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
Rosa A. Guerra, MD
Assistant Professor
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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
Joseph A. Lucci, III, MD
Professor
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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
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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
Assistant Professor
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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.
Barry S. Siller, MD
Associate Professor
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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.
Judith A. Smith, PharmD, BCOP, CPHQ, FCCP, FISOPP
Professor
Abigail S. Zamorano, MD, MPHS
Assistant Professor
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Abigail S. Zamorano, MD, MPHS, 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 Arts in Religion with a Certificate (Minor) in Spanish Language from Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, she earned her medical degree in 2014 from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zamorano completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology and a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to her medical degree, she also has a Master’s in Population Health Sciences with a Concentration in Clinical Epidemiology and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Prevention and Control at the School of Public Health Sciences at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Zamorano is board-certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Gynecologic Oncology. Her focuses of interest include the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic malignancies, clinical trials, and global health. She is also very active in research to identify and address disparities in the screening, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of gynecologic cancer and serves on multiple national committees. When not working, she enjoys life with her husband and two children and traveling.