Our Faculty
Diego Aviles, MD
Assistant Professor
Diego J. Avilés, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Division of Gynecologic Oncology at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth). He was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. After obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance from the University of Florida, he earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper in Camden, New Jersey.
Dr. Avilés’ clinical interests include the studying the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer, as well as exploring dietary intervention in patients with ovarian cancer. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, Latin dancing, playing his musical interest, reading, and exercising.
When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, Dr. Avilés was living in New Orleans and evacuated to Houston to avoid the storm. The entire city of Houston was so kind and welcoming to him and his family in their time of need, that he has now dedicated himself to serving the incredible community here that gave him so much.
Ioana L. Bondre, MD
Assistant Professor
Dr. Ioana Bondre is an assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at UTHealth Houston. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Dr. Bondre is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care and works closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that reflects their goals, values, and unique needs.
Dr. Bondre believes every woman deserves to feel informed, supported and empowered throughout her cancer journey. She combines the latest evidence-based treatments with a multidisciplinary approach to ensure patients receive comprehensive care from diagnosis through survivorship. She has extensive experience in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, allowing many women to benefit from smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery when appropriate.
Dr. Bondre earned her medical degree from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston before completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UTHealth Houston. She then completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of California San Diego, where she received advanced training in the medical and surgical management of gynecologic cancers. She also earned a Master of Public Health from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Bondre is actively involved in clinical research focused on improving outcomes for women with gynecologic cancers. Her research has explored innovative treatment approaches for ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers, advances in minimally invasive surgery, quality-of-life initiatives for women undergoing cancer treatment. She has presented her work at national scientific meetings and authored numerous peer-reviewed publications dedicated to advancing the field of gynecologic oncology.
Dr. Bondre is passionate about educating the next generation of physicians and serves as an educator for medical students and residents at McGovern Medical School. She is dedicated to advancing women’s health through excellence in patient care, education and research while providing compassionate, individualized care to every patient she cares for.
Rosa A. Guerra, MD
Assistant Professor
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 1 (external link)
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 2 (external link)
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 3 (external link)
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 4 (external link)
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 5 (external link)
Rosa A. Guerra, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Division of Gynecologic Oncology at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth).
Dr. Guerra earned her medical degree in 2014 from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. In addition to her medical degree, she also has a Master of Medical Science from the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Guerra completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth) in Houston, Texas and her Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at USCF/Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, California.
Dr. Guerra is board-certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in gynecologic oncology and obstetrics and gynecology. Her focus of interest include treating cancers of the female reproductive system, complex gynecologic surgery, and peri-operative education to facilitate improved patient recovery. When not working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her puppy Azul and nieces and nephew.
Katelyn F. Handley, MD
Assistant Professor
Dr. Katelyn Handley is a gynecologic oncologist and assistant professor with the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UTHealth Houston. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers. She also cares for women with complex gynecologic conditions and is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care throughout every stage of treatment.
Dr. Handley believes every patient deserves to feel heard, informed and supported. She works closely with each patient and their family to develop an individualized treatment plan that reflects their goals while providing the latest evidence-based care. Whether performing complex surgery, coordinating chemotherapy or guiding patients through survivorship, she is dedicated to helping women navigate their cancer journey with confidence and hope.
In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Handley is an accomplished physician-scientist whose research focuses on advancing the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian cancer. Her work has contributed to the development of novel targeted therapies, immunotherapy approaches to improve cancer care. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading medical journals and presented her research at national scientific meetings. Her research achievements have been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Florida Society of Gynecologic Oncology Research Award, the Linda K. Manning Endowed Fellowship in Ovarian Cancer Research and the ASCO/AACR Workshop on Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Fellowship.
Dr. Handley earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine before completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. She then completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in gynecologic oncology and reproductive medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, followed by a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, where she received advanced training in the surgical and medical management of gynecologic cancers.
Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Handley enjoys teaching and mentoring medical students and residents while participating in community outreach programs that improve access to cervical and breast cancer screening.
Joseph A. Lucci, III, MD
Professor
Visit my PubMed Profile Page (external link)
Joseph Lucci III, MD, is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist in practice since 1986. He earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). This was followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Christus St. Joseph Hospital in Houston and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of California Irvine Medical Center.
Dr. Lucci treats patients of all ages. His clinical interests include the treatment of gynecologic cancer, cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) and ovarian cancer. He strongly believes the goal of cancer treatment is to encourage patients to live life to the fullest and have the ability to pursue imminent opportunities while obtaining the highest quality of care. His focus is on the patient’s needs and desires and to ensure a high level of comfort and compassion.
Dr. Lucci has been named one of “America’s Top Doctors” and “America’s Top Doctors for Cancer” by Castle Connelly, a peer-recommended recognition that identifies the top medical specialists throughout the country who possess a high level of medical skill and expertise.
Elizabeth K. Nugent, MD
Associate Professor
Visit my PubMed Profile Page (external link)
Elizabeth K. Nugent, MD, is a dual board certified physician who offers individualized patient care for patients with complex gynecologic issues and throughout their journey with gynecologic malignancies.
Through her practice philosophy, she develops a patient-centered approach that revolves around utilizing a multi-disciplinary team and comprehensive treatment strategies that focus on patient comfort during various treatments. Dr. Nugent and her team value honesty, support, and longitudinal care which they seek to provide in various settings.
Dr. Nugent is a graduate of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. After medical school, she completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Additionally, she completed a Palliative and Hospice Medicine Fellowship at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth). With her additional palliative care training, paired with her extensive knowledge, Dr. Nugent provides exceptional care to her patients throughout their cancer journey.
Dr. Nugent is board-certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in gynecologic oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, and also obtained minimally invasive gynecology-focused practice designation through ABOG.
In addition to her board certifications through ABOG, she is board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Lavanya Palavalli Parsons, MD
Associate Professor
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 1 (external link)
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 2 (external link)
Visit my PubMed Profile Page 3 (external link)
Lavanya Palavalli Parsons, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Division of Gynecologic Oncology at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth).
Dr. Palavalli Parsons earned her medical degree in 2010 from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Following medical school, she completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and her Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Palavalli Parsons also served as an HHMI-NIH Research Scholar at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute – National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and completed the Felix Rutledge Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Palavalli Parsons is board-certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. She specializes in all aspects of gynecologic oncology, including surgical management and chemotherapy for cervical, uterine, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, as well as gestational trophoblastic disease. Dr. Palavalli Parsons is a highly skilled surgeon with expertise in laparoscopic, robotic, and open surgery for gynecologic cancers and complex benign gynecologic conditions. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and two fluffy puppies.
Brittanie Shelton, MS, CGC
Assistant Professor
Brittanie Shelton, MS, CGC is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Division of Gynecologic Oncology at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth).
After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University in Washington, DC, she earned her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling in 2014 from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina. She is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Ms. Shelton’s focuses of interest include expanded access to genetic testing, cascade family testing, and community outreach to spread awareness about hereditary cancer and genetic counseling. When not working, she enjoys reading, volunteering, spending time with her family, thrift shopping, and marathon-watching home renovation shows.
Dan Silasi, MD
Professor
Visit my PubMed Profile Page (external link)
Dan-Arin Silasi, MD, is a Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. A board-certified gynecologic oncologist, he has dedicated his career to advancing surgical innovation and research for women with gynecologic cancers. He brings extensive experience in complex surgery, translational research, and international collaboration, with a focus on improving both outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Dr. Silasi earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timișoara, Romania, where he also completed residencies in otolaryngology and internal medicine. He went on to complete his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio and his fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Yale School of Medicine.
He served on the Yale School of Medicine faculty for more than a decade, advancing to associate professor and holding leadership roles including Director of the Discovery to Cure International Clinical and Translational Research Fellowship and Director of Robotic Pelvic Surgery in Obese Patients. He later chaired the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Mercy East in St. Louis, where he expanded surgical innovation and developed comprehensive multidisciplinary programs.
Dr. Silasi has authored or co-authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and abstracts, with work appearing in leading journals such as Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and The Journal of Clinical Oncology. His research focuses on minimally invasive and robotic surgery, fluorescence-guided techniques, fertility preservation, and novel therapeutics for ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. He serves as principal investigator for multiple national and international clinical trials exploring targeted therapies and translational approaches in gynecologic oncology.
An internationally recognized speaker and surgeon, Dr. Silasi has presented invited lectures and surgical demonstrations across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His academic contributions have been recognized with awards for surgical innovation, excellence in teaching, and mentorship. Through his research, teaching, and leadership, Dr. Silasi is committed to advancing evidence-based, patient-centered care while training the next generation of gynecologic oncologists and physician-scientists.
Barry S. Siller, MD
Associate Professor
Visit my PubMed Profile Page (external link)
Barry S. Siller, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics,
Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Division of Gynecologic Oncology at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth).
Dr. Siller earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Texas. He completed his residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology and his Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Siller’s highly personalized care to cancer patients has spanned more than 20 years. During this time, he has been recognized by his peers for sixteen consecutive years as a Texas Super Doctor from 2007 – 2022. He also has been named as one of “American’s Most Honored Doctors” for eight consecutive years from 2016 – 2023. He is specially trained in robotic surgery using the da Vinci® Surgical System, and offers his patients the latest in minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment innovations.
Dr. Siller is board-certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in gynecologic oncology and obstetrics and gynecology. When not in clinic providing patient care and resident education, Dr. Siller spends his time serving the community both locally and abroad. He serves as a volunteer physician for Faith in Practice. This organization provides medical aid and services to impoverished people in Guatemala. To date he has completed 20 medical mission trips to Guatemala. Dr. Siller is married with four children, and enjoys playing tennis.