Physicians Assistants

Tami A. Berckenhoff

"I believe in a preventive approach to medicine, which includes focusing on each patient individually and listening to their concerns. I especially enjoy treating diabetes, women’s health issues and educating patients about disease prevention. I thank God daily for the opportunity he has given me to help my patients."

"When I’m not treating patients, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son. I also enjoy decorating and sports, such as volleyball and basketball."

Tami A. Berckenhoff graduated the Physician Assistant program at UTMB in Galveston, Texas with highest honors in 1997. She received a Bachelor Degree in nutritional science at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas in 1995. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Texas Academy of Physician Assistants.

(p) (281) 453-7952
(f) (281) 440-2023

Debra Cox Koetter

"I’m looking forward to forging partnerships with my patients by taking the time to fully understand and appreciate their needs and concerns. I will work hard to provide each patient and family with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their health and prevent disease. I enjoy all aspects of primary care medicine from treating people with minor illnesses and injuries to helping them manage complex illnesses that require more comprehensive care. The opportunity to treat the whole individual is what makes Family Practice unique and is the reason I chose it above all other medical disciplines.

Now that our daughter is grown, my husband and I are committed to vacationing at a new destination each year and share the ultimate goal of eventually traveling to each continent except, maybe, Antarctica...."

Debbie joined 1960 Family Practice in January 2010. She studied business administration at the University of Wisconsin before moving to Texas and receiving her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch in
Galveston.

(p) (281) 453-7952
(f) (281) 440-2021

Amanda Curry Smith, PA

"I believe in the importance of preventative medicine and like to empower my patients to lead a healthy life style. "

Amanda has been practicing as a Physician Assistant in the Houston area for over 5 years. She graduated from Baylor College of Medicine with a Masters in Physician Assistant studies. Amanda likes to take the time to get to know her patients, listen to their concerns, and address all of their issues; in which she has a particular interest in women's health and enjoys treating chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Amanda will be seeing patients in both the family practice setting and the wellness clinic.

Family Practice:
Well women exams, physicals, evaluation of diabetes, hypertension,
high cholesterol and various pain related problems.

Wellness Services:
Treatments for fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scaring, skin discoloration,
weight control, skin evaluations

Amanda can help you keep a youthful appearance inside and out.

Sydney Payne

"I believe in practicing preventive medicine with an emphasis on patient education. I try to listen to each patient's concerns and answer his or her questions.  I enjoy treating patients of all ages with a special interest in women's health, pediatrics, and acute care."

Sydney Payne graduated from the UTSW Physician Assistant Program in Dallas in 2001. She received her Bachelor degree in Nutritional Sciences at Texas A&M in 1999.

(p) (281) 453-7952
(f) (281) 440-2023

Brandi Valenzuela

"I believe strongly in preventative medicine and try to make my patients feel comfortable so they can discuss their health concerns and ask any questions they may have. I like all aspects of family medicine with special interest in acute and chronic illnesses and women’s health issues."

“Most of my free time is spent with my family and friends. I also like to listen to music and read.”

Brandi Valenzuela completed her Physician Assistant program at UTMB in Galveston Texas in 1997. She received her Bachelor Degree in biology at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. She has a vast range of clinical experience including internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, cardiology and family practice.

(p) (281) 453-7952
(f) (281) 440-2023