Gastro Health & Nutrition

Dharmendra Verma, MD completed his residency training in Internal medicine at the University of Texas, Houston along with MD Anderson Cancer Center, where subsequently, he received subspecialty fellowship in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. He also received advanced training in Hepatology for the management of chronic liver conditions. He is board-certified in Hepatology and Gastroenterology. Dr. Verma enjoys the art of medicine and is uniquely able to bond with his patients to positively affect their health outcomes. His interest includes evidence-based management of digestive disorders and participation in collaborative research to expand the knowledge base for treating such conditions. He is active in bringing cutting edge care to the crossroads area in partnership with major academic centers in Houston and San Antonio. He has published numerous research studies in peer-reviewed journals and collaborating with other investigators to enhance our understanding of a multitude of digestive disorders. His patients and colleagues realize this and, as such, his patient referral base is largely “word of mouth”, referrals from patient’s families and friends, professional colleagues, and health insurance companies. Along with his wife and son, he enjoys being a part of the vibrant crossroads community and a productive member of the local medical community.

Dr. LaCamera began his education in Florida, earning his Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology from the University of Florida in 1987. After attending medical school in 1991, he then went on to complete his internal medicine residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham in 1994. Finally, after completion of a GI fellowship training at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1997, he made his home at a private practice gastroenterology group in Palm Harbor Florida, and has been there for the last 24 years. As Dr. LaCamera and his family relocate to the South Texas area; he will begin treating patients in early 2022.

Dr. Franco is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. She received her medical degree in her native country of Colombia, South America at Universidad Javeriana. Following medical school, Dr. Franco came to the United States, and completed her internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She then went to complete an advanced fellowship in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. Prior to joining Gastro Health and Nutrition, Dr. Franco worked with the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota as assistant professor. Her practice areas of interest include inflammatory bowel diseases and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Franco hopes to focus on gastrointestinal health for women. She is joined in Houston by her husband and three daughters, with whom she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.

Ami Patel, PA is a native Houstonian, who received her graduate medical training from the University of Texas Healthcare system, with further education and training in gastroenterology & Hepatology subspecialty. With a background in both clinical and research settings, she is highly proficient in the diagnosis and management of various gastrointestinal ailments. Her clinical interests include holistic treatment pathways for chronic gut ailments associated with Inflammatory bowel disease, brain-gut disorders, IBS and acid-reflux diseases. She also has passion in improving one’s metabolic health, utilizing “food as medicine”. Ami is an active member of American gastroenterology association and Texas medical association. She is a valuable member of the Gastro Health & Nutrition team.

Karen McEuen, MSN, APRN, FNP-C joined Gastro Health & Nutrition in 2023 as a full-time Advance Practice Registered Nurse and is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She was born and raised in the Crossroads community. Mrs. McEuen earned her Associated of Applied Science in Nursing at Victoria College in 2016, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Texas Tech University in 2017 followed by a Master of Science Degree in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at University of Texas at Arlington in 2023. Prior to joining the practice, she worked as a registered nurse in a variety of settings; including emergency medicine, PACU, neonatal care, and family medicine. She strives to provide comprehensive care to her patients to facilitate a pleasant and comfortable experience. When away from the practice, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 3 small children and is an avid sports fan. She is excited to serve the patients in the Crossroads community!

Jessica Helms, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, NP-C joined Gastro Health & Nutrition in 2021 as a full-time Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is a long-standing member of the Victoria community. Education – Ms. Helms earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at Victoria College in 2000, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Houston-Victoria in 2008 followed by a Master of Science Degree in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at University of Texas at Arlington in 2018. Prior to joining the practice, Ms. Helms specialized in Hematology & Oncology since 2006 as an Oncology Certified Nurse and then as a Nurse Practitioner after earning her Master’s Degree. Research & Publications – Ms. Helms has a strong background in plan of care development, health education, and has multiple peer-reviewed publications in infectious disease with a focus on local epidemiology. Ms. Helms also serves as the COVID-19 Operations Center Director for the University of Houston – Victoria. As part of the UHV COVID-19 Operations Center, she directs the COVID-19 preparedness and response for the UHV Community. Ms. Helms is dedicated to providing empathetic, comprehensive, and evidence-based care.