Following medical school, she completed her Internal Medicine residency at Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Her passion for geriatric care led her to further specialize through a fellowship at Jefferson Abington Hospital in Geriatric Medicine.
To stay up to date in her field, Dr. Jawad is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. She is also a member of the Texas Medical Association, the American Geriatrics Society, the American Medical Association and the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
To stay up to date in her field, Dr. Jawad is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. She is also a member of the Texas Medical Association, the American Geriatrics Society, the American Medical Association and the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
Jeffrey Angell
FNP-C
Jeff has been a Houston resident since moving here from Las Vegas in 1986. In 1992, he graduated from TCC as a Doctor of Chiropractic, where he spent a brief period working with Basaldua, Heller, and Grayson. Since then he spent several years in the US Army upon graduating from Officer Candidate School. After leaving the military, he returned to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. He has a BS in Human Biology and DC from Texas Chiropractic College, a BS in Nursing from Hardin-Simmons University, an MS in Nursing from Samford University, and over 700 hours of post-graduate neurology, including certificates in nerve conduction studies and electromyography. He has an emphasis on musculoskeletal and neurologic issues. Jeff’s preferred practice style is a team approach with decision-making as a collaboration between provider and patient.
James Collins
MSN, RN, FNP-C
James is originally from the northeastern United States but moved to Texas during his adolescent years with his mother and twin sister to escape the snowy winters. James attended Kingwood Middle and Kingwood High School.
During high school he became a pharmacy technician and while attending Stephen F. Austin State University for his undergrad he worked as a pharmacy technician and nurse technician at the local hospital in Nacogdoches.
He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2008 from SFA and began working in a surgical/trauma ICU at a regional trauma center in Amarillo, TX where his wife attended Texas Tech for physical therapy school.
James graduated with nursing honors from the University of Texas at Tyler in the fall of 2015 with his Master of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioner. James enjoys helping people improve and manage their medical needs.
James graduated with nursing honors from the University of Texas at Tyler in the fall of 2015 with his Master of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioner. James enjoys helping people improve and manage their medical needs.
In Amarillo, James earned his Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) and after two years of living in west Texas, James and his wife moved to east Texas where he worked in the trauma ICU and cardiac ICU.
Amanda Neill
FNP-C
Amanda has been in the nursing field for 13 years. She graduated from Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, MO in 2007 with an RN degree. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012 and a Master of Science in Nursing in 2015, both from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. She graduated with a post graduate certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner in 2019 from The University of Texas at Tyler.
She relocated from Northeastern Texas in 2018. She is married to her husband, Aaron of 16 years. In her spare time she enjoys being active outside, traveling, and scuba diving.
Marcus Sevier
PA-C
Marcus is a lifelong Texan that has been practicing in the Kingwood, Humble & Atascocita area since 2000. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 with a Bachelors of Science in Health, then completed his Physician Assistant training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1998.
Marcus has an extensive background in emergency medicine, and even helped put himself through school by working as a paramedic. He looks back fondly on the hectic days in those fast-paced settings, but ultimately loves the follow-up and long-term patient relationships that come with Family Practice.
Claire Trappey
Ms. Claire Trappey, N.P. has worked in the Kingwood area since 2004 and has been practicing for over 30 years. Claire recently joined Optimal Health and specializes in geriatric care with an emphasis on women’s health. She received her Master of Science of Nursing from UTHSCH and is a certified adult and geriatric NP.
Brooke Weidig
Brooke was born and raised in Houston, Texas and graduated from Klein High School in 1997. She earned a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University, class of 2001 (whoop!). Additionally, she ran collegiate Cross Country and Track & Field where she met her husband, John.
She went on to earn a Masters in Physician Assistant studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2005. Following graduation, she and John moved to California where she spent five years practicing in orthopedics at the Center for Joint Replacement in the Bay Area. She is board certified thru the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
She went on to earn a Masters in Physician Assistant studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2005. Following graduation, she and John moved to California where she spent five years practicing in orthopedics at the Center for Joint Replacement in the Bay Area. She is board certified thru the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
Chad Burch
Originally from Pennsylvania, Chad obtained his undergraduate degree at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, in 2000 and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2004. Chad spent six years serving in the US Navy as a physician assistant before settling in the Houston area.
He has been practicing Family Medicine in the Humble/Kingwood/Atascocita community since 2007 and many of our healthcare providers have a longstanding working relationships with him.
Gastroenterology
Dr. Richard Robbins
M.D., Gastroenterologist
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Robbins graduated cum lade with honors from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in film studies. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. He completed both his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He continued at UT Southwestern where he completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and also served as Chief Fellow. Following his general fellowship, he then completed an advanced endoscopy fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, while also serving as Instructor of medicine.
Dr. Robbins treats patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal and liver diseases such as acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic liver disease, colorectal cancer screening, hemorrhoid therapy, and he specializes in pancreatic and biliary disorders. He is trained in advanced endoscopic techniques including ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound, placement of enteral stents and feeding tubes, and large polyp resections.
Dr. Robbins has presented at national conferences and has been published in recognized medical journals. He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association for which he served on the Political Action Committee, American College of Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and American College of Physicians. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.
Dr. Krishnamurthy Shivshanker
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Krishnamurthy Shivshanker is a board-certified Gastroenterologist with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He has been in private practice with Houston Digestive Diseases Consultants since 1984 and has served in various leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at Northwest Memorial Hospital. Under his guidance, the hospital received the prestigious JCAHO “Commendation” award.
Dr. Shivshanker also holds the title of Associate Clinical Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, where he has been a mentor and educator since 1995. In addition to his professional achievements, he is actively involved in charitable organizations across Houston, including the Food Bank and Indo-American Charities.
Specializing in therapeutic interventional endoscopy with a focus on the pancreatico-biliary system, Dr. Shivshanker is dedicated to empowering his patients to make informed decisions about their care. His patient-centered approach ensures that each individual is an active participant in their health journey.
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