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Austin Monthly January/February 2026

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800+ of the Best Doctors in Central Texas PAGE 60 Sydney’s Cat Lounge Is a Purrfect Escape PAGE32

LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUSTIN! TEXAS IS THE NEW HOT SPOT FOR FILM AND TV, AND THE CAPITAL CITY IS READY FOR ITS CLOSE-UP.

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INTRODUCING

DESIGN HOUSE WHERE AUSTIN DESIGN MEETS THE WORLD During SXSW 2026, we present a first-of-its-kind summit of design talks, connections, and a taste of Austin’s design best. Hosted at Paseo by LV Collective, Austin’s newest and most design-forward high rise on Rainey Street.

COMING MARCH 2026


J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 6

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Lights, Camera, Austin! With A-List celebrities, awardwinning directors, international festivals, and new legislative incentives, the capital city has become a hub for TV and film production.

60 Top Doctors 2026

R I C K A . C O RT E Z

Find the best medical care with more than 800 trusted doctors in dozens of specialties.

AUSTIN MONTHLY

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J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Contents Editor’s Letter 21

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Scout All that jazz: Elevate your date night downtown at this vibey new lounge 21 Ahh-mazing! Find your Zen at these four new wellness destinations 22 Party photos from Austin Monthly’s Honky Tonk Fest and Best New Restaurants bash 24

Feast Savor late-night sushi at a new spot inspired by Japan’s convenience stores 29

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Inside Leona, South Austin’s new family-friendly hangout spot 30 Sip tea and pet adoptable kitties at Sydney’s Cat Lounge & Sanctuary 32

Beat Dating expert Blaine Anderson wants to help revamp your love life 38 Artist Qi Dada celebrates Black motherhood and music on a new PBS special 40

Weird History

35

Remembering Matthew McConaughey’s most bizarre film project 122

O N T H E C OV E R Woody Harrelson, by Rick A. Cortez Photo Assistant: Cass Klepac Location: Austin Studios Wardrobe: Styling by Bonnie Kennimer. Hat and pearl snap shirt by Kennimer. Wrangler jeans from Allens Boots. Makeup Artist: Gabrielle Jordano

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TO P TO B OT TO M : A I DA N LO U G H R A N ; KO N B I N I ; A A RO N E . M A RT I N E Z /AUST I N A M E R I CA N - STAT ES M A N

The University of Texas tilts along a new political axis 35


Beautiful work.

THAT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL ON YOU.

January/February 2026 | Vol. 34 | No. 1

General Manager Randi Stevenson Editor-in-Chief Madeline Hollern Creative Director Mara Esquivel EDITORIAL Executive Editor Bryan C. Parker Contributing Writers Rose McMackin, Ruvani de Silva ART

We work to make sure our patients who undergo any procedure gain confidence and a sense of well-being.from looking, feeling and functioning at their best.

Contributing Photographers Rick A. Cortez, Annie Ray

Contributing Illustrators Randy Mora, Jon Wilcox DIGITAL Digital Manager Abigail Stewart ADVERTISING

E:::o andrewTRUSSLERmdp11c

Senior Marketing Director Sara Bryant Director of Sales Julie Lee Account Executives Dana Horner, Teddy Ivanova, Jenn Tully, Kiely Whelan

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery lnjectables & Skin Care

Events Director Lauren Sposetta

EVENTS

CIRCULATION

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 512.450.1077 / DRTRUSSLER.COM

Circulation Manager Kerri Nolan

Text Us: 512-686-4368

@trusslermd CONTACT US 8000 Metropolis Drive, Bldg. A, Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78744, 512-263-9133. Advertising inquiries: advertising@austinmonthly.com. Letters to the Editor: info@austinmonthly.com. Subscriptions, Renewals, and Address Changes: Austin Monthly, 8000 Metropolis Drive, Bldg. A, Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78744, 512-387-6234, subscriptions@austinmonthly.com or online at austinmonthly.com/subscribe.

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA austinmonthly.com


DR. MALENA AMATO AND DR. MARIE SOMOGYI Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi are impeccably trained board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeons who joined forces in Austin with one shared mission: to deliver personalized, compassionate care across the full spectrum of eyelid and facial surgery— from cosmetic rejuvenation to trauma, tumors, and thyroid eye disease. They bring to Austin the very best at Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates where patients and staff are treated like extended family. Leaders in their field, Drs. Amato and Somogyi serve on faculty at the Dell Medical School Department of Ophthalmology and bring academic pedigrees from

Stanford, Notre Dame, and Georgetown. They’re nationally invited speakers, active contributors to current research, and passionate medical missionaries serving underserved communities around the world. Whether lecturing from the podium or cheering from the sidelines at their boys’ soccer games, this dynamic duo balance busy practices with even busier mom-life—their genuine empathy translates into attentive one-on-one care. They look forward to welcoming you to a practice where expertise meets authenticity, and where excellent care always comes with a human touch.

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Editor’s Letter

Madeline Hollern Editor-in-Chief madeline@austinmonthly.com @madelinehollern @madelinehollern

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H AY D E N WA L K E R

Everybody Wants Some

ON A SULTRY NIGHT in the middle of June, I parked inside the garage of the Bullock Texas State History Museum and tried unsuccessfully to take a deep breath. A few weeks before, I’d been asked by Fons PR to host a screening of the new F1 movie, and they’d mentioned that an A-List star was going to be there. Two days before the event, I found out who that celebrity was: none other than legendary actor Brad Pitt. Keeping the surprise a secret from everyone except our executive editor, Bryan C. Parker, I steeled my nerves and walked into the venue, surrounded by film fans sporting checkered skirts and red-and-black jackets. As I went backstage about 10 minutes before the event began, I met Pitt himself, whose warmth and charm immediately calmed me down. The production team pulled out some T-shirt guns, and with a mischievous smile, the actor suggested that we be the ones to shoot them. I walked into the theater to hype up the crowd, asking them if they were fans of the actor and having them yell “We Love Brad Pitt!” while I took a selfie with the audience. At that very moment, Pitt came storming down the aisle as the crowd went wild, screaming and grabbing their phones as we chatted and fired T-shirts into the air. While the viral moment was certainly one of the most exciting opportunities of my career, it also illustrated something that has been brewing for quite some time: Austin has become a hot spot for the film industry—and the world is taking note. Celebrities are flocking to the capital city for movie premieres, much-anticipated productions, and international festivals like SXSW, Fantastic Fest, and ATX TV Festival. Famed directors like Richard Linklater, Robert Rodriguez, and Mike Judge call the capital city home, as well as Noah Hawley, the showrunner behind Alien: Earth and Fargo, and May Cobb, the author of the book behind last summer’s No. 1 hit show, The Hunting Wives. And with locally based superstars like Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey successfully lobbying for new incentives to bolster the Texas film industry, the movie-making magic here has only just begun. For our latest cover feature, (“Lights, Camera, Austin!,” page 42), Bryan C. Parker details the cinematic history, upcoming productions, and key players in the film and TV industry that are emerging from the capital city. And there’s plenty to look forward to in 2026: Whether you’re scoring your badge for SXSW Film, heading to see the Friday Night Lights 20th anniversary cast reunion at ATX TV Fest this spring, hearing an actor talk before a film premiere at Alamo Drafthouse, or just heading to a UT game to get a glimpse of Glen Powell, Austin will keep you more than entertained. Get your popcorn ready!


at Benefitting

Celebrating Texas Film, Artists, and Stories

Celeste & Adrian Quesada

Kathy Blackwell and Steve Scheibal • Donna Blair and Tamara Carlisle Noël and Will Bridges • Polly and Lonnie Cooper Maddi and Connor Oman • Masha Poloskova and Jarod Harmeier Rachel and Christopher Rios • Aurora and Charlie Tames

Members of the Texas Film Hall of Fame Include: Sissy Spacek • Renée Zellweger • Shirley MacLaine • Forest Whitaker Guillermo Del Toro • Carol Burnett • Matthew McConaughey • Willie Nelson Ethan Hawke • Paul Thomas Anderson • Glen Powell • and many others

Austinfilm.org/TFA


Sax and the City Live jazz invites you to expect the unexpected. Performers lean into collaborative syncopation to create a sound that’s as much atmosphere as music. It’s this ineffable vibe that co-owners Kris Kimura and Aaron Frescas have captured at their newest venture, Nica on 4th. The consummate industry veterans behind Parker Jazz Club and Elephant Room have leaned into the enigmatic spirit of the 1920s jazz club, naming their bar after “Baroness of Jazz” Pannonica de Koenigswarter. The space oozes understated elegance with pitch-perfect acoustics ensured by sleek wooden soundproofing panels, lights dimmed low over stage-facing tables, and an indulgent menu of bespoke midcentury cocktails with modern twists. Prime for a quiet tête-à-tête, Nica provides a romantic downtown experience perfect for date night. The music allows a soft murmur of intimate conversation over strong drinks sipped slowly. Indulge in an Old Fashioned– inspired Jump Monk or gin-forward Thyme Does It as the vibrations swirl around you. “We want guests to feel like they are being transported back in time and to forget their problems at the door,” Frescas says. —Ruvani de Silva

AIDAN LOUGHRAN

AUSTIN MONTHLY

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Scout Self-Care

Feel Good Inc. Unwind and revive with infrared saunas, cold plunges, red-light therapy, and sonic massages at these soothing new wellness spots. BY MADELINE HOLLERN

A Zen haven that doubles as a coworking hub, Gevity (short for “longevity”) is a one-stop shop for optimization. The North Austin club has plenty of areas for business, from private meeting rooms to workspaces with treadmill desks. But here, wellness is the real draw: Enjoy mat Pilates, strength and mobility classes, and sound bath meditations between calls in the movement studio or break a sweat during your lunch break in the functional gym. Members can also unwind with the co-ed recovery lounge’s communal dry sauna and cold plunges, or book a session in the add-on Gevity Lab, which includes a red-light therapy bed, Normatec compression boots, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Designed around a stunning indoor holy savannah tree, the space will host social gatherings like pop-up farmers markets and after-hour music sessions. “The whole idea is blending wellness, work, community, and recovery under one roof,” says co-founder Connor Michalek. 104 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Ste. 125, livegevity.co 22

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Gevity features a co-ed recovery lounge with a communal dry sauna and cold plunges.

C O U R T E SY B R A N D S

F O R E F F I C I E N CY: GE VIT Y


F O R P R I VACY: SWE ATHOUZ Talk about a power hour! Dedicate 60 minutes just to yourself at this stylish new contrast therapy studio in The Grove. At Sweathouz, guests can sweat, shower, and soak in their own private suites with a personal infrared sauna and cold plunge. Unlike old-school saunas that just heat the air, owner Kaleigh Bryant says these full-spectrum saunas penetrate the skin, warming you directly. She recommends going “low and slow” for 40 minutes in the infrared sauna at 140 to 155 degrees for optimum results. Rinse off with a soothing vitamin C shower before immersing yourself in the refreshing cold plunge set around 50 degrees for at least three minutes. Touted benefits of contrast therapy include improved circulation, decreased inflammation, and boosted immunity. Each guest gets a lavender- or eucalyptus-scented cold compress at check-in and can refresh at the communal beauty bar with Dyson blow dryers and air straighteners to get ready to tackle the day—or night. 2606 Perseverance Drive, sweathouz.com

FOR SOCIALIZING: BATHE AUSTIN’S SOAKING GARDEN

FOR GROUNDING: PRESENT PR ACTICE Whether your New Year’s resolution is to get in shape, decrease stress, or build more community, this new fitness studio has got you covered. Slated to open Jan. 1 in the former Wanderlust Yoga and YTX Yoga space downtown, Present Practice is a new 6,000-square-foot yoga and Pilates studio co-owned by Austin couple Morgan and Ryan O’Hare. Featuring a stage and acoustics, the studio’s larger room fits up to 100 people and will include unique activations and live music during special iterations of its vinyasa yoga and mat Pilates classes, while the smaller space hosts physically challenging workouts such as hot power yoga and hot strength. After class, refuel at on-site Tiger’s Nest Café, which will serve Desnudo Coffee, cacao beverages, and tea. If you’re looking to travel more in 2026, you’re in luck: This community is known for its international retreats, and Morgan has hosted nearly 30 of them across five continents since 2019. 206 E. Fourth St., instagram.com/presentpracticeyoga

From top: Downtown studio Present Practice has a large room for vinyasa and mat Pilates classes; Bathe Austin’s Soaking Garden includes wood-fired saunas and barrel tubs for guests.

Looking to get the crew together? Skip the de rigueur happy hour or brunch meetup in favor of a convivial spa day at this private garden oasis. At phase one of Bathe, Austin’s upcoming community bathhouse by Lisa and Danyl Magick, you and your friends can gather to sweat it out in wood-fired, infrared, and traditional Finnish saunasandsoakinamagnesium-richNordsprings barrel tub. Complete the contrast therapy by dipping into a chilled Cowboy Pool or braving the refreshing cold plunges together. In addition to accessing the outdoor garden with a day pass, guests can add on a session in the red-light therapy lounge or sign up for a multi-sensory music massage that blends sound and pulsation on a vibroacoustic Opus bed. Ahhh. 2922 E. Cesar Chavez St., batheaustin.com

At Sweathouz, members can enjoy the benefits of contrast therapy in their own private space.

AUSTIN MONTHLY

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Scout Scene

Mix & Mingle

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BY MADELINE HOLLERN

HONKY TONK FEST MORE THAN 1,250 guests came out to twirl and two-step to nine bands at Austin Monthly’s first-ever Honky Tonk Fest in November! Hosted at Jester King Brewery, the inaugural music festival featured performances from Chaparelle, Emily Nenni, Honky Tonkin’ in Queens, Aaron McDonnell & the Neon Eagles, Tate Mayeux, Cactus Lee, Paige Plaisance, The Mellows, and Amy Wilcox. In addition to a great lineup of artists, the festival included vintage shopping, chicken sh*t bingo, two-stepping lessons, and even a sunset graze from Jester King’s famous goats. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Covert ATX, as well as our additional sponsors The Ranch at Caliterra, Allens Boots, Waterloo Records, and Topo Chico.

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1. The Little Longhorn Saloon hosts Chicken Sh!t Bingo 2. Honky Tonk Fest official shirts 3. Chaparelle headlines the main stage 4. Allens Boots’ Airstream pop-up 5. Cactus Lee performs in the barn 6. Brian Contratto two-steps with Rebekah Hoffer 7. Two-steppers on the dance floor 8. Emily Nenni onstage 9. Kryssie Valdes dances with Brent Cushing 10. Megan Newman, Laura Mier, and Rachel Franklin 11. Aaron McDonnell & the Neon Eagles perform 12. Grant Barnes and other dancers 13. Waterloo Records’ pop-up shop 14. A festival corgi 15. The Topo Chico activation 16. Vanessa Vaught and Dalton Albus of Double or Nothing Two-Step teach a dance lesson

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BY MADELINE HOLLERN

BEST NEW RESTAURANTS PARTY GUESTS BROUGHT their appetites (and holiday cheer!) to LZR for our annual culinary party in early December. The festive bash featured delicious bites from all 10 of Austin Monthly’s Best New Restaurants 2025: Allday, Aris, Fish Shop, The Greek Bar, Kalimotxo, Le Calamar, Loudmouth, Parish Barbecue, Rocco’s, and Siti. Partygoers also noshed on tasty fare from Gati and Austin Oyster Co. and enjoyed desserts from Sweet Treets Bakery. VIP attendees were treated to an exclusive wine tasting from Priest Ranch Wines • Napa Valley, and live band Jennifer Foster and The Audacity set the tone with their sultry blues music. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Priest Ranch Wines • Napa Valley, as well as additional sponsors Holistic Spirits Co., Graza, Made In, Duchman Family Winery, and Jester King Brewery.

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1. Gati Cafe served delicious soup samples for guests 2. Mickey and Samantha Jogoleff, Hayden Walker 3. Angelique Cunningham, Andrea Dever, Haley Hunt, Laura Trotter, and Stephanie Weldon 4. Austin Oyster Co. 5. Laila Bazahm of Siti 6. The Grinch handed out free glasses of Champagne to partygoers 7. Kaleigh Wiese and Cynthia Bernard 8. Presenting sponsor Priest Ranch Wines • Napa Valley hosted a spirited wine tasting 9. Matteo Cina of Cina Family Sauce 10. Lee Ackerley, Kendall Thornton, Madeline Hollern, Liza Binkley, and Tiffany Collier 11. Kalimotxo demonstrated its porrón 12. Nicholas Ford of Rocco’s 13. Candace Dill and Lauren Sposetta 14. Fish Shop

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For Your Convenience

AUSTIN MONTHLY

C O U R T E SY KO N B I N I

The high-quality culinary offerings of Japan’s convenience stores have made them a cultural phenomenon. It’s the Japanese word for those beloved shops that provided the name for Konbini, the latest concept from chef Michael Carranza, the mind behind Michelin-recognized Tare and former head sushi chef at Uchi. Discover the tucked-away eatery by entering through East Austin bar Papercut and heading to the back, where you’ll find a doorway with neon Japanese characters glowing above it. The diminutive restaurant is comprised of a simple sushi bar with a menu of a la carte nigiri and crudos. Using fresh fish brought in daily from Tokyo’s Toyosu market, Carranza adds flourishes such as shima-aji with pickled nopales and hirame with aguachile aioli. “We’re taking Japanese fish and mixing it with Mexican coastal cuisine—regions like Baja, Sinaloa, Yucatan, Oaxaca,” the chef explains. Carranza also pays homage to those namesake corner stores with a few playful creations: a delicious egg sandwich served on fluffy bread lightly toasted in wagyu tallow and a hot dog topped with trout roe. Beyond the stellar menu, Konbini keeps the same hours as Papercut, making it a perfect stop for the kind of late-night snack that would make the citizens of Tokyo proud. —Bryan C. Parker

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Feast Tasty Tidbits

Take It Outside Savor international fare, distinctive libations, and gorgeous landscaping at Leona. BY RUVANI DE SILVA CALL IT A not-so-secret garden: South Austinites are buzzing about SunsetValley’simmersivenew5-acre eatery. A long-awaited collaboration between two beloved local restaurants, Leona Botanical Cafe & Bar unites couple Lakana and Justin Trubiana’s specialty Northeastern Thai cuisine (DEE DEE) with sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez’s fresh, organic-focused dishes from their home region of Mexico (Veracruz All Natural). The space features a tranquil landscape where guests can lounge in Adirondacks situated among Texas wildflowers and edible herbs. With food and drink served from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. six days a week, Leona has already become a neighborhood favorite for friendly nightcaps and family outings.

BEVERAGES Collaborating with award-winning mixologist Caer Maiko Ferguson, the team has crafted an exciting cocktail menu that infuses the international flavors of the two restaurants. Bold takes on traditional Thai and Mexican ingredients like the tangy Red Curry Lions Tail and the Mole Mezcal Negroni’s playful mix of sesame and two sherries exude imagination and skill. Craft coffee comes from local faves Proud Mary, and the bar also offers a Texas-focused beer list as well as a curated selection of wine, NA beer, and kombucha. ORIGIN The quartet met when their food trucks occupied neighboring lots on East Cesar Chavez nearly a decade ago. “Our connection came from a mutual respect among women moving from another country to share culture and food from their moms and grandmas,” Justin says. After both businesses decided to relocate, they planned a space that they could own and cultivate how they wanted. The estate of renowned Austin philanthropist and World War II veteran Betty Grubs was keen to offer up a spacious and well-situated site to the two woman-owned businesses. To uphold Grubs’ legacy, Leona will host an annual fund-

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raiser and support her UT scholarship endowment for women in athletics. FOOD The menus highlight DEE DEE's and Veracruz’s flagship dishes as well as delicious new offerings. DEE DEE’s spicy-sweet fried chicken drips with hot honey and Thai chili, and the roasted chicken with Jim Jeow sauce and sticky rice shows off chef Lakana’s native Northeastern Thai home cooking perfectly. Veracruz is also featuring a new house salad with toasted poblanos, grilled corn, queso fresco, and jalapeño-cilantro vinaigrette as well as tortas made with house-baked bread. “The bread has this incredibly fluffy, buttery tex-

DESIGN Whether it’s leafy trails for hiking and biking or verdant patios for happy hours, Austinites love the outdoors. For Leona, lauded design firm Clayton Korte and Campbell Landscape Architecture sought to create a thoughtful, hyperlocal oasis with an environmentally conscious ethos. Gently landscaped vegetation weaves between low-lying smooth-lined structures of glass, steel, and wood in relaxed natural tones. “We want guests to come in and enjoy the culture of the food [and] relax and connect with nature,” Lakana says. “Each season will be a different experience around all the native species.”

D I A N A R OT H E RY; D I S H E S : TAY LO R E L L I OT, T H I C C B OY M E D I A

ture you won’t find anywhere else,” Maritza says. The two eateries will join forces this spring on a third restaurant at Leona, a fusion concept pulling from both cultures called Bun Bun Burger.


Feast Hello Kitty

More Than a Feline

Have a tea party alongside adoptable cats at this new East Side cafe. BY MADELINE HOLLERN

CALLING ALL FELINE lovers: This new East Side hangout spot is truly the cat’s pajamas. Enter a world of whimsy at Sydney’s Cat Lounge & Sanctuary, a charming lounge inspired by Alice in Wonderland and Bridgerton that features darling adoptable cats from Lockhart Animal Shelter and Central Texas Feline Rescue. After more than 15 years as a volunteer in animal rescue, co-founder Quin Whiddon (pictured) wanted to create an interactive haven where guests could play—and fall in love with—felines

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looking for their forever home. Guests can book 45-minute sessions Tuesday through Sunday to visit the cat cafe, which serves artisanal sodas, zero-proof cocktails, wine, and teas worthy of a Mad Hatter party. Featuring royal thrones and teacup chairs, the eye-catching indoor space also includes decor such as mushrooms, a castle, and a wall full of clocks. Don’t forget to explore the backyard, which features a “catio” and a mini topiary hedge maze. Curiouser and curiouser! sydneyssanctuaryatx.com

A N N I E R AY


Get Beef Recipes


School of Thought Recent shifts in academic policy and political pressures from government leaders paint a picture of the University of Texas at an ideological crossroads. BY BRYAN C. PARKER

J O N W I LC OX

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Beat The City Students gather on the steps of the UT Tower to protest the educational compact proposed by President Trump.

MAKING THE GRADE One of the nation’s top schools, UT has entered a politically fraught era.

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and part-time positions had been eliminated in compliance with the new law. In October of last year, longtime psychology professor Art Markman was relieved of his administrative duties. A beloved staff member for 27 years, Markman hosted the Two Guys on Your Head podcast on public radio station KUT and served as senior vice provost for academic affairs. In a statement posted to his LinkedIn account, Markman said the removal was because of “ideological differences.” Amid all these changes, the university saw a shift in top leadership, with Jim Davis assuming the office of the president. A lawyer with close ties to state Republican party leadership, Davis worked as a deputy attorney general for civil litigation under Ken Paxton and previously served in the legal affairs department at UT. Under his governance of the Board of Regents, the school will undertake an audit of gender studies courses on campus in coordination with SB 37, another new law that shifts curriculum oversight away from the faculty and to the board, which is appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott. While Davis has said changes across campus are intended to create a “balance” of ideologies, students have felt confusion and concern over what opinions are acceptable to share. “I am a public affairs major, so part of my entire major is sharing my opinion, and it feels like I can’t do that to the fullest extent,” says one freshman at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, adding that some of her liberal-leaning friends have discussed their fear to speak out. “I don’t want to have my education be restricted, and I don’t want the people around me to be scared,”

28%

Portion of high school seniors who said they would rule out a state’s colleges for political reasons, per a recent poll by Art & Science Group.

$25 million Funding reallocated from DEI-affiliated programs and offices cut by UT.

40%

Portion of UT faculty who said they altered their syllabi to avoid violating new laws, per a poll by The Daily Texan.

A A R O N E . M A R T I N E Z /AU ST I N A M E R I CA N - STAT E S M A N

THIS PAST SPRING, UT student Maggie Cook was brimming with excitement for a rite of passage she’d waited years to undertake. It had everything to do with walking across a stage and nothing at all to do with graduation. The design studies major was set to direct a production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a tradition on campus for at least 11 years running. But a few weeks before rehearsals began, Cook found out that the play, which features glam rock songs and characters in drag, wouldn’t receive the funds it needed to proceed. “The student organization that hosted it was afraid that their entire organization was going to be defunded if Rocky took place,” Cook says. In this case, those fears of being defunded stemmed from SB 17, a piece of legislation passed in 2023 that prohibits public institutions of higher learning from engaging in specific diversity, equity, and inclusion activities. While the bill doesn’t make any specific mention of drag performances, some have interpreted them as DEI-related through representation of the LGBTQ+ community. “The reason they’re afraid is because of the loose wording in SB 17,” Cook says. “The document is so sneaky that it doesn’t say explicitly.” The implications of the bill are far from limited to just the arts, and its effects have rippled across campus. When the law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, the University of Texas shut down its Multicultural Engagement Center, cutting dozens of staff positions and eliminating funding that served minority students on campus. In total, university officials said that 21 separate offices had been closed, and 311 full-

UT’s rank among public universities in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.


she says. Ultimately, the student said if she had to make the decision again on where to attend college, she might have chosen somewhere that felt less embattled. A recent poll from the Art & Science Group found that many students are ruling out colleges based on the political climates of the state where they’re located. Of those who said they would exclude a school, 31% said they would avoid Texas, making it No. 1 on the list. On top of shifts in policy from school leadership and the state laws, pressure from the federal government has intensified the situation, as President Trump extended an offer to sign a compact to nine different schools, including UT. The agreement would boost funding for the university if it met certain conditions, including limiting the number of international students, curtailing programs that “belittle” conservative ideas, and upholding a binary definition of gender. One of the less talked-about and more foreboding tenets calls for annual anonymous surveys of students to ensure compliance. Some conservative leaders and agencies championed the ideas, such as UT Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife and The Texas Horn, a conservative student news publication on campus. In October, the editors of the outlet wrote an article with the headline “UT Austin Must Adopt the Compact for Academic Excellence.” But overall, the response has been less enthusiastic. Seven of the schools that were offered the compact rejected it outright, with several citing infringements on academic freedom. On the UT campus, protests were held to oppose the policy measures, such as an Oct. 13 rally that drew about 150 students to the steps of the UT Tower. Even some conservative students have reservations about the compact. One freshman who preferred to remain anonymous and is a member of multiple conservative student organizations on campus called the topic “complicated.” The student praised the overall intention of the plan but expressed concern that there was too much room for interpretation as to what ideas might be considered conservative or liberal. “Some of the policies that are in the compact, I think there’s room for them to be misused,” he said. Meanwhile, deadlines set by the Trump administration to respond or accept the compact passed quietly without the university ever taking an official stance. In a telling indicator of this politically fraught moment, some people saw the silence as a sign that the university was holding onto independence and others claimed it evidenced the school’s willingness to entertain ideas from the Trump administration. Both sides were quick to fill the empty space with whatever reality seemed to fit its worldview. Although we still don’t have a definite answer on UT leadership’s feelings on the compact, what’s clear is that there’s a demonstrable shift to the right at one of Texas’ largest universities. That trend will undoubtedly be divisive, but even for those who are delighted, the method of achieving it raises eyebrows. “Indoctrination” has been bemoaned by the political right for years—but creating a system of federal, state, and school policies that command both what students must do and cannot do seems to run dangerously close to doing just that. Surely, if this is a marketplace of ideas, there shouldn’t be a need to prescribe or proscribe language, action, and thought. Even as political leaders crow for freedom of speech and balance of ideologies, the most powerful people in the country, from the Texas governor to the president of the United States, have their thumbs on the scale.

Spirit & Splendor: El Greco, Velázquez, and the Hispanic Baroque traces a 150-year history of painting that culminates with the Baroque, characterized by dramatic realism, opulence, and religious devotion. On view through Feb 1, 2026. Spirit & Splendor: El Greco, Velázquez, and the Hispanic Baroque is organized by the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, with support from The Museum Box. Major support for this exhibition at the Blanton is provided by The Moody Foundation. Image: Diego Velázquez, Portrait of a Little Girl (detail), 1638–42, oil on canvas, 20 1/4 x 16 in. (photo: courtesy of The Hispanic Society of America, New York, NY)

blantonmuseum.org / @blantonmuseum / MEMBERS GET IN FREE


Beat Straight Talk

SVETLANA FROLOVA


Blaine Anderson Dating Coach Dating is brutal. Just ask Blaine Anderson, who specializes in guiding men through the challenges of modern romance. Through her company, Dating by Blaine, Anderson works with singles across the country, but she’s based in Austin, a booming tech city where daters too often find themselves burnt out from mindless swiping. The solution, she says, is to get better at meeting in person, and her approach emphasizes the importance of “improving your funnel.” If her analytical tone sounds surprisingly technical, it’s because she’s figured out how to break dating down into a road map that actually works. Interview by Rose McMackin

How did you become a dating coach? It started in college when my guy friends would ask for advice on how to date my sorority sisters. Then, when dating apps were becoming a normal thing, I would help my friends with their profiles. I helped take their photos and spruce up their prompts so they’d get more matches. It was just something I did for fun. But then the pandemic hit, and my business planning travel essentially evaporated overnight. So, I thought, “What if I package this advice into a course so it’d be more accessible to more people?” I realized pretty quickly this was something people needed and valued. What makes dating unique in Austin? One of the amazing things about dating here is that Austin is so communit y focused. Whether it’s through outdoor activities and athletics or through art or music or culture, there are so many groups that you can join to meet like-minded people. And with so many people moving to Austin, people looking to make friends and build community. It’s a nice place just for meeting more people, which is great if you are looking to date or meet your person. Given the fatigue and cynicism around dating apps right now, how do you advise clients when

it comes to swiping? My philosophy around dating apps has always been that they’re a necessary evil. It’s a great way to get in front of people you wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with. Even then, I still recommend using dating apps like dessert. You can’t go there for all of your nutritional value, but it’s a nice cherry on top at the end. If you’re putting yourself out there at events and trying to meet people organically, dating apps are a nice way to subsidize that, but they should never be used as your primary way of meeting people. What are your tips for meeting people in Austin without relying on dating apps? Find things that you are interested in and build community around those things. You might not show up to your first pickleball practice and meet your girlfriend, but you might make a friend who then invites you to a party, and at that party you meet somebody you haven’t met before, and that’s the person you end up on a date with. Find anything that speaks to you, whether it’s yoga or live music or comedy—something to lean into— and just focus on meeting people. Lately, the mood around dating feels fatalistic. Articles have been written about embracing celibacy, and Vogue even

wondered if it was embarrassing to have a boyfriend in general. What do you say to people who are feeling hopeless? They aren’t alone. People are feeling so much fatigue from the apps and the pressures of finding somebody. Knowing that you’re not alone can be reassuring. You’re not crazy for thinking, “Wow, this is really hard.” Know that there are other people out there in the similar boat who are excited to meet the right person. I think a lot of the discourse around “It’s embarrassing to have a boyfriend” is more illustrative of how people are frustrated. It’s easier to say, “I don’t even want it anyway” than actually believe you’ll be less happy with a partner. The dating coaching industry has been booming post-pandemic, and you expanded your services to include matchmaking as well. What’s driving this growing demand for these kinds of services? The stigma around asking for help or working with a matchmaker or a dating coach is starting to go down, because people are realizing, “OK, this is really hard on my own, and this is important to me, so I’m willing to invest in it.” What common mistakes do you see on dating app profiles? Having bad photos is the No. 1 mistake that guys make. Women just take more photos of themselves. Oftentimes, guys’ profiles are just six photos that they could find of themselves, not six intentionally picked photos that showcase who they are and what their interests are. How do you approach coaching men differently than you would if you were coaching women? Men and women have different problems when it comes to dating. Women have too many options, and they can’t tell the good from the bad, whereas men often don’t have enough options, so they’re struggling to get more interest. Often, the coaching I see for women is about not picking the guy who doesn’t treat you well and looking for these signs of a guy who is going have good long-term potential.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. AUSTIN MONTHLY

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Beat Music

Hitting the High Notes

Austin hip-hop icon Qi Dada brings music, activism, and motherhood together in PBS special Black Divas.

TWO YEARS AGO, hip-hop legend Ghislaine “Qi Dada” Jean set out to record the lullabies that mothers sing in the first blurry months of their child’s life. “I don’t think that kind of intimacy is highlighted enough,” she explains. “And it’s one of our first contacts with true intimacy.” She captured not only songs, but also deeply personal stories. One mother revealed that she had been too shrouded in postpartum depression to sing to her child. Jean set her spoken words to music and dance, making it into a cathartic moment of empathy rather than shame. “Art transmogrified it into something beautiful,” the musician explains. The song was featured on Black Divas, a nationally syndicated live music special on PBS that Jean produces. The show features classical and gospel singers and shines a spotlight on Texas mothers. An activist, coach, mentor, and producer, Jean is the portrait of a multi-hyphenate. She is half of Riders Against the Storm, the first hip-hop act to win Band of the Year at the Austin Music Awards three years in a row, alongside her husband, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone. Together, they’ve opened for national artists like K’Naan and Wu-Tang Clan. The duo has also teamed up with DJ Chorizo Funk for monthly “Body Rock ATX” dance parties. Casually, she’s known as the Priestess of the Party. “I have a particular gift for uplifting droves of people at once and being able to curate that experience to feel intimate to each and every person,” she explains. Four years ago, she added another descriptor to her identity when she became a mom. 40

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Black Divas exists at the convergence of all of Jean’s passions. For her, the experience of pregnancy and having a child was a powerful creative spark. She had long been familiar with the troubling state of women’s health care, and particularly maternal health care, in Texas. In addition to “maternity care deserts” and a relative lack of postpartum support, Texas Women’s Healthcare Coalition places the maternal mortality ratio at 27.7 deaths per 100,000 live births—and significantly higher for Black women, 39 deaths per 100,000 live births. Those numbers took on a new and personal immediacy for Jean. While she knew plenty of women were pushing hard for better government policies and better clinical care, there was a gap in the conversation: art. “I was going through this process, and I didn’t have art that was speaking to what I was living in that immediate moment,” she explains, “as a woman of color [who was] was giving birth in Texas where things are dicey.” Black Divas is that art. The show is a kaleidoscope of emotions—a live music performance that centers the experiences that so many Black mothers have in isolation. After its debut in 2024, Jean returned to the show this past December to produce a second special that will air in 2026. As Jean sees it, Black Divas invites you to care about motherhood because of its joy, not because the show recapitulates the hardships in women’s health and maternity care in Texas. Women’s joy, she says, is worth investing in.

ROBERT HEIN

BY ROSE MCMACKIN


WHILE IT HAS LONG BEEN A BASTION FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, THE CAPITAL CITY HAS RECENTLY EMERGED AS ONE OF THE NATION’S HOTTEST HUBS FOR MAJOR FILM AND TELEVISION PROJECTS. THANKS TO AN INFLUX OF TOP TALENT, MASSIVE STUDIO FACILITIES,, A TROVE OF NEW STATE FUNDS,, AND A DEEPLY ROOTED CULTURE OF CREATIVITY,, AUSTIN IS READY FOR ITS CLOSE-UP.


BRYAN C. PARKER

WRITTEN BY

RANDY MORA

ILLUSTRATION BY


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live music scene, and festivals like South by Southwest, the city cemented its status as a center for outsider art, a southern alternative to the juggernauts of LA and New York. However, in recent years, Austin has taken on a starring role in the entertainment industry. Red carpet premieres with A-List talent have become a regular occurrence, noteworthy actors and directors have set up shop in Central Texas, and the metropolis’ constant growth has made it even more of an economic powerhouse. But the financial burden of making films in the United States has still been a stumbling block, as Musslewhite saw firsthand. Increasingly, projects have moved overseas to Eastern Europe or Asia, where expenses are incredibly low. Even in California, production has all but vanished, with an October 2025 article in The Hollywood Reporter revealing that the number of shoot days in LA had reached an all-time low. Stories set in the Lone Star State are instead filmed in New Mexico, Louisiana, or Georgia, which all offer sizable financial incentives for working in their states. Texas just couldn’t compete—until now. In 2025, Senate Bill 22 was signed into law, which will inject a total of $1.5 billion into the state’s film industry. Spearheaded by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), co-sponsored by Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), and championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the bill allots $300 million every two years to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP). While the TMIIIP has existed since 2007, funding was much smaller, and amounts fluctuated annually. As the name implies, the incentives are available to not only films but also TV shows, commercials, and even video games. The consistency of the new funding allows for projects to plan further in advance, which is especially important for serialized TV shows and films with long time frames. In the past, many state incentive packages have been primarily a tax rebate, but the new program’s grant format makes for a more direct reimbursement. For projects to qualify for fund-

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n 2023, Chase Musslewhite was brimming with excitement to make her first feature film. In the process of obtaining a master’s degree in cinema from the University of Texas, she was ready to tackle the industry with unfettered optimism, even on the heels of a global pandemic. The film would be made in part at St. John’s High School in Houston, which is not only Musslewhite’s alma mater but also the setting for Wes Anderson’s breakout movie, Rushmore. Then, just weeks before filming began, the project’s financier called her with an unexpected demand: If production didn’t move to Louisiana, he wouldn’t be funding the movie. There was simply too great of a benefit in relocating the project thanks to the monetary incentives available in the neighboring state. At this point, Musslewhite had already hired crew and cast, but more importantly, she saw St. John’s as an integral part of the story. “It’s an iconic school, and it’s very much a character,” the filmmaker explains. It was hard for Musslewhite to see how the movie made sense somewhere else, and she decided to walk away from the project rather than compromise on its essence. Sputtering like a snipped film strip flapping on a projector reel, the aspiring artist’s first endeavor was over before it began. Austin has been a haven for unconventional auteurs like Richard Linklater and Terrence Malick for decades. But those creative minds had to battle against the current and find unusual ways to fund, make, and showcase their movies. Through their tireless work, a robust

Above, left and middle: Chase Musslewhite on set at a documentary film shoot at the Paramount Theatre. Above, right: Media for Texas founders Musslewhite and Grant Wood pose with actor Dennis Quaid and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.


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ing, 35% of their crew and 35% of cast members must be Texas residents, and 60% of the production must be completed in the state. Beyond the rare act of bipartisanship that made the incentives possible, a slew of hardworking industry players advocated for the bill and advised on its language, including Chase Musslewhite. Around the untimely end of her first feature in 2023, a friend invited her to the Capitol to observe efforts around incentives legislation. There, she saw just how much energy was being devoted to securing state funding for filmmakers—but she could also see just how much more effort was needed. So, Musslewhite put her personal career on the shelf and made a bold decision to join the push for reform. She didn’t know it then, but she would soon find herself among a powerful set of allies just as passionate about bringing the film industry to Texas.

THE STARS ALIGN “I love my home state of Texas,” says Woody Harrelson, peering directly into the camera lens. A prolific actor with somewhere around 100 film credits and dozens of appearances in television shows, Harrelson is no stranger to being in the spotlight. But this project was a little different than anything he’s worked on before, and it featured one hell of an ensemble cast. Dennis Quaid, Glen Powell, Owen Wilson, Matthew McConaughey, and Billy Bob Thornton all appear alongside Harrelson to make a plea to state legislators and residents. “Texas used to have a great incentive program that brought hundreds of great movies and shows, and thousands of jobs for hardworking folks, and hundreds of millions of dollars to the Lone Star State,” says a combination of the actors, sharing a line—and a sentiment. The video ends with a call to action to “call or email your state representative.”

“ONE OF THE ONLY REGRETS OF MY 33-YEAR CAREER IN FILM AND TELEVISION IS NOT MAKING MORE OF MY FILMS HERE IN TEXAS” — MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY

Musslewhite (who seems to have an almost Forrest Gump-esque ability to be present at pivotal moments) helped produce the project, and she even makes a brief appearance in the promo spot as a UT film student to share her perspective. Feeling like she was on the verge of something crucial, Musslewhite saw an opportunity to dive into advocacy work more deeply. Together with Grant Wood, the pair formed nonprofit organization Media for Texas, which would allow them to promote the interests of the film industry in more formal capacities. In March 2025, Sen. Joan Huffman filed SB 22, relating to “the establishment and funding of the Texas moving image industry fund.” As the legislative session unfolded, Musslewhite and Wood prepared informational packets to provide to legislators that would help them make sense of the bill’s implications. The duo was fully committed to making sure they did everything they could to help the cause. “We were pretty naive looking back at it, but it was just sort of that very bullish belief that we would get it done no matter what,” Musslewhite says. “I think that was our guiding star throughout it.” Luckily, she had some solid backup, most notably Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, who turned up at the Capitol to testify to the Senate Finance Committee on the last day in March. “One of the only regrets of my 33-year career in film and television is not making more of my films here in Texas,” the actor told the committee members, who seemed to delight in the presence of a bona fide celebrity. He informed legislators that he and Harrelson were currently in the process of shooting a family comedy in the state that had already spent about $12 million on Texas goods and services and were adding about $2 million more each week. AUSTIN MONTHLY

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Richard Linklater

weird-ification of Austin was a team effort—or maybe there’s just something in the water that bubbles out of the Edwards Aquifer. Whatever the source, a counterculture ethos had gripped the city firmly by the time Richard Linklater moved here in 1983. And it was in that ideological paradigm that the auteur made Slacker, which is still seen as the definitive portrait of Austin in the ’80s and ’90s—a place full of big ideas and plucky attitudes but with a hearty distaste for the slick aesthetics of corporate America. Just two years after arriving in the Texas capital, the young director made another huge contribution by founding the Austin Film Society (AFS). The organization was not only an outlet to connect with other movie lovers, but also a way to pool resources and fund projects, from hosting screenings to making films. Even in the early days, AFS had some huge moments. But none were so well documented as the occasion when Quentin Tarantino hosted the Texas premiere of Pulp Fiction as a benefit for the organization. Linklater famously

ROLL THE CREDITS If Willie Nelson hadn’t moved to Austin in 1972, would the city have the same renowned independent film scene that it does today? Certainly, he planted a flag that attracted others with a proclivity for being creative and breaking rules. But perhaps that’s giving the Red Headed Stranger a little too much credit. After all, we can’t forget that the 13th Floor Elevators were pioneering noisy psychedelic rock as early as 1965, or even more importantly, that independent filmmaker Eagle Pennell was already playing around with Super 8 cameras in the ’60s. It’s also necessary to note that the University of Texas ushers in a new crop of bright-eyed freshmen each year ready to change the world. In other words, the 46

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Richard Linklater and Quentin Tarantino at the Paramount Theatre during South by Southwest in 1997.

G E T T Y I M AG E S

McConaughey proceeded to unfurl a masterful argument that featured a metaphor likening the state’s oil and gas pipelines to building infrastructure for the film industry. He preached the virtue of empowering community colleges to train students to be electricians, set builders, and other working-class tradespeople. And he touted the power of building workforce, boosting the economy, and bringing jobs to the state. In short, the speech sounded like it was plucked from a scene out of The Lincoln Lawyer rather than real life. While the testimony was impressive, McConaughey may have been upstaged by Sen. Carol Alvarado, who whipped out her iPhone to show the room an image from the Netflix series about pop star Selena Quintanilla. The scene depicts a sign for the Rio Grande Valley town of Brownsville with mountains in the background, which are nowhere to be found near the Gulf Coast border town. It goes without saying that Texans don’t take kindly to misrepresenting Selena. Whether it was the sway of McConaughey, Alvarado, or some other force, the legislation passed easily a few months later. Now that the incentives have become law, and the first round of funding was unlocked this past September, just how important is it for filmmakers who want to work in the state? “It’s existential to where you decide to shoot,” says Austin-based director Jeff Nichols. As he explains it, the most expensive part of making a movie is the sheer number of days you need to work. So, filmmakers look for ways to save costs in other areas, which maximizes the amount of time they can devote to their art. “If you’re looking at a budget where you’re getting whatever percentage back on your labor force and on your in-state spend, that’s going to buy more time,” he says. “So, there is this direct connection between the savings and the ultimate artistic product that you get to make.” This reservoir of dollars represents a watershed moment in the story of Texas cinema, but if you really want to understand why Austin was already so primed to become an entertainment hub, you have to go back several decades to the forefathers that helped forge that identity of the capital city.


fretted over the ticket price of $10 instead of the usual $2 that AFS charged for screenings, but when the event sold out quickly, he realized he probably could have charged more. Then, in 2000, Linklater changed the direction of Austin film forever by convincing the city government to lease the film society a massive swath of the decommissioned airport, which had recently relocated from the Mueller area to a site southeast of town. AFS turned a series of old airplane hangars into the stages that comprise Austin Studios, which has been the site of production for a slew of films, including Miss Congeniality, Spy Kids, True Grit, Idiocracy, and Machete, along with hundreds more. While Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios is located just next door, the director has often made use of the space. The relationship and collaboration between Rodriguez and Linklater formed the backbone of the modern cinema landscape in the capital city.

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TO DATE, AUSTIN STUDIOS HAS GENERATED AN ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MORE THAN $2.8 BILLION AND HAS CREATED 45,000 JOBS .

To date, Austin Studios has generated an estimated economic impact of more than $2.8 billion and has created 45,000 jobs. AFS initially had a 15-year lease on the site, but that has since been renegotiated to extend through 2084, ensuring that films will be made at the location for decades to come. There’s really not another example in the nation of that type of partnership between a city and movie production facility. “It’s a one-of-a-kind setup, and it grew up organically with the peculiarities of Austin,” says AFS CEO Rebecca Campbell. “It happened because the north star is film culture and supporting artists and showing movies.” Over the years, AFS has become a multifaceted organization that also runs a movie theater space with two screens in North Austin (where Linklater recently hosted premieres for his newest films Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague) and a second production facility called Austin Public. That space not only broadcasts several public access stations but also offers a multimedia center for city entities and hosts classes, workshops, and trainings with professional-grade equipment.

Rebecca Campbell, Richard Linklater, and Holly Herrick attend a ceremony honoring Glen Powell at Troublemaker Studios on May 16, 2024.

But perhaps the film society’s most impactful work stems from the grants it provides to aspiring artists. Jeff Nichols (The Bikeriders, Mud), David Lowery (The Green Knight, A Ghost Story), and Augustine Frizzell (Euphoria) all received funding from AFS before they went on to create major works of film and television with some of the country’s most exciting actors. And that’s just a sampling of the more than thousands of filmmakers the organization has supported in the past by providing nearly $3 million in grants. If you consider all the things that McConaughey philosophized about in his speech to the Senate—production facilities, jobs, stemming the economy, and training personnel—AFS has been doing it all for 40 years. Linklater and his film society (along with SXSW) planted the seeds that made Austin fertile ground for filmmakers. In short, he made the city cool, and he helped develop a community of filmmakers rather than just an industry. Now, as more monetary resources flow into the state, it looks like we might be lucky enough to have both.

Jeff Nichols, David Lowery, and Augustine Frizzell.

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Just inside the front door of Noah Hawley’s 26 Keys Productions’ offices in downtown Austin, there’s a glass case containing a blue IBM Selectric II typewriter that was used on the set of Fargo season 2. Not only does it look cool, but the 26 keys containing the letters of the English alphabet represent the concept behind the name of the company. It’s a powerful reminder that everything in the TV and film industry begins with a story. In the room just across from the artifact on display, a team of around a dozen writers is hard at work on the second season of Alien: Earth, which was recently greenlit as part of a new multi-year deal that Hawley inked with FX and Disney Entertainment Television. While the new incentives will undoubtedly bring on-set gigs, it will also enable jobs for writers and post-production engineers. The 26 Keys offices also house a workstation equipped for editors to cut television episodes. “There’s this idiosyncrasy to the filmmaking history of Austin,” Hawley says. As examples, he cites the years-long projects of Terrence Malick, the DIY tendencies of Linklater, and the time Rodriguez famously sat in a wheelchair to achieve a budget-friendly approximation of a dolly shot. “It’s not a business-forward approach to filmmaking; it’s a creative-forward approach to filmmaking.” In many ways, 26 Keys represents a merger of the two worlds. Hawley is a board member for AFS, and he has the same penchant for out-ofthe-box thinking and love for deep storytelling that Austinites have always possessed—but he also has projects already underway with industry juggernauts like Disney and Hulu. “Part of what makes certainly Austin, but also Texas

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Above, left to right: Noah Hawley onstage with Jeff Nichols at AFS Cinema; at a premiere for Alien: Earth; on the set of Fargo with Chris Rock; with Kyle Hawley. Right: Hawley on the set of Alien: Earth with Sydney Chandler.

“PART OF WHAT MAKES CERTAINLY AUSTIN,, BUT ALSO TEXAS ATTRACTIVE,, IS THE ECONOMY’S GROWING THE WHOLE STATE,, AND THAT HAS A MAGNETIC EFFECT” — NOAH HAWLEY

attractive, is the economy’s growing the whole state, and that has a magnetic effect,” he says. According to reports from the state government, Texas’ GDP came in at $2.77 trillion in 2024, which is more than some small countries. It’s second only to California, which is also the only state that rivals it in the number of Fortune 500 companies it contains. Although the funding is much less direct than legislative incentives, Austin’s tech boom has also improved the financial outlook of the film industry. 26 Keys is poised to be an important player in the burgeoning entertainment ecosystem. The company’s vision embraces a 21st-century point of view. Hawley is quick to point out that the pandemic taught us you really don’t have to live in any particular place to get a job done. If he or someone from his team needs to be in LA, it’s a quick flight from ATX. Plus, it feels like the company is more than just a film production outfit. It’s an idea factory—intellectually scrappy in the same way that Austin creators always have been. Noah’s wife and 26 Keys co-founder, Kyle Hawley, serves as the company’s president and is leading the charge to bring in more staff for the new endeavor. The owner of a printing and design business called Letterpress Play, Kyle has

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COMING INTO FOCUS


QUIET ON T H E S ET Three huge studio developments aim to transform Central Texas to a movie production mecca.

N OA H A N D K Y L E H AW L E Y: G E T T Y I M AG E S ; A L I E N : E A RT H S E T: C O U RT E SY F X

strategic plans for managing the brand identity and a keen eye for aesthetics. “That allows us to expand 26 Keys into all kinds of fun licensing and different media,” she says. For example, Letterpress Play created limited-edition prints of Xenomorphs and a blueprint of the Maginot to coincide with Alien: Earth season 1. “But what I’m really interested in is being a steward of the 26 Keys brand, continuing to deepen the relationships or community partnerships.” Before his work in film and television, Noah was a published novelist, and you can tell that he has a deep reverence for a wide range of artistic realms. “We’re here in Austin because we want to be a connector between the book festival and the film festival and UT and the Austin Film

Society,” he says. “There’s great energy here and such a great industry between tech and culture and education. That feels exciting to me.” The movie business is coming to Austin, but ultimately, the things that will drive the future of film here are elements the city has always had: a deep well of creativity and a strong sense of community. People like the Hawleys, Jeff Nichols, Glen Powell, Woody Harrelson, and others have chosen to be here because it represents something that LA or New York simply can’t offer. The pace of life trades hustle and bustle for nights watching live music, two-stepping in a honky-tonk, taking a dip in Barton Springs, or barbecuing in the backyard. In other words, the star of the show is Austin itself.

Places, everyone! Are we rolling? In the coming months, the Austin area could see more than a million square feet of movie studio space added across 400 acres of land. Both Line 204 Studios, spearheaded by Alton Butler, and Wyldwood Studios, led by actor Zachary Levi, are slated for construction in Bastrop, while Hill Country Studios, which features a team with a former Netflix exec, is planned for San Marcos. All three sprawling facilities will boast sound stages, storage areas, and workshops for constructing props and sets. Both developments in Bastrop plan to construct residences and other amenities, essentially acting as fully functional communities that surround the studios. If there’s one caveat to all this exciting news, it’s that construction on all three has been slow to commence. Firm details are scant, but reports indicate that out of all the studios, only Line 204 has officially broken ground. However, now that the film incentives package has been signed into law, the number of film projects coming to the Lone Star State is expected to skyrocket. And that increased demand for facilities to make movies in Texas could motivate these projects to get underway faster than you can say “action!”

Noah Hawley on set with the cast and crew of Alien: Earth.

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AUTEUR HOURS

EMBRACING AUSTIN’S PROCLIVITY FOR BIG IDEAS, THESE SIX DIRECTORS LIVING OR WORKING HERE HAVE FOUND FERTILE SOIL FOR THEIR BOLD VISIONS.

1

RIC HAR D L INK L AT E R

When you think of the capital city’s film scene, Linklater likely springs to mind. Leaning into his affinity for verbose, ambling narratives and off-kilter characters, the director created unforgettable films that befit Austin’s outsider ethos. With a repertoire that includes Slacker, Dazed and Confused, Everybody Wants Some!!, and Boyhood, Linklater has kickstarted the careers of actors like Matthew McConaughey, Glen Powell, and Ethan Hawke. But before he ever directed a feature, Linklater founded the Austin Film Society in 1985, and it has been an incubator for film culture for four decades now. Just in recent months, he's hosted events around his two latest features, Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague, at AFS Cinema in North Austin.

OB E R T 2 R R ODR IG U EZ

1. Director Richard Linklater in between scenes from the film Before Sunrise, 1995; 2. Robert Rodriguez receives a cake onstage marking the 30th anniversary for his movie El Mariachi during SXSW 2023 at the Paramount Theatre; 3. Director Jeff Nichols and actor Austin Butler on the set of The Bikeriders; 4. Alien: Earth creator Noah Hawley on location in Thailand, where the FX show was shot; 5. Director of Sing Sing Greg Kwedar poses for a portrait during the Edinburgh International Festival in the Waldorf Astoria; 6. Taylor Sheridan on the set of Yellowstone.

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G E T T Y I M AG E S

Few directors have the range of Rodriguez, who was the brain behind both the gruesome vampire Western From Dusk Till Dawn as well as the playful action series Spy Kids. He even directed one episode of The Mandalorian. It’s credits like these that earned the filmmaker a star in the pavement outside the Paramount Theatre in May 2024. The accolade is well deserved considering that he and Linklater have likely done more than anyone else to single-handedly bring production jobs to Austin. While his films have made an undeniable impact on the cinema world, it’s the way he’s undertaken that work that has been most powerful. He concocted epic tales right in East Austin in a decommissioned building from the old airport and broke all the rules by eschewing Hollywood to have the freedom to dream big. It’s no wonder that he named his production outfit Troublemaker Studios.


3 JEFF N I CHOLS

Though he’s a native Arkansan, Nichols has been living in Texas longer than his home state now—a point he makes with a note of pride. “I think there's a lot of excitement about finally being able to include Texas in the conversation of possible places to shoot,” he says, alluding to the recent legislation allotting funds to the film industry. Known for an ability to craft stories that deeply evoke places and moments in time, the creative force behind the movies Mud, Loving, and The Bikeriders says he's already working on projects that he’d love to film in the state. “I'm continually struck by the specificity of the culture in Texas—it’s a beautiful and multifaceted culture,” he says. “I keep kind of stumbling upon places, locales, and people that I'm continually surprised by and intrigued by, and I think there are a lot of stories here.”

4 NOAH HAWLEY

TO P TO B OT TO M ; K Y L E K A P L A N , FO C U S P I CT U R E S ; PAT R I C K B R OW N , F X ; PA R A M O U N T N E T WO R K ; G E T T Y I M AG E S

In 2024, Hawley relaunched his production company, 26 Keys, in Austin, where he and his team work on hit TV shows Alien: Earth and Fargo. At the end of 2025, the director inked a multi-year deal with FX and Disney to create another season of Alien: Earth, an adaptation of the video game Far Cry, and more projects that have yet to be announced. As Hawley sees it, the Texas capital brims with inspiration thanks to a strong pool of creative minds. “Filmmakers have always been here, at least since Terrence Malick started filming,” he muses. “So, as opposed to some places where a film industry rises around an incentive, what you had here was more organic, a natural growth of the filmmaking industry. The crews had to come and go, but the filmmakers stayed, because it’s where people want to live and work.”

5 GREG K W E D A R

“Some of the world's great filmmakers decided to keep their roots planted here in Austin,” says Greg Kwedar, who was born in Fort Worth but now calls the capital city home. The rising talent was nominated for an Academy Award for his writing on the screenplay for Sing Sing last year, and he may just repeat the feat in 2026. He also worked on the script for Train Dreams, which stars Joel Edgerton and has received tremendous praise from critics and award nominations at a plethora of festivals. For him, Austin has a sense of community that has buoyed his creativity. “I never felt an edge of competition in the filmmaker base here,” he says. “It was just people doing their work on their terms who were glad to share stories or advice or offer up resources or make introductions—and that's not always the case in other film hubs in our country.”

6 TAY LOR S HER IDA N

After penning a few critically acclaimed films, including Sicario and Hell or High Water, this native Texan sprang onto the television scene with his breakout hit, Yellowstone. Many attribute the commercial success of the show to the recent rise in popularity of Western apparel both in Texas and beyond. Sheridan may have selected Fort Worth for his sprawling 450,000-square-foot facility, but he filmed the Yellowstone spinoff 1923 in Central Texas. And long before he was a cultural tour-de-force, Sheridan lived in Austin and attended college in San Marcos. The writer and director’s latest TV endeavor, Landman, centers on the oil industry and has received widespread acclaim. When you get down to it, you’d be hardpressed to find anyone else who has centered Texan identity more in the past decade than Sheridan.

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R I C K A . C O R T E Z ; S T Y L I N G A N D WA R D R O B E B Y K E N N I M E R

“FOR ME, IT’S A NO-BRAINER, BECAUSE I LIKE BEING HOME.”


TO P TO B OT TO M : C O U R T E SY H O L I ST I C S P I R I TS ; C O U RT E SY AU ST I N F I L M S O C I E T Y; J AY J A N N E R /A M E R I CA N - STAT E S M A N

On an average Saturday night in November, moviegoers at the IPIC theater in The Domain got quite the surprise when the star of the flick they were about to see strode i nto t he lo b by. Ac tor Woody Harrelson popped up to promote his newest film, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and pour a few drinks courtesy of the liquor brand he coowns, Holistic Spirits. Originally from Midland, the longtime resident of Hawaii moved back to Texas recently and resides just outside of Austin, though he likes to keep a pretty low profile. An avid environmentalist and a vegan, Harrelson has plenty to love here, including the lush greenbelts, cool swimming holes, and health-conscious food scene. Since being back on his native turf, the actor used his status by appearing before the Senate Finance Committee to help lobby for the film incentive legislation that was recently signed into law. “I don’t see why Texas shouldn’t be at the forefront of states where filming occurs,” he says. “The only way that will happen is if there is an appropriate incentive.” Having lived in multiple parts of the state, Harrelson knows exactly why it’s a great place to make films. “Texas has every kind of topography, and it’s really just beautiful here,” the actor explains. With forests, deserts, mountains, and coasts, the state has an abundance of landscapes for a backdrop. “There’s also a certain amount of pride knowing that a project is filming in my home state,” he adds. As a guy who values spending time with his family and friends, Harrelson also acknowledges that there’s another personal benefit. “For me, it’s a no-brainer,” he says, “because I like being home.”

Actor Woody Harrelson is back in his native state and feeling right at home.

BROTHE RLY LOVE A decades-long friendship is coming back to the small screen. Remember that viral social media post where a bunch of McConaughey for Governor signs were spotted on the stage of the Long Center lawn? Though rumors of a political run for the famed Texan actor often circulate, this was just staging for a scene in an upcoming series set to air on Apple TV+. Entitled Brothers, the 30-minute sitcom stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as fictionalized versions of themselves living on a ranch in Texas. “What is chemistry but love?” muses Harrelson, when asked about the duo’s on-screen dynamic. “There is a reason the show is called Brothers, and Matthew really does feel like a brother to me,” he adds. “He’s my best friend,

and I love him dearly.” In 2023, speculation began to swirl that the two actually are brothers, after McConaughey let it slip during a podcast episode that his mom once hinted that she had a fling with Harrelson’s dad years ago. But the close friends have never taken a DNA test. The actors first met in 1997 on the set of EDtv, the Ron Howard– directed movie in which they co-starred. And this won’t be the first time that the duo has shared the small screen, as they played a pair of gritty cops in the hit HBO show True Detective. But Harrelson warns that this will be nothing like that. “This is a comedy,” he says, “and Matthew is one of the funniest guys I know.”

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Jon Bernthal and Ben Affleck

Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd

FEST PICTURE Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal

Home to four major film and TV festivals, Austin has become a magnet for massive premieres that have entrenched the city as an entertainment hub.

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self-sustaining organism, where any person that comes and has a great time is helping us build it.” Director Greg Kwedar can attest to experiencing the transformative magic of the festival long before he was bringing his own work to show. “I went to my first SXSW when I had two pennies to rub together,” he says. “I wasn't totally sure film was for me and if I could really make a career out of it, but I remember sitting in my first world premiere at the Alamo Ritz, and I just felt the energy in the room. As soon as those lights dimmed, I was like, OK, yeah, this is for me.” On the journey to becoming one of the nation’s most revered places to debut movies, several SXSW installments provided landmark moments. Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up in 2007, Kristen Wiig and Paul Feig’s work-in-progress version of Bridesmaids in 2011, and Jordan Peele’s Us in 2019 come to mind. But more important than those leaps forward has been the conference’s steady ascendence. Though it may be the biggest of Austin’s cinema-centric gatherings, the March event is far from alone in bringing screen talent to Texas. Austin Film Festival was founded in 1993 and focuses on highlighting screenwriters. And Alamo Drafthouse’s Fantastic Fest has become the largest genre film festival in the country, with appearances from the likes of Bill Murray, Woody Harrelson, and Keanu Reeves, not to mention premieres from visionaries like Academy Award–winner Bong Joon Ho. But the most recent festival to really turn heads is ATX TV Festival, which was founded by Emily Gipson and Caitlin McFarland in

Bong Joon Ho stands next to a plaque renaming the theater the Bong Joon Ho Cinema in his honor during Fantastic Fest 2019 at Alamo Drafthouse.

G E T T Y I M AG E S

On a temperate weekend in March 2025, Congress Avenue buzzes with energy. In front of the Paramount Theatre, the red carpet has been rolled out, and a procession of celebs trot out under a flood of bright lights to greet a gaggle of reporters. Among them are Ben Affleck, Nicole Kidman, Anna Kendrick, Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and more. Across town at the convention center, thousands turned up in droves to get into the massive ballroom that hosted a panel with the cast and crew of The Last of Us, including actors Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and Austin native Gabriel Luna. Moments like these have solidified the reputation of SXSW—and Austin—in the entertainment world. Lately, the music portion of the fest has faded, and while the tech conference draws a slew of industry insiders, it’s the film festival that has emerged as the most buzzworthy. However, what might look like a sudden sensation is anything but, according to the festival’s director of film programming, Claudette Godfrey. “We've built it for a long time, so we have relationships, like with the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the writers and directors of Swiss Army Man and Everything Everywhere All at Once) or Paul Feig,” she explains. “It's a


2012. Last year, the event made a huge splash with names like Seth Meyers, Jon Hamm, and Carrie Coon making appearances. Plus, the creators and cast of King of the Hill reunited onstage for a panel conversation and a sneak peek at the reboot of the iconic animated show.

Emily Gipson and Caitlin McFarland attend the ATX TV Festival opening night red carpet on May 30, 2024.

“That’s a culmination of our relationship with Hulu and with these studios we've been building for 14 years,” Gipson says. “At some point, the magic just turns the corner.” This coming summer, the celebration of all things small screen will host a major event honoring the 20th anniversary of Friday Night Lights, a show that is not only a landmark in the pantheon of Texas media but also central to ATX TV Festival. Past iterations have included a tailgate party on Panther Field (an old stadium in Del Valle) and a celebration of the show’s 10th anniversary with cast members. Looking back on the early days of the festival, Gipson reflects on how much she and McFarland touted Austin as a destination. Everyone in the industry had heard from their friends how cool it is. “We very much were like, ‘What's the worst that could happen if the festival sucks? You're in Austin, and you can have a margarita and a taco and everything's fine,’” she says.

G E T T Y I M AG E S

STAR POWER

Jesse Plemons, Gaius Charles, Louanne Stephens, and cast members attend the Friday Night Lights Tailgate and Pep Rally Reunion at the ATX TV Festival in 2016.

Gipson might be half-joking, but the sentiment underscores a reality when it comes to the recent boom of Austin-based filmmakers and actors. The capital city’s festival offerings have been a magnet for seasonal visitors, but it’s the typically pleasant weather, lower cost of living, and laid-back pace of life that have truly encouraged new permanent residents to flock to the south.

These actors with Central Texas connections are making waves on screens large and small.

GL EN POWELL

S YDNEY CHANDLER

G ABRIEL LUNA

TYE SHERIDAN

S ADIE SINK

In recent years, Powell went from a fledgling actor with a handful of minor roles to a bona fide Hollywood A-Lister. But that didn’t stop him from deliberately choosing to move back to Austin and espouse his love for his hometown, using his celebrity status to shine a light on the local film industry in the process. On weekends, catch him sporting burnt orange on the sideline of a UT game or two-stepping at local honky-tonks.

The breakout star of Alien: Earth, Chandler has substantial local cred, as she was raised in Dripping Springs and attended St. Edward’s University in South Austin. If she looks familiar, perhaps you’ve spotted a resemblance to her father, actor Kyle Chandler of Friday Night Lights fame. Now, if Sydney can just sustain her role for more than five seasons, she’ll have some serious bragging rights within the family.

While this Austin-born actor played a fairly minor role in the first season of hit HBO show The Last of Us, his screen time grew significantly in the most recent season after… well, let’s skip the spoilers, but if you know, you know. You also might recognize Luna from his parts as Ghost Rider in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or as a detective in Peacock’s biopic series about serial killer John Wayne Gacy.

After his breakout role alongside Matthew McConaughey in Jeff Nichols’ Mud, Sheridan (of no relation to director Taylor Sheridan) landed major parts in Ready Player One and two X-Men movies. But did you know he starred in a Zach Bryan music video that was filmed at local honky-tonk Sagebrush? The actor also founded a tech company focused on using AI to make visual effects tools more accessible for filmmakers.

While she didn’t appear as Max Mayfield until season 2 of Stranger Things, Sadie Sink’s beloved character has become a fixture on the show—and Kate Bush fans couldn’t be happier. The Brenham-born actress has made several noteworthy appearances on the big screen lately with a role in the award-winning Darren Aronofsky movie The Whale and an upcoming part in Marvel’s Spider -Man: Brand New Day.

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From apocalyptic baseball stadiums to cheeky strip clubs and late-night dives, these iconic Austin locales have found their way to the silver screen. BY MADELINE HOLLERN

DAZED AND CONFUSED

In the film that would help launch Matthew McConaughey’s career into the stratosphere, a legendary scene featuring Top Notch Hamburgers still gets quoted three decades later. As Tony Olson (Anthony Rapp) sorts through jalapeño burgers and soggy fries at the Burnet Road drive-in, a shaggy blonde Wooderson (McConaughey) pulls up while uttering his iconic line, “Alright, alright, alright!” He then tells the car next to him about the party at the moontower and, after catching a glimpse of Cynthia (Marissa Ribisi), declares: “I love those redheads, man.” Top Notch/Matthew McConaughey

BOYHOOD

Dart Bowl, Magnolia Cafe, and Continental Club

Considered one of the greatest movies ever made, this award-winning Richard Linklater classic pays homage to some of the most beloved ATX spots in the early aughts and beyond. During the true coming-of-age tale, Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) goes bowling with his father (Ethan Hawke) at now-defunct Dart Bowl, chows down on queso with his girlfriend at Magnolia Cafe, and celebrates his graduation at Continental Club, where he joins his dad to see his friend Jimmy (Charlie Sexton) perform. Boyhood still /Richard Linklater

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE The Gas Station

Texas Chainsaw Massacre still/Marilyn Burns

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If you found yourself sleeping with the lights on after viewing this 1974 slasher classic, you weren’t alone. But the horror lives on at the Last Chance Gas Station, where Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns) and her vanload of friends unsuccessfully tried to fill up their car before being terrorized by Leatherface and his family of cannibals. Now, the location at 1073 Texas State Highway has been converted into a restaurant and hotel for Texas Chainsaw Massacre fans. Dubbed The Gas Station, the Bastrop destination has four cabins for overnight stays and a restaurant called We Slaughter Barbecue, which serves brisket and sausage (not of the human variety).

M OV I E 1 : H E YAU ST I N .C O M ; M OV I E 2 : H E YAU ST I N .C O M , H O L LY WO O D R E P O R T E R .C O M ; M OV I E 3 : AU ST I N T E X AS .O R G , G E T T Y I M AG E S

Top Notch Hamburgers


VARSITY BLUES The Landing Strip

Fed up with the constant pressure of their maniacal football coach, Jonathan “Mox” Moxon (James Van Der Beek) and his teammates decide to blow off steam at a West Canaan strip club, which was filmed at Austin gentlemen’s club The Landing Strip. As they notice their very own teacher Miss Davis take the stage, Mox and the boys (including Paul Walker, Scott Caan, and Ron Lester) turn their shock into delight, cheering her on as she strips to a rousing rendition of Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher.” The Landing Strip/ Varsity Blues cast

BLOOD SIMPLE & SLACKER

M OV I E 1 : PA R A M O U N T P I CT U R E S.C O M , G E T T Y I M AG E S ; M OV I E 2 : AU ST I N T E X AS.O R G ; G E T T Y I M AG E S ; M OV I E 3 : YO U T U B E .C O M , D I M E N S I O N F I L M S ; M OV I E 4 : G OV.T E X AS .G OV

Mount Bonnell

Arguably the best panoramic view of Austin, Mount Bonnell is well known for scenic hikes and romantic engagements. But in the film world, its reputation is a bit darker. The gorgeous vista appears in the classic neo-noir Coen Brothers film Blood Simple, where bar owner Julian Marty (Dan Hedaya) meets with a private investigator to hire him to kill his cheating wife. Mount Bonnell was also in the famed final scene of Slacker, where a group of filmmakers throw their Super 8 camera off the cliff. Mount Bonnell scene/Frances McDormand and Dan Hedaya

FEAR THE WALKING DEAD Dell Diamond

While this Round Rock stadium is a great place to root for the home team, it also serves as a desirable location for the apocalypse.Duringthebaseballoffseason,DellDiamondtransformed into a makeshift refuge where Fear the Walking Dead could film its fourth season. Replete with barns, livestock, and crops, the stadium provided living quarters for survivors like Madison Clark (Kim Dickens) and enforced walls to keep the undead at bay. Unfortunately, it later burned to the ground during a battle with the Vultures. Dell Diamond/Kim Dickens

DEATH PROOF Texas Chili Parlor

Death Proof still/Texas Chili Parlor exterior

Beckoning guests with its famous chili and Old Austin charm, Texas Chili Parlor inspired a scene in Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 slasher film, which was shot across the capital city. Although the parlor is known for its Mad Dog margaritas, Warren (Tarantino) buys a round of chartreuse shots for Jungle Julia (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) and her crew, as they hang out around a table littered with bottles of Shiner beer. While the real-life restaurant exterior was included in the film, Tarantino created an exact replica for the interior, plus added a fictional parking lot and back porch. The vintage AMI jukebox featured is owned by the director himself.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Dairy Queen

Friday Night Lights cast/Dairy Queen

In the fictional small town of Dillon, Texas, life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans (for Friday night football). On the rare occasions when they weren’t practicing drills or suiting up in the Panthers uniform, Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) and Smash Williams (Gaius Charles) worked after-school jobs serving icy treats at the Alamo Freeze, which was filmed at the 8300 Burnet Road location of Dairy Queen. Saracen even proposed to longtime girlfriend Julie Taylor (Aimee Teegarden) outside of the restaurant. Texas forever!

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L AU R E N S LU S H E R FO R AU ST I N F I L M S O C I E T Y P H OTO C R E D I T

An audience at AFS Cinema excitedly waits ahead of a special premiere screening of episode 5 of Alien: Earth.


G E T T Y I M AG E S ; H Y P E R R E A L I M AG E S : J I N N I J .

GEEKING OUT

FOR DECADES, AUSTIN HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST CITIES IN THE COUNTRY TO BE A FILM NERD—AND IT’S ONLY GETTING BETTER.

Whether you want to savor a screening of an obscure Italian film from the ’50s or gawk at Glen Powell on the red carpet, Austin has you covered. Since 1997, the Alamo Drafthouse has invited audiences to revel in cinematic oddities on raucous theme nights like Terror Tuesday and Weird Wednesday. Founders Tim and Karrie League’s business proved so successful that the Drafthouse has since expanded to 44 locations and was purchased by Sony in 2024. If you loved old-school Alamo, head to East Austin, where Hyperreal Film Club has opened a delightfully DIY space that plays movies most nights of the week, with titles ranging from Gremlins and The Crow to Independence Day. The space is run by Tanner Hadfield, David McMichael, and Jenni Kaye—the latter of whom makes a great case study for just how robust Austin’s community of film buffs has become. Kaye is a correspondent for Letterboxd, the New Zealand company whose popular app has united movie lovers everywhere. “They’ve always been interested in SXSW,” Kaye says. “That’s how I got started covering carpets with them.” Since then, Letterboxd has had Kaye report on other events like Fantastic Fest, and she’s developed a series of curatorial reels for the app’s social media account. In effect, one of the fastest-growing cinema communities in the world has an eye on Austin. And for true patrons, Austin Film Society offers members discounted tickets and access to events with directors and actors. Their North Austin theater frequently screens classic and arthouse films along with exclusive premieres. From intimate nights at Hyperreal or AFS Cinema to festival red carpets or Fons PR hosting surprise celebrity pop-ups with the likes of Brad Pitt and Austin Butler, the capital city teems with film-centric experiences. If you’re feeling like a night on the couch, you can even hit up We Luv Video (the reincarnated version of I Luv Video) to rent a VHS cassette tape. As the capital city’s movie industry expands, it’s sure to discover a community of cinephiles whose love of the silver screen rips at the thin veil of the fourth wall to remind us that films amount to very little without an audience to appreciate them.

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TOP DOCTORS

from addiction medicine to vascular surgery, you can trust that your health is in the best possible care.

MARA ESQUIVEL

2026

With more than 800 physicians in specialties ranging

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512-244-4272 6000 S. Mopac Expy. Ste. 100 Andre S. Chen Advanced Pain Care 512-244-4272 6000 S. Mopac Expy. Ste. 100 John Weems Communitycare 512-978-9901 2901 Montopolis Dr.

512-443-1311 3816 S. 1st St.

Allergy Immunology Paul Vigo Allergy Partners 512-467-0978

Najiba Keshwani People’s Community Clinic 512-478-4939 1101 Camino La Costa Celia Neavel People’s Community Clinic 512-478-4939 1101 Camino La Costa Maria Monge Rising Together Healthcare 512-256-1519 5900 Balcones Dr. Ste. 7866

Colleen S. Adkins ARC Round Rock 512-244-9024 940 Hesters Crossing Rd. Round Rock Hetu Y. Parekh ARC Anderson Mill 512-250-5571 10401 Anderson Mill Rd. Ste. 110B Kelly H. Simpson ARC Medical Plaza Specialty 512-260-1581 1401 Medical Pkwy. Bldg. B Ste. 200 Cedar Park

512-244-4272 2000 S. Mays St. Ste. 201 Round Rock Bobby Perales Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Greater Austin Region

Sumit Bose

Jay Lynn York

Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 Round Rock Karim Zul Dhanani Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 425 University Blvd. Round Rock Neha Reshamwala Frontier Allergy Asthma and Immunology 512-535-2655 2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 300 Ronald Cox Greater Austin Allergy Asthma and Immunology

Allergy and Asthma

Advanced Pain Care

720 W. 34th St. Ste. 200

425 University Blvd.

Adolescent Medicine

Rudy Garza III

512-732-2774 6611 River Place Blvd. Ste. 100 Eric D. Schultz Greater Austin Allergy Asthma and Immunology 512-732-2774 6611 River Place Blvd. Ste. 100 Scott Oberhoff The Austin Diagnostic Clinic 512-901-1111

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Greater Austin Region Chad Paul Dieterichs U.S. Anesthesia Partners of Texas PA 512-454-2454 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570 Edward Furst U.S. Anesthesia Partners of Texas PA 512-454-2454 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570 Christopher Getto U.S. Anesthesia Partners of Texas PA 512-454-2454 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570 Holly Gunn U.S. Anesthesia Partners of Texas PA 512-454-2454 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570 Garrett W. Scales U.S. Anesthesia Partners of Texas PA 512-454-2454

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570

John Villacis

Bariatric Surgery

Steven M. Fass

2 0 2 6

and Pediatrics

Anesthesiology

Capital Surgeons Group 512-302-1210 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 250

D O C T O R S

Advanced Pain Care

ARC South 1st Specialty

Nancy G. Marquez Capital Surgeons Group 512-498-4860 505 W. Louis Henna Blvd. Ste. 220 Alan Abando

T O P

Rey Ximenes

Alexander J. Alvarez

Cedar Park Surgeons 512-260-3444 1410 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 1

A U S T I N ' S

Addiction Medicine

Cedar Park Nicole Basa Cedar Park Surgeons 512-260-3444 1410 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 1 Cedar Park

Breast Imaging Stephen A. Agatston ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-8505 12554 Riata Vista Cir. Sarah S. Avery ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-8505 12554 Riata Vista Cir. Simone M. Bridges ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-8505 12554 Riata Vista Cir. Stephen Bryan Price ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-5100 12554 Riata Vista Cir. Erin Winston Austin Breast Imaging 512-776-1000

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic 512-901-1111 12221 N. Mopac Expy.

Jinnie A. Bruce Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-654-6500 2600 E. Pflugerville Pkwy. Bldg. 1 Pflugerville

12319 N. Mopac Expy. Plaza North Bldg. C Ste. 320 Caroline Coombs-Skiles Texas Breast Specialists 512-421-4111 901 W. 38th St. Ste. 300

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UT Health Austin Doctors Among

Austin’s Top Doctors 2026 Congratulations t o t he U T H ealth A ustin d octors w ho w ere included i n A ustin M onthly’s 2 026 Top D octors L ist.

For more information, please call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit www.uthealthaustin.org

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Abdominal Transplant Center* Joel T. A dler, M .D. Nicole Turgeon, M .D. Digestive H ealth* Deepak A grawal, M .D. S . J oga I vatury, M .D. Claire S okas, M .D. General a nd G astrointestinal Surgery F. P. “ Tripp” B uckley I II, M .D. Infectious D isease C linic Elizabeth D ouglass, M .D. F. Parker H udson, M .D. Institute f or Cardiovascular H ealth* George A rnaoutakis, M .D. Joseph D uBose, M .D. Joshua G rimm, M .D. William F. Kessler, M .D. Pedro G . R . Teixeira, M .D.

Mitchel a nd S hannon Wong Eye I nstitute Moe H ein “ Harry” A ung, M .D., P h.D. Eileen B owden, M .D. Eric C rowell, M .D., M PH Saleema K herani-Ali, M .D. im, M .D. Gene K im Multiple S clerosis a nd Neuroimmunology C enter Leórah Freeman, M .D. Duriel H ardy, M .D. Ethan M eltzer, M .D. Navid Valizadeh, M .D. Musculoskeletal I nstitute Mu Kevin B ozic, M .D. Anthony “AJ” J ohnson, M .D. Karl Koenig, M .D. Mark Q ueralt, M .D. David R ing, M .D. Texas C enter f or Pediatric a nd C ongenital H eart D isease** Charles D. Fraser, J r., M .D. D. B yron H olt, M .D. Rheumatology C linic Veena Patel, M .D.

*In p artnership w ith A scension S eton **In p artnership w ith D ell C hildren’s M edical C enter Austin M onthly’s Top D octors l ist i s c reated u sing a p eer n omination s urvey, r esearch, s creening, and s election p rocess f acilitated b y C astle C onnolly.

Surgical O ncology C linic Kimberly B rown, M .D. Declan F leming, M .D. Alex B . H aynes, M .D. Samuel E . “ Rhett” Long, I II, M .D. Urology* Aaron L aviana, M .D. Aa J. S tuart Wolf, J r., M .D. Harras Z aid, M .D. UT H ealth A ustin Pediatric Neurosciences a t D ell C hildren’s** Kristen A rredondo, M .D. Glendaliz B osques, M .D. Dave C larke, M .D. Da Jane C . E dmond, M .D. Daniel Freedman, D.O. M. O mar I qbal, M .D. Louisa Keith, M .D. Faheem M ahomed, M .D. Sara Pavitt, M .D. S teve Roach, M .D. Women’s H ealth* Nerlyne D esravines, M .D. Amanda W hite, M .D. M. Yvette W illiams-Brown, M .D.


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Moya Griffin

Jason D. Zagrodzky

Joseph Imsais

Texas Breast Specialists

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiovascular Specialists

512-716-8644

512-544-2342

of Texas

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 120

3000 N. I-35 Ste. 720

737-437-3393

Aimee Mackey

Robert Canby

Texas Breast Specialists

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia

Robert J. Wozniak

512-687-1300

512-544-2342

Cardiovascular Specialists

4101 James Casey St. Ste. 340

3000 N. I-35 Ste. 720

of Texas

12221 N. Mopac Expy. Fl. 1

512-334-8999 Julie M. Sprunt Texas Breast Specialists 512-421-4111 901 W. 38th St. Ste. 300 Sherrie P. Thomas

Cardiology

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300 Sangeetha Kolluri

Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

Manish S. Chauhan

512-324-3440

St. David’s Heart and Vascular

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300

737-910-7643 3000 N. I-35 Ste. 700

Vu D. Nguyen Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

Vinh D. Nguyen

512-324-3440

Texas Heart and Vascular

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300

512-623-5300 4316 James Casey St.

Wildflower Breast Center 512-862-1881

Bldg. 1 Ste. 401

Tuan D. Nguyen

Texas Oncology 512-716-8644

2200 Park Bend Dr.

Paul J. Roach

Bldg. A

4613 Bee Caves Rd.

Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

Bldg. A Ste. 102

512-324-3440

Paul A. Tucker II

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300

Texas Heart and Vascular

Cardiac Electrophysiology

512-623-5300 George P. Rodgers

4316 James Casey St.

Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

Bldg. A

Kristopher M. Heinzman

512-617-1916

Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

11111 Research Blvd. Ste. 300

512-324-3440 1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300

Caitlin Giesler The Heart Center for Women

Faraz Kureshi

512-324-3440

Axis Cardiovascular

706 B Rio Grande St.

Mauricio Hong

512-240-5025

Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

4871 Williams Dr. Bldg. 1

Michelle Zikusoka

512-324-3440

Ste. 105

Austin Heart - Cedar Park

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300

Georgetown

512-249-7190 1401 Medical Pkwy.

Thomas K. Kurian

Jacobo Vazquez

Bldg. B Ste. 300

Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Cedar Park

512-324-3440

512-509-0200

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300

302 University Blvd.

Deborah L. Ekery

Round Rock

Austin Heart - Central Park

G. Joseph Gallinghouse

512-206-3600

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia

Edward Chafizadeh

512-807-3150

Cardio Texas

3000 N. I-35 Ste. 700

900 W. 38th St. Ste. 400

512-807-3140

Norman E. Risinger

1015 E. 32nd St. Ste. 508

Austin Heart - South

David J. Kessler

512-899-2028

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia

Itamar Birnbaum

2559 Western Trails Blvd.

737-910-3458

Cardio Texas

Ste. 200

900 West 38th St. Ste. 110

737-359-3954 1015 E. 32nd St. Ste. 508

64

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Cardiology Heart Failure Clay A. Cauthen Ascension Seton Heart Specialty Care & Transplant 512-681-0500 1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 514 Raymond E. Bietry Ascension Texas Cardiovascular 512-324-3440 1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300 Mary B. Cishek Ascension Texas Cardiovascular 512-324-3028 1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300 John A. Dieck Texas Heart & Vascular 512-623-5300 4316 James Casey St. Bldg. C Kunjan A. Bhatt Austin Heart 512-206-3600 3801 N. Lamar Blvd. Ste. 300 Jerome Thomas Austin Heart 512-206-3600 3801 N. Lamar Blvd. Ste. 300

Cardiology Invasive Interventional Peter P. Monteleone Ascension Texas Cardiovascular 512-324-3440 1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300 Mark J. Pirwitz Ascension Texas Cardiovascular 512-324-3440 1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 300 Angel Eduardo Caldera Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 302 University Blvd. Round Rock


512-509-0200

Vascular Surgeons

512-300-0428

302 University Blvd.

512-459-8753

1914 Justin Lane

Round Rock

1010 W. 40th St.

Rafael Eduardo Gonzalez

Faraz Kerendi

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Cardiothoracic and

512-509-0200

Vascular Surgeons

Colon and Rectal Surgery Robert W. Cline

302 University Blvd.

512-459-8753

Central Texas Colon and

Round Rock

1010 W. 40th St.

Rectal Surgeons 512-418-1979

Nathaniel M. Boyer

Jeffrey D. McNeil

Texas Heart & Vascular

Cardiothoracic and

512-623-5300

Vascular Surgeons

4316 James Casey St. Bldg. C

512-459-8753

Central Texas Colon and Rectal Surgeons 512-418-1979

Texas Heart & Vascular

Robert C. Neely

512-623-5300

Cardiothoracic and

Cardiology Noninvasive

David C. Fleeger

1010 W. 40th St. John M. Neill

4316 James Casey St. Bldg. C

4106 Medical Pkwy.

4106 Medical Pkwy.

Vascular Surgeons

April W. Fox

512-459-8753

Central Texas Colon and

1010 W. 40th St.

Rectal Surgeons 512-418-1979

Health 512-324-3028

Central Texas Colon and

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 307

Rectal Surgeons 512-418-1979 13915 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 100

Edmond Owen

Institute for Cardiovascular

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Health

512-509-0200

512-324-3028

Texas Colon and Rectal

302 University Blvd.

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 307

Specialists

Thiru V. Lakshman

512-418-1979 4106 Medical Pkwy.

W. Chance Conner

Institute of Cardiovascular

Cardiothoracic and

Health

Vascular Surgeons

512-324-3028

Texas Colon and Rectal

512-459-8753

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 307

Specialists

1010 W. 40th St. Brendan P. Dewan Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons

Amar S. Shah

512-418-1979

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Ste. 300 Jay L. Viernes ARC Far West Medical Tower 512-346-8888 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 300 Shwol-Huo (Danny) Kiang ARC Medical Plaza Specialty 512-260-1581 1401 Medical Pkwy. Bldg. B Ste. 200 Cedar Park Elizabeth Havey Miller Ascension Medical Group Georgetown Dermatology

Andrew H. Miller

512-324-3028 1201 W. 38th St.

Joshua C. Grimm

6811 Austin Center Blvd.

Georgetown

Institute for Cardiovascular

Round Rock

512-346-8888

4106 Medical Pkwy.

George Arnaoutakis

Ascension Seton Medical Center

William F. Kessler

Amy R. Mason ARC Far West Medical Tower

512-324-9699

Sneha Vakamudi

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dermatology

4106 Medical Pkwy. Megan Turley Texas Colon and Rectal

512-459-8753

Nakia G. Scott

Specialists

1010 W. 40th St.

Holistic Mental Health

512-220-7002

512-562-9117

13915 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 100

Mark C. Felger

4131 Spicewood Springs Rd.

Cardiothoracic and

Ste. K-10

S. Joga Ivatury

Vascular Surgeons

Digestive Health

512-459-8753

512-324-7815

1010 W. 40th St.

1601 Trinity St. Ste. D

2 0 2 6

Vibrant Minds Clinic

D O C T O R S

Karen Seroussi

Cardiothoracic and

T O P

Eric M. Hoenicke

A U S T I N ' S

Vijay Ganesh Divakaran Baylor Scott & White Clinic

1101 Wolf Lakes Dr. Ste. 225

Ammar M. Ahmed Ascension Medical Group Seton Dermatology 512-324-9699 313 E. 12th St. Ste. 103 Margaret E. Brown Ascension Medical Group Seton Dermatology 512-324-9699 313 E. 12th St. Ste. 101 Anokhi Jambusaria-Pahlajani Ascension Medical Group Seton Dermatology 512-324-9699 313 E. 12th St. Ste. 101 Kristina Collins Austin Skin Physicians 512-886-7546 15601 SH 71 West Ste. 200 Sarah Gee Austin Skin Physicians 512-886-7546 15601 SH 71 West Ste. 200

AUSTIN MONTHLY

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The difference is life changing

™


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Halliday C. McDonald

Mary Kendall Parker

Central Texas Dermatology

Snyder Dermatology

512-327-7779

737-257-6008

102 Westlake Dr.

1510 W. 34th St. Ste. 100

Ste. 100 Renee Snyder Alison Messer

Snyder Dermatology

Central Texas Dermatology

737-257-6008

512-327-7779

1510 W. 34th St. Ste. 100

102 Westlake Dr. Ste. 100

Stacia Miles The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Emily L. Prosise

512-334-2400

Central Texas Dermatology

1250 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.

512-327-7779

Bldg. 3, 1st Fl

102 Westlake Dr.

West Lake Hills

Ste. 100 Roopal Bhatt Mary Ann Martinez

U.S. Dermatology Partners

Epiphany Dermatology

512-478-3376

512-329-6090

6618 Sitio del Rio Blvd.

5656 Bee Caves Rd.

Ste. D-101

Bldg. D Ste. 203 Hans M. Sander Saya Obayan

U.S. Dermatology Partners

Nature Of Skin Dermatology

512-345-8688

512-312-7552

11410 Jollyville Rd.

9015 Mountain Ridge Dr.

Bldg. 2 Ste. 2201

Ste. 200 Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce Brett Keeling

Westlake Dermatology

Oculus Pathology

and Cosmetic Surgery

512-579-4000

512-610-1000

3445 Executive Center

3637 Far West Blvd. Ste. E

Dr. Ste. 250 Adam Mamelak Christopher Chu

Westlake Dermatology

Pure Dermatology

and Cosmetic Surgery

512-766-2610

512-279-3376

8701 State Hwy. 71

4235 Williams Dr. Georgetown

Blakely Richardson Revelus Dermatology

Kellie Reed

512-815-2559

Westlake Dermatology

4401 W. Gate Blvd.

and Cosmetic Surgery

Ste. 120

512-610-1000 3637 Far West Blvd. Ste. E

Daniel A Carrasco Sanova Dermatology

Lisa Rhodes

512-829-0009

Westlake Dermatology

13830 Sawyer Ranch Rd.

and Cosmetic Surgery

Ste. 304

512-328-3376 8825 Bee Caves Rd.

Dermatology Surgery

Emergency Medicine

Matthew Charles Fox

Jody Henson

Ascension Medical Group

Baylor Scott & White

Austin Dermatologic Surgery

Medical Center

512-324-7468

Greater Austin Region

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704B William Tobleman S. Tyler Hollmig Ascension Medical Group

Medical Center

Austin Dermatologic Surgery

Greater Austin Region

512-324-7468 1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704B

Endocrine Surgery

Susan E. Dozier

Teresa R. Kroeker

Cutaneous Surgery Center

Texas Thyroid and

of Austin

Parathyroid Center

512-527-9020

512-491-0017

8240 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 355

12319 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 260

Peggy Chern Westlake Dermatology

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Pratima V. Kumar

and Cosmetic Surgery

Ascension Medical Group

512-328-3376

Seton Endocrinology

8825 Bee Caves Rd.

512-324-9650 313 E. 12th St. Ste. 103

John M. Barkley ARA Diagnostic Imaging

Steven A. Taylor

512-795-8505

Ascension Medical Group

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Seton Endocrinology 512-324-9650

Jody J. Hooten

313 E. 12th St. Ste. 102

ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-8505

Tres Barrera

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200

Yvonne Queralt

425 University Blvd.

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

Round Rock

512-795-5100 12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Neelkantha Amatya Baylor Scott & White

Jeff P. Wood

Specialty Clinic

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-654-3900

512-795-5100

16018 W. SH 71

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Bee Cave

Gregory F. Connor

Andrea George

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

Hill Country Endocrinology

512-795-8505

512-522-3009

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

13625 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Bldg. 4 Ste. 300

Michael T. Harper ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-5100 12554 Riata Vista Cir.

68

Baylor Scott & White

Cedar Park


Thomas Blevins

Nina Desai

J. Adrian Dennington

Texas Diabetes and

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Austin Gastroenterology

Endocrinology

512-509-0200

512-334-2500

512-244-2273

425 University Blvd.

5701 W. Slaughter Lane

8015 Shoal Creek Blvd.

6500 N. Mopac Expy.

Round Rock

Bldg. C

Ste. 118 Anupama T. Duddempudi

D O C T O R S

512-458-8400

2 0 2 6

Shiv Desai

Bldg. 3 Ste. 200 Brynna Connor

Grace Honles

Luis Casaubon

Brynna Connor MD

Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Austin Gastroenterology

Texas Diabetes and

512-382-9500

512-334-2500

512-454-4588

Endocrinology

2906 Medical Arts St.

5701 W. S.laughter Lane

7951 Shoal Creek Blvd.

Bldg. C

Bldg. 2 Ste. 200

512-458-8400

Tira Chaicha-Brom

C. Ron Byrd MD

David G. Joseph

Sushil Duddempudi

512-328-2752

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Austin Gastroenterology

2765 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 201

Texas Diabetes and

512-901-1111

512-244-2273

2400 Cedar Bend Dr.

7200 Wyoming Springs Dr.

Mason Wayne Mileur

Round Rock

Endocrinology

Tina Philip

512-458-8400

Oakwood Family Medicine

6500 N. Mopac Expy.

512-388-0511

Privia Health - Austin Medical

Bldg. 3 Ste. 200

511 Oakwood Blvd. Ste. 202

Associates

Kenneth K. Ellis

Round Rock

512-477-1405

Austin Gastroenterology

2911 Medical Arts St. Ste. 10

512-244-2273

Valerie Espinosa Texas Diabetes and

Petra Kelsey

Endocrinology

One Medical

512-458-8400

888-663-6331

6500 N. Mopac Expy.

1900 Aldrich St. Ste. 150

Bldg. 3 Ste. 200 Paraag Kumar

Ste. 1300

8015 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 118

Female Pelvic Medicine Reconstructive Surgery

Harish K. Gagneja Austin Gastroenterology 512-448-4588 4310 James Casey St. Ste. 4A

One Medical

Amanda B. White

Texas Diabetes and

888-663-6331

Ascension Medical Group

Benjamin D. Havemann

Endocrinology

319 Congress Ave. Ste. 100

Seton Women’s Health

Austin Gastroenterology

512-324-8670

512-279-2000

Lindsay B. Harrison

512-458-8400

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 600

6500 N. Mopac Expy.

Sarah Buttrey

Bldg. 3 Ste. 200

People’s Community Clinic 512-478-4939

George Shashoua

Jesslyn Jiaen Lu

1101 Camino La Costa

Austin Urogynecology 512-973-8276

Parastoo Jangouk

512-901-1111

Judy Kim

12319 N. Mopac Expy.

Austin Gastroenterology

12221 N. Mopac Expy. 3rd Fl

People’s Community Clinic

Bldg. C Ste. 200

512-244-2273

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

1101 Camino La Costa

3944 Ranch Rd. 620 S. Bldg. 6 Ste. 202

512-478-4939 Sherwin S. Yen

Bee Cave

3201 S. Austin Ave. Ste. 350 Tomas G. Antonini

Georgetown

Central Texas Urogynecology

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic 512-901-1111

Matthew Brimberry

and Continence Center

Pradeep Kumar

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

Premier Family Physicians

512-716-0861

Austin Gastroenterology

512-892-7076

3407 Glenview Ave. Ste. A

512-448-4588

Family Medicine

5625 Eiger Rd. Ste. 200

Sarah J. Ferrero

Lori Naglieri

ARC Cedar Park

River Hills Family Medicine

Sanaa Arastu

Austin Gastroenterology

512-259-3467

512-345-7436

Austin Gastroenterology

512-244-2273

801 E. Whitestone Blvd.

7011 Ribelin Ranch Dr.

512-454-4588

1361 Hero Way Ste. 101

Bldg. C

Ste. 200

7951 Shoal Creek Blvd.

Leander

Cedar Park

T O P

Bldg. 3 Ste. 200

C. Ron Byrd

A U S T I N ’ S

6500 N. Mopac Expy.

4310 James Casey St. Ste. 4A

Gastroenterology

V. Sumana Kumarappa

Bldg. 2 Ste. 200

AUSTIN MONTHLY

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To the doctors who help patients thrive, thank you. Congratulations to our Top Doctors 2026 who empower patients to live better, stronger and happier every day. Schedule online at BSWHealth.com

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 99-AUS-1625900-Austin Monthly Top Docs 2025 BB

BETTER // 1


ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

GASTROENTEROLOGY

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Sumit Bose Round Rock 512.509.0200

Dr. Judith Kwarteng Amaning Pflugerville 512.654.6500

Dr. Sangeetha Dayalan Georgetown 512.819.0500

Dr. Karim Zul Dhanani Round Rock 512.509.0200

Dr. Dan Chaim Cohen Lakeway 512.654.1234

Dr. Nupur Jhawar Georgetown 512.819.0500

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dr. Erik Rahimi Lakeway 512.654.1234

Dr. Sadia Rashid Georgetown 512.819.0500

Dr. Rajesh Rasik Shah Buda 737.999.6600

NEPHROLOGY

Dr. Bobby Perales Greater Austin Region Dr. Jay Lynn York Greater Austin Region BARIATRIC SURGERY Dr. Jinnie A Bruce Pflugerville 512.654.6500 CARDIOLOGY Dr. Jacobo Vazquez Round Rock 512.509.0200 CARDIOLOGY: INVASIVE INTERVENTIONAL Dr. Angel Eduardo Caldera Round Rock 512.509.0200 Dr. Vijay Ganesh Divakaran Round Rock 512.509.0200 Dr. Rafael Eduardo Gonzalez Round Rock 512.509.0200 CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY Dr. Edmond Owen Round Rock 512.509.0200 EMERGENCY MEDICINE Dr. Jody Henson Greater Austin Region Dr. William Tobleman Greater Austin Region ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES AND METABOLISM Dr. Neelkantha Amatya Bee Cave 512.654.3900 Dr. Tres Barrera Round Rock 512.509.0200 FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Nina Desai Round Rock 512.509.0200

Dr. Ahmed N Shobassy Round Rock 512.509.0200 GENERAL SURGERY Dr. John Featherston Eckford Round Rock 512.509.0200

Dr. Luciana Barretto McLean Round Rock 512.509.0200 Dr. Imtiyaz Hakeem Round Rock 512.509.0200 NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY

Dr. Mark G Burnett Greater Austin Region 512.654.4550

Dr. Karen Anne Valdez Georgetown 512.819.0500

Dr. James S Waldron Greater Austin Region 512.654.4550

HAND SURGERY

NEUROLOGY

Dr. Andrew Alan Stoebner Round Rock 512.509.0200

Dr. Jeffrey Jasper Tramonte Round Rock 512.509.0200

HOSPITAL MEDICINE

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Kristine Dematta Greater Austin Region

Dr. Joseph Isaac Fernandez Round Rock 512.509.0200

Dr. Trina Evyan Dorrah Greater Austin Region Dr. Michael Ladogana Greater Austin Region Dr. Mohammad Makkouk Greater Austin Region Dr. Mohammad Tariq Malik Greater Austin Region Dr. Sameera Vohra Greater Austin Region Dr. Tauqeer Yousuf Greater Austin Region INFECTIOUS DISEASE Dr. Mary Katherine Theoktisto Lakeway 512.654.1234 Dr. Maryann Pham Tran Round Rock 512.509.0200

ONCOLOGY Dr. Sandy Itwaru Anne Round Rock 512.509.0099 Dr. Christal E Murray Round Rock 512.509.0099 Dr. Rakesh Surapaneni Round Rock 512.509.0099 Dr. Ojas Vyas Round Rock 512.509.0099 OPHTHALMOLOGY Dr. Elizabeth Roberts Vreeland Round Rock 512.509.0200 ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Dr. Mark J Billante Round Rock 512.509.0200 Dr. Adam O'Brien Pflugerville 512.654.6500 ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SURGERY Dr. Mark Santman Round Rock 512.509.0200

OTOLARYNGOLOGY (EAR, NOSE AND THROAT) Dr. Rachel Elizabeth Arffa Round Rock 512.509.0200 PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. Hasan Chowdhury Round Rock 512.509.0200 PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY Dr. Ronald Tee Round Rock 512.509.0200 PEDIATRICS GENERAL Dr. Lynn Mildred Azuma Round Rock 512.509.0200 PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY Dr. Faris Q Hashim Round Rock 512.509.0200 PODIATRY Dr. Demencio Isaac Bazan Pflugerville 512.654.6500 Dr. Amanda Willrich Hudson Cedar Park 512.260.6100 Dr. Elliott David Hudson Round Rock 512.509.0200 PULMONOLOGY Dr. Rajesh Babu Lakeway 512.654.1234 Dr. Jadvinder Singh Goraya Round Rock 512.509.0200 RADIATION ONCOLOGY Dr. Mehul K Patel Round Rock 512.509.0099 RHEUMATOLOGY Dr. Nada Elmagboul Round Rock 512.509.0200 Dr. Sangeetha Pabolu Round Rock 512.509.0200 UROLOGY Dr. Juzar Jamnagerwalla Round Rock 512.509.0200 Dr. Nathaniel Polnaszek Round Rock 512.509.0200


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Craig H. Lubin

Ahmed N. Shobassy

W. Drew Fielder

Rodney Brian Ashworth

Austin Gastroenterology

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Ascension Medical Group

Surgical Associates of Austin PA

512-454-4588

512-509-0200

Seton Surgery

512-472-1381

7951 Shoal Creek Blvd.

300 University Blvd. Ste. A

512-324-7873

6500 N. Mopac Expy. Bldg. 2

Bldg. 2 Ste. 200

Round Rock

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704-F

Binh V. Pham

Erik Rahimi

Shey Kyle Ditto

Surgical Associates

Austin Gastroenterology

Baylor Scott & White

ATX Robotic Surgery

of Austin PA

512-454-4588

Specialty Clinic

512-436-9986

512-447-4993

7951 Shoal Creek Blvd.

512-654-1234

11615 Angus Rd. Ste. 106

4316 James Casey St. Bldg. E

Bldg. 2 Ste. 200

200 Medical Pkwy.

Robert M. Markus Jr.

Lakeway F. Douglas Srygley IV

John A. Abikhaled

William D. Mayer

Austin Surgeons

Surgical Associates

Austin Gastroenterology

Dan Chaim Cohen

512-467-7151

of Austin PA

512-448-4588

Baylor Scott & White

3901 Medical Pkwy.

512-472-1381

4310 James Casey St. Ste. 4A

Specialty Clinic 512-654-1234

6500 N. Mopac Expy. Bldg. 2 Robert E. Askew Jr.

J. Andy Tau

200 Medical Pkwy.

Austin Surgeons

Carly Allred

Austin Gastroenterology

Lakeway

512-467-7151

Surgical Associates of

3901 Medical Pkwy.

Austin - North and South

512-454-4588 7951 Shoal Creek Blvd.

Deepak Agrawal

Bldg. 2 Ste. 200

Digestive Health

Mark R. Lindsey

512-324-7831

Austin Surgeons

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 9.901s

512-467-7151

Peter V. Ching

3901 Medical Pkwy.

Surgical Associates

Harry J. Thomas Austin Gastroenterology

512-472-1381 6500 N. Mopac Expy. Bldg. 2

512-454-4588

Lilah Mansour

7951 Shoal Creek Blvd.

Texas Digestive Disease

Brant E. Victor

512-447-4993

Bldg. 2 Ste. 200

Consultants

Austin Surgeons

4316 James Casey St. Bldg. E

512-341-0900

512-467-7151

John K. Tsai

1411 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 200

3901 Medical Pkwy.

Austin Gastroenterology

Cedar Park

512-279-2000

of Austin - South

Alejandro Esquivel Surgical Associates

John Featherston Eckford

of Austin - South

3944 Ranch Rd. 620 S.

Junaid Siddiqui

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

512-447-4993

Bldg. 6 Ste. 202

Texas Digestive Disease

512-509-0200

4316 James Casey St. Bldg. E

Bee Cave

Consultants

302 University Blvd.

512-341-0900

Round Rock

Geriatric Psychiatry

John J. Ziebert

1411 Medical Pkwy Ste. 200

Austin Gastroenterology

Cedar Park

Erik G. Lough

Karen Anne Valdez

512-244-2273

Capital Surgeons Group

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

8015 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 118

512-498-4860

512-819-0500

Judith Kwarteng Amaning

General Surgery Arielle C. DuBose

505 W. Louis Henna Blvd.

4945 Williams Dr.

Ste. 220

Georgetown Jaron L. Winston

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

ARC Medical Plaza Specialty

512-654-6500

512-260-1581

Francis P. Buckley III

2600 E. Pflugerville Pkwy. Bldg. 1

1401 Medical Pkwy. Bldg. B

UT Health Austin Texas

Senior Adults Specialty

Pflugerville

Ste. 200

Center for Esophageal

Healthcare PA

Cedar Park

and Foregut Surgery

512-476-3556

512-495-4373

3215 Steck Ave. Ste. 200

Rajesh Rasik Shah Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Christopher W. Bailey

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 8.801

737-999-6600

ARC Medical Plaza Specialty

5330 Overpass Rd, Ste 100

512-260-1581

Vineet Choudhry

Buda

Gynecologic Oncology

1401 Medical Pkwy. Bldg. B

Northstar Surgery

Nerlyne Desravines

Ste. 200

512-491-6542

Ascension Seton Infusion Center

Cedar Park

2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 220

512-324-7865 1601 Trinity St.

72

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026


Andrew Alan Stoebner

Shubhada Shrikant

Ascension Medical Group

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Shrikhande

Ascension Seton Infusion Center

Seton Women’s Health

512-509-0200

Texas Oncology

512-324-7865

512-324-6960

300A University Blvd.

512-873-8900

1601 Trinity St. Stop 804

6836 Bee Cave Rd. Ste. 150

Round Rock

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300

Helen D. Eshed

Laura Meritt

Taylor Jobe

Miguel Albino

Texas Oncology

Ascension Medical Group

Orthopedic Associates

Texas Oncology

512-873-8900

Seton Women’s Health

of Central Texas

512-873-8900

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300

512-324-6345

512-324-9170

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300

11111 Research Blvd. Ste. 400

3707 S. 2nd St. Ste. 100

Texas Oncology

Shannon Abikhaled

Sanjay K. Sharma

Texas Oncology

512-427-9400

Ascension Medical Group

Plastic Surgery Austin

512-341-8724

6204 Balcones Dr.

Seton Womens Health

512-324-2765

2410 Round Rock Ave. Ste. 150

512-324-6960

1601 Trinity St. Stop 704

Round Rock

Robert A. Foster

Punit Chadha

512-427-9400

Lisa M. Jukes

Texas Orthopedics

Texas Oncology

6204 Balcones Dr.

Modern Women’s Health

512-485-0506

512-447-2202

512-862-1669

4700 Seton Center Pkwy.

4101 James Casey St. Ste. 100

5656 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. B-101

Ste. 200

512-873-8900

Kimberly Loar

Brian T. Hardy

Texas Oncology

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300

Texas Oncology

Texas Orthopedics

512-427-9400

512-873-8900

512-485-0515

6204 Balcones Dr.

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300

911 W. 38th St. Ste. 300

Hand Surgery

Jason R. Somogyi

Texas Oncology

Texas Orthopedics

512-421-4100

Jeffrey D. Knabe

512-485-0537

901 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

Gynecologic Surgery

Ascension Medical Group

3755 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.

Georgetown Orthopedics

Ste. 160

Devin M. Garza

1101 Wolf Lake Dr. Ste. 225

Daniel T. Stewart

512-341-8724

Texas Robotic Surgery

Georgetown

Texas Orthopedics

2410 Round Rock Ave. Ste. 150

512-485-0524

Round Rock

Jane S. Chawla

Texas Oncology

Michael G. Teneriello

Vivian Jean Mikao Cline

Texas Oncology 512-427-9400 6204 Balcones Dr.

512-691-6511

for Women 512-681-5040 12221 Renfert Way Ste. 220

Beth A. Hellerstedt Texas Oncology

Steven L. Henry

4700 Seton Center Pkwy.

Ascension Medical Group Seton

Ste. 200

Plastic and Hand Surgery

Gynecology

Kathryn Elizabeth Hudson Texas Oncology

512-324-8320

David Ring

512-427-9400

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704D

The University of Texas

6204 Balcones Dr.

Alinda R. Cox

at Austin

ARC South Ob/Gyn

Galen S. Wachtman

833-882-2737

Matthew R. Meeneghan

512-383-9752

Ascension Medical Group Seton

1601 Trinity St.

Texas Oncology

4315 James Casey St.

Plastic and Hand Surgery

Ste. 105 & 200

512-324-8320

512-308-9024

Hematology and Medical Oncology

3107 Hwy. 71 E.

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704D Benjamin P. Amis

Darren M. Kocs

Texas Oncology

Michael T. Breen Ascension Medical Group

A U S T I N ' S

6836 Bee Cave Rd. Ste. 150

Texas Oncology

Paul V. Loar III

T O P

Michelle Theresa Ashworth

Priyanka N. Kamath

Lynne M. Knowles

2 0 2 6

Karen Kish

Williams-Brown

D O C T O R S

Marian Yvette

Balijepalli Netaji

Seton Women’s Health

ATX Orthopedics

Texas Oncology

512-873-8900

512-324-8670

512-960-4590

512-341-8724

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 600

3901 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 301

2410 Round Rock Ave. Ste. 150 Round Rock

AUSTIN MONTHLY

73


JERRY GUTIERREZ, MD

TOP DOCTOR A YEARS RUNNING

ustin has transformed into one of the most exciting medical cities in the country, and Dr. Jerry Gutierrez is grateful to be part of that energy. As someone who grew up here, he’s watched Austin evolve from a laid-back hometown into a true center of medical innovation—and he’s proud to be one of the physicians helping move it forward.

6

Dr. Gutierrez practices as a pain specialist with Pain Specialists of America, where the focus isn’t just on helping patients manage pain—it’s on helping them get their lives back. “Pain management lets me make a real difference in someone’s day-to-day life,” he says. “I love being able to work with patients long-term, celebrate their progress, and help them return to the activities that make them feel like themselves again.” He also values Austin’s tightknit community of physicians who genuinely support one another and are committed to doing what’s best for their patients.

2026

His path into medicine is rooted right here in Texas. After earning his biology degree at The University of Texas at Austin, he went on to medical school at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed his Anesthesiology training at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he was recognized for both research and academic excellence. From there, he headed to Boston for fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center—learning directly from some of the most respected leaders in the field. Today, Dr. Gutierrez brings that experience back home to Austin. He continues to write textbook chapters, contribute to clinical research, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. He has special interests in whiplash-related injuries, complex regional pain syndrome, and advanced neuromodulation therapies. His mission is simple: to deliver modern, evidence-based, cost-effective care that eases suffering and truly improves his patients’ quality of life. Outside of work, you’ll most likely find him chasing his kids around the park, getting a run in, or cheering on the Longhorns at UT sporting events. He’s also fluent in Spanish, which helps him connect with even more patients in his community.


PSA AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER OF CEDAR PARK - LAKELINE OPENING JANUARY 2026!!! As Austin evolves into one of the country’s most innovative, tech-driven cities, Dr. Jake Caylor brings a rare combination of advanced medical expertise and genuine human connection to patients who want more than just pain relief—they want their lives back. Known for his warm, attentive bedside manner, Dr. Caylor meets each patient with compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to understanding what matters most in their everyday lives. But for Dr. Caylor, all of this training has one purpose: helping people reclaim the parts of life pain has taken away. Whether it’s getting back to work without constant discomfort, enjoying time with family, sleeping through the night, or simply being able to move with confidence again, he sees every patient as a whole person—not a diagnosis. By listening carefully to each patient’s story and combining it with detailed evaluation and imaging, he creates thoughtful, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs, goals, and lifestyle. For patients hoping to avoid major surgery or long-term reliance on medications, these modern options can open doors to a more active, engaged future.

Dr. Jake Caylor

2026

Beyond medicine, Dr. Caylor is a devoted husband and father who spends weekends at parks, golf courses, and the local pool with his young son. He understands the importance of showing up fully for life’s most meaningful moments—and he’s passionate about helping his patients do the same. At Pain Specialists of America, Dr. Caylor brings a blend of warmth, expertise, and cutting-edge medicine designed to support patients not just in managing pain, but in rediscovering the freedom, joy, and possibility waiting in their future.

Dr. Caylor specializes in some of today’s most advanced interventional therapies: Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Intrathecal Drug Delivery

Balloon Kyphoplasty

Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion

Innovative Stabilizing Procedures for the Spine


At Buckingham Center, facial rejuvenation is an art guided by expertise. Our three double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Buckingham, Dr. Smith and Dr. Frey create natural, enduring results using the most advanced surgical techniques. Every procedure takes place in our accredited Quad A surgical center in Westlake, ensuring the highest level of care. For those seeking subtle refinement or transformative rejuvenation, this is where precision meets elegance, helping you look refreshed, confident, and effortlessly you.


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Debra A. Patt

Mohammad Makkouk

Gayatri V. Nair

David Prokai

Texas Oncology

Baylor Scott & White

Austin Infectious Disease

Aspire Fertility

512-427-9400

Medical Center

Consultants

512-479-7979

6204 Balcones Dr.

Greater Austin Region

512-459-0301

911 W. 38th St. Bldg. 2

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 403

Ste. 402

James V. Uyeki

Mohammad Tariq Malik

Texas Oncology

Baylor Scott & White

Matthew Compton

Shahryar K. Kavoussi

512-447-2202

Medical Center

Robinson

Austin Fertility and

4101 James Casey St. Ste. 100

Greater Austin Region

Austin Infectious Disease

Reproductive Medicine

Consultants

512-444-1414

Jennifer A. Wright

Sameera Vohra

512-459-0301

300 Beardsley Lane

Texas Oncology

Baylor Scott & White

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 403

Bldg. B Ste. 200

512-447-2202

Medical Center

4101 James Casey St. Ste. 100

Greater Austin Region

Maryann Pham Tran

Natalie Crawford

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Natalie Crawford MD

Jeff Yorio

Tauqeer Yousuf

512-509-0200

512-956-5006

Texas Oncology

Baylor Scott & White

302 University Blvd.

4107 Medical Pkwy Ste. 101

512-427-9400

Medical Center

Round Rock

6204 Balcones Dr.

Greater Austin Region

Lisa Hansard Mary Theoktisto

Texas Fertility Center 512-451-0149

Hospice and Palliative

Infectious Disease

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic

6500 N. Mopac Expy.

Michelle Owens

Stephanie L. Cobb

512-654-1234

Bldg. 1 Ste. 1200

Central Health

Ascension Austin Infectious

200 Medical Pkwy.

512-978-8000

Disease Consultants

Lakeway

1111 E. Cesar Chavez St.

512-459-0301 1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 403

Sarah Stayer

Kristin E. Mondy

512-451-0149

Dell Seton Medical Center

6500 N. Mopac Expy. Bldg. 1 Ste. 1200

Dell Seton Medical Center

Jack D. Bissett

at The University of Texas

at The University of Texas

Austin Infectious Disease

512-324-7863

512-324-8399

Consultants

1500 Red River St.

1500 Red River St.

512-459-0301

Quan T Dang

Kaylen Silverberg Texas Fertility Center

Thomas Vaughn Texas Fertility Center

1301 W. 38th St.

Elizabeth T. Douglass

Ste. 403

UT Health Austin Clinics

6500 N. Mopac Expy.

833-882-2737

Bldg. 1 Ste. 1200

Texas Oncology

512-451-0149

512-873-8900

Lisa C. Ellis

2410 Round Rock Ave. Ste. 150

Austin Infectious Disease

Round Rock

Consultants

F. Parker Hudson III

512-459-0301

UT Health Austin Clinics

Sylvia Jaramillo

1301 W. 38th St.

833-882-2737

Texas Oncology

Ste. 403

1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A

512-873-8900

Hospital Medicine

1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A

Kristine Dematta

12221 Renfert Way Ste. 300

Baylor Scott & White

James S. Evans

Medical Center

Austin Infectious Disease

Greater Austin Region

Consultants 512-459-0301

Trina Evyan Dorrah

1301 W. 38th St.

Baylor Scott & White

Ste. 403

Infertility Surgery and Reproductive Endocrinology, Specific to Treatment of Women

Medical Center Greater Austin Region

Internal Medicine

Sharon F. Liu ARC South 1st 512-443-1311 3828 S. 1st St. Sangeetha Dayalan

Brian Scott Metzger

Angela Kelley

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Austin Infectious Disease

Aspire Fertility

512-819-0500

Michael Ladogana

Consultants

512-479-7979

4945 Wiilliams Dr.

Baylor Scott & White

512-459-0301

911 W. 38th St. Bldg. 2

Georgetown

Medical Center

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 403

Ste. 402

Greater Austin Region

78

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026


DAVID KIM, MD Welcome Back To Personal Care

(512) 777-1211 | SKYLINEPAIN.COM | AUSTIN, TX


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Nupur Jhawar

Antoine Pham

Amy Bednar

Paul Nader

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Thrive Medical

Austin Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Austin Kidney Associates

512-819-0500

512-697-7090

737-437-8178

512-451-5800

4945 Wiilliams Dr.

2006 S. Bagdad Rd. Ste. 150

12200 Renfert Way Ste. G3

408 W. 45th St.

Georgetown

Leander Kimberly A. DeStefano

Yasser Nasser

Sadia Rashid

Brad Venghaus

Austin Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Austin Kidney Associates

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Thrive Medical

737-437-8178

512-451-5800

512-819-0500

512-697-7090

12200 Renfert Way Ste. G3

408 W. 45th St.

4945 Williams Dr.

2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 210

Georgetown Anthony R. Aventa Capital Medical Clinic

Interventional Cardiology

Mollie McDonnold

Imtiyaz Hakeem

Austin Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

737-437-8178

512-509-0200

12200 Renfert Way Ste. G3

425 University Blvd.

512-454-5171

Michael S. Grad

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 400

Cardiovascular Specialists

Jasbir Singh

Round Rock

of Texas

Austin Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Luciana Barretto McLean

Anna Buteau

512-334-8999

737-437-8178

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Capital Medical Clinic

2200 Park Bend Dr.

12200 Renfert Way Ste. G3

512-509-0200

512-454-5171

Bldg. 1 Ste. 401

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 400 Sarah R. Daniels Capital Medical Clinic

Interventional Pain Management

425 University Blvd.

Molecular Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

Round Rock

James Leake

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Sonali Birewar

512-454-5171

Iden Cowan

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-901-1111

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 400

Capitol Pain Institute

512-795-8505

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

512-467-7246

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Kenneth C. Kroll

8015 Shoal Creek Blvd.

Capital Medical Clinic

Ste. 103

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-901-1111

Raimy Amasha

512-795-8505

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

Capitol Pain Institute

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

512-454-5171 1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 400

Eileen Cook Stanislav Spiridonov

Amanda K. LaViolette

512-467-7246

Capital Medical Clinic

8015 Shoal Creek Blvd.

512-454-5171

Ste. 103

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 400

Sarika Deshmukh

Nephrology

The Kidney Clinic

Raymonda El Khoury

1460 E. Whitestone Blvd.

512-963-7827

Anjuli Desai

Austin Kidney Associates

Ste. 140

James Crawford Marroquin

Capitol Pain Institute

512-451-5800

Cedar Park

Central Texas Preferred

512-467-7246

408 W. 45th St.

Health Partners

8015 Shoal Creek Blvd.

737-285-3770

Ste. 103

Peter B. Hines

Neurocritical

Austin Kidney Associates

Shahed Toossi

Bhaskara Ganti

512-451-5800

Ascension Dell Seton

Adam J. Schneider

Capitol Pain Institute

408 W. 45th St.

MD² SchneiderFain PLLC

512-467-7246

737-787-4600

5200 Davis Lane Ste. B200

1305 W. 34th Ste. 204

4301 Bull Creek Rd. Ste. 170

Medical Center at The University of Texas

Timothy R. Hines

512-324-3540

Austin Kidney Associates

1500 Red River St.

Maternal and Fetal Medicine

512-451-5800

512-901-1111

Jeny P. Ghartey

Ting-Chi Lu

512-324-3540

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

Ascension Medical Group

Austin Kidney Associates

1500 Red River St.

Seton Women’s Health

512-451-5800

512-324-7256

408 W. 45th St.

John Wang The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 205

80

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

408 W. 45th St.

Alan S. Nova Dell Children’s Medical Group


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P

Navid Valizadeh

Anant Patel

Jefferson T. Miley

Patience Reading

UT Health Austin Multiple

Central Texas Brain and Spine

Ascension Medical Group

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Sclerosis and

512-730-0000

Seton Neurology

512-901-4011

Neuroimmunology Center

2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 400

512-324-8300

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704-F

833-882-2737 1601 Trinity St. Fl 7

Richard Stovall Matthew Maximillian

Neurological Surgery

512-730-0000

Padrick

at Austin

2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 400

Ascension Medical Group

833-882-2737

Seton Neurology

1601 Trinity St.

Ramsey R. Ashour

Mohammed Omar Iqbal

512-324-3540

Ascension Medical Group

Dell Children’s Medical Group

1600 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

Seton Neurosurgery

512-324-0907

512-324-8300

4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 300

1601 Trinity St.

A U S T I N ’ S

Moe Aung

Central Texas Brain and Spine

The University of Texas

Ethan Meltzer The University of Texas

Sara G. Austin

st Austin

Ascension Medical Group

833-882-2737

Mark G. Burnett

Seton Neurosurgery

1601 Trinity St.

Juan R. Ortega-Barnett

Neurotexas PLLC

512-324-3540

Ascension Medical Group

512-654-4550

1600 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

Seton Neurosurgery

5625 Eiger Rd. Ste. 150

512-324-8300 1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704

Leorah Freeman UT Health Austin Clinics

Yessar Hussain

833-882-2737

James S. Waldron

Austin Neuromuscular Center

1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A

Neurotexas PLLC

512-920-0140

Vincent Y. Wang

512-654-4550

4705 Spicewood Springs Rd.

Stephanie Vertrees

Ascension Medical Group

5625 Eiger Rd. Ste. 150

Ste. 100

Vertrees Headache Center

512-324-8300

Thomas S. Loftus

Jeffrey Jasper Tramonte

1601 Trinity St.

Austin Neurosurgical Institute

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Seton Neurosurgery

512-655-3737 8200 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 270

512-836-0900

512-509-0200

Alexa Bodman

2200 Park Bend Dr.

300A University Blvd.

Austin Brain and Spine

Bldg. 2 Ste. 202

Round Rock

Neurology

Adam D. Horvit

512-795-8505

Central Texas Neurology

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Craig Kemper

Kirk Conrad ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-306-1323 3000 N. I-35 Ste. 600

Neuroradiology

Patrick Nolan

Consultants PA

Austin Brain and Spine

ARC Four Points

512-218-1222

Nabeel Farhataziz

512-306-1323

737-247-7200

16040 Park Valley Dr.

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

3000 N. I-35 Ste. 600

11714 Wilson Parke Ave.

Bldg. B Ste. 100

512-795-8505

Ste. 150

Round Rock

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Hari Tumu Austin Brain and Spine

Reddiah B. Mummaneni

Iris Wingrove

Sam M. Hassibi

512-306-1323

Ascension Cedar Park

Optimize Neurology

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

3000 N. I-35 Ste. 600

Regional Medical Center

512-593-2131

512-795-8505

512-528-7202

6611 River Place Blvd. Ste. 205

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Ram R. Vasudevan

1401 Medical Pkwy.

Austin Neurospine PLLC

Bldg. B Ste. 412A

Greg Thaera

Bhairav N. Patel

512-640-0010

Cedar Park

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-901-1111

512-795-5100

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

5300 Bee Cave Rd. Bldg. 1 Ste. 220

Manzure Mawla Ascension Medical Group

Dhruve Jeevan

Seton Neurology

Scott Boruchow

Rajeev Shah

Central Texas Brain and Spine

512-324-3540

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-730-0000

1600 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

512-901-1111

512-795-8505

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 400

82

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026


Stephen Agatston, MD

Sarah Avery, MD

John Barkley, MD

Simone Bridges, MD

Gregory Connor, MD

Breast Imaging

Breast Imaging

Body Imaging

Breast Imaging

Musculoskeletal Radiology

Kirk Conrad, MD Neurointerventional Surgery

Nabeel Farhataziz, MD Neuroradiology

Saurabh Guleria, MD Pediatric Radiology

Michael Harper, MD Musculoskeletal Radiology

Sam Hassibi, MD Neuroradiology

Jody Hooten, MD Body Imaging

Connie Hsu, MD Interventional Radiology

Shaheen Hussaini, MD Pediatric Radiology

James Leake, MD Molecular Radiology

Ian McLoughlin, MD Interventional Radiology

Stephen Pan, MD

Bhairav Patel, MD

Stephen Price, MD

Yvonne Queralt, MD

Rajeev Shah, MD, MBA

Interventional Radiology

Neuroradiology

Breast Imaging

Body Imaging

Neuroradiology

Stanislav Spiridonov, MD Molecular Imaging

Eugene Tong, MD Pediatric Radiology

Andrew Williamson, MD Interventional Radiology

Jeff Wood, MD Musculoskeletal Radiology

Christopher Yen, MD Pediatric Radiology

YOU CAN, TOO.


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S

Obstetrics and Gynecology Joseph Isaac Fernandez Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 302 University Blvd. Round Rock Jayme B. Evans ARC Medical Plaza Specialty

A U S T I N ’ S

T O P

512-260-1581 1401 Medical Pkwy. Bldg. B Ste. 200 Cedar Park Karla T. Waller ARC Medical Plaza Specialty 512-260-1581 1401 Medical Pkwy. Bldg. B Ste. 200 Cedar Park Sindura Bandi ARC North Austin Ob/Gyn 512-994-2662 12201 Renfert Way Ste. 250 Andrea L. Campaigne ARC North Austin Ob/Gyn 512-994-2662 12201 Renfert Way Ste. 250 Romy Ghosh ARC North Austin Ob/Gyn 512-994-2662 12201 Renfert Way Ste. 250 Caroline (Carrie) A. Kaufman ARC North Austin Ob/Gyn 512-994-2662 12201 Renfert Way Ste. 250 Leah D. Tatum ARC North Austin Ob/Gyn 512-994-2662 12201 Renfert Way Ste. 250 Renu Chalasani ARC Seton Northwest 512-338-8181 11111 Research Blvd. Ste. 475

84

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Crystal S. Berry-Roberts

John Thoppil

Rakesh Surapaneni

ARC South Ob/Gyn

River Place Ob/Gyn

Baylor Scott & White

512-383-9752

512-473-8300

Cancer Center

4315 James Casey St.

6611 River Place Blvd. Ste. 202

512-509-0100

Ste. 105 & 200

300 University Blvd. Melanie Belt

Round Rock

Megan McCoin

Texas Children’s Pavilion

Ascension Medical Group

for Women - Obstetrics and

Brian J. Shimkus

Seton Lamar Women’s

Gynecology North Austin

Lone Star Oncology

Health Mid

737-289-7100

512-358-9428

512-324-3410

9817 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 100 Wendy Cutler Kimberly Carter

3201 S. Austin Ave. Ste. 315 Georgetown

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Ascension Medical Group

512-901-1111

Allison Gorrebeeck

Seton Women’s Health

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

Texas Oncology

512-324-8670 1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 600

512-873-8900 Diana Y. Wang

12221 Renfert Way

Violet Crown Obgyn

Ste. 300

Bailey Escarzaga

512-580-4766

Ascension Medical Group

12201 Renfert Way Ste. 305

Seton Women’s Health

Krishna A. Patel Texas Oncology

512-324-3405

Katie Boswell

512-687-2300

1111 W. 34th St. Ste. 200

Women’s Health Domain

301 Seton Pkwy. Ste. 104

512-425-3825

Round Rock

Natasya A. Ikbal

12345 N. Lamar Blvd.

Ascension Medical Group

Ste. 260

Seton Women’s Health 512-324-3405

Ashleigh M. Porter Texas Oncology

Oncology

512-260-6050

Ojas Vyas

Bldg. C Ste. 200

Jennifer Summers

Baylor Scott & White

Cedar Park

Ascension Medical Group

Cancer Center

1111 W. 34th St. Ste. 200

1401 Medical Pkwy.

Seton Women’s Health

512-509-0099

Athira Unnikrishnan

512-324-3405

300A University Blvd.

Texas Oncology

1111 W. 34th St. Ste. 200

Round Rock

512-421-4100

Allison Anderson

Sandy Itwaru Anne

Austin Area Obstetrics

Baylor Scott & White

Hareesha Chakunta

Gynecology and Fertility

Cancer Center

Texas Oncology

512-652-7001

512-509-0099

512-687-2300

12200 Renfert Way Ste. 100

300 University Blvd. Ste. A

301 Seton Pkwy. Ste. 104

Round Rock

Round Rock

Austin Area Obstetrics

Christal E. Murray

Gynecology and Fertility

Baylor Scott & White

Ophthalmology

512-652-7001

Cancer Center

Fuad Makkouk

12200 Renfert Way Ste. 100

512-509-0099

Austin Eye Center

300 University Blvd. Ste. A

512-693-9363

Round Rock

9707 Anderson Mill Rd.

901 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

Christopher Seeker

Christie Mileur Austin Obgyn Associates 512-391-0175 2911 Medical Arts Sq. Bldg. 2 & 3

Ste. 220


Central Texas’ only nationally ranked pediatric hospital

Every day, our doctors, nurses and staff are dedicated to delivering world-class specialty care and life-changing medical breakthroughs for families in Austin and beyond. We’re honored that U.S. News & World Report has recognized Dell Children’s Medical Center for our exceptional pediatric care with national rankings in seven specialties.*

Find award-winning care at ascension.org/DellChildrens

*U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals list. © Ascension 2025. All rights reserved.


At last, a multi-disciplinary spine center of excellence for scoliosis, artificial disc and back and neck pain Ascension Texas Spine & Scoliosis combines board-certified and fellowship trained spine surgeons, scoliosis surgeons, non-surgical spine MDs, spine therapy gym, MRI and advanced EOS diagnostics — all under one roof. It is the only spine center in Texas to be included in SpineCenterNetwork.com — the only national listing of credentialed spine centers. Texas Spine & Scoliosis is also designated as a Blue Distinction regional spine center by Blue Cross Blue Shield and by the Joint Commission Disease Specific Care Certification for Spine Surgery. The spine center is also featured on the national site CentersforArtificialDisc.com. If you have a back problem, consider a second opinion from a spine center of excellence. You may learn that there is a non-surgical treatment option, or a minimally invasive procedure, that can have you home the same day and back to your favorite activity. You can complete a second opinion request at TexasSpineandScoliosis.com.

Congratulations to these Texas Spine & Scoliosis physicians named as “Top Doctors”

Alex Cruz, MD Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon

Matthew Geck, MD Fellowship-Trained Scoliosis Surgeon

Eeric Truumees, MD Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon

Eric Mayer, MD Fellowship-Trained Physical Medicine

Texas Spine & Scoliosis Appointments: 512-324-3580

The QR Code links to an educational online encyclopedia on spine at: TexasSpineandScoliosis.com MAIN CLINIC: 1004 West 32nd Street, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78705 Round Rock: 201 University Oaks #1260, Round Rock, TX 78665 Kyle: 5103 Kyle Center Drive, Suite 103, Kyle, TX 78640 Burnet: 200 John W. Hoover Pkwy, Bldg 3, Burnet, TX 78611 Bastrop: 630 State Hwy 71W, Bastrop, TX 78602 FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED SPINE SURGEONS: John Stokes, MD • Eeric Truumees, MD • Alex Cruz, MD SCOLIOSIS: Matthew Geck, MD • Rory Mayer, MD

Wesley Foreman, MD Fellowship-Trained Pain Medicine

Lee Moroz, MD Physical Medicine

NON-SURGICAL SPINE CARE / PHYSICAL MEDICINE: Wesley Foreman, MD • Eric Mayer, MD • Lee Moroz, MD • Enrique Pena, MD Enrique Pena-, MD Fellowship-Trained Physical Medicine


A PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC CARE From broken bones to complex orthopedic conditions, CTPO is committed to providing compassionate orthopedic care for the children and adolescents of Central Texas.

Hilton Gottschalk, MD (Hand & Upper Extremity), Catherine Sargent, MD (Sports Medicine), Brian Kaufman, MD (Spine & Neuromuscular), Matt Ellington, MD (Sports Medicine), Kirsten Ross, MD (Spine & Neuromuscular), John Heydemann, MD (Neuromuscular, Foot & Ankle), Robert Martin, MD (Sports Medicine), Jay Shapiro, MD (Spine),

CTPOMD.COM (512) 478-8116


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P

John Odette Austin Eye Clinic 512-250-2020 11901 Jollyville Rd. Ste. 2 Elizabeth Roberts Vreeland Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200

Mark Santman Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 300A University Blvd. Round Rock

425 University Blvd. Round Rock Marie Somogyi Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates PLLC 512-501-1010

A U S T I N ’ S

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

12201 Renfert Way Ste. 100 Farhan Irshad The Eye Clinic of Austin 512-427-1100 3410 Far West Blvd. Ste. 140 Gene Kim The University of Texas at Austin 833-882-2737 1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A Marie Bui Truvision Eye Center 512-887-3859 16040 Park Valley Dr. Ste. 222 Round Rock Eileen Bowden UT Health Austin Clinics 833-882-2737 1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A Eric Crowell UT Health Austin Clinics 833-882-2737 1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A Saleema Khernani-Ali UT Health Austin Clinics 833-882-2737 1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A Zarmeena Vendal Westlake Eye Specialists 512-472-4011 5656 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. F-200

Orthopedic Surgery Brad Gillman Austin Sports Medicine and Orthopedics 512-450-1300 900 W. 38th St. Ste. 300 Ronald P. Williams Ascension Medical Group Seton Orthopedic Oncology 512-324-7811 1601 Trinity St. Ste. 9 David C. Savage Ascension Medical Group Seton Orthopedics 512-324-9170 3707 S. 2nd Ste. 100 Tyler D. Goldberg Austin Orthopedic Institute 512-200-9112 11675 Jollyville Rd. Ste. 207 Joel Hurt Austin Orthopedic Institute 512-200-9112 11675 Jollyville Rd. Ste. 207 Earl Kilbride Austin Orthopedic Institute 512-200-9112 11675 Jollyville Rd. Ste. 207 Brett Robin Austin Orthopedic Institute 512-200-9112 11675 Jollyville Rd. Ste. 207 Mark J. Billante Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 300A University Blvd. Round Rock

88

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Adam O’Brien

Vilas Saldanha

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Texas Orthopedics

512-260-6100

512-485-0538

2600 E. Pflugerville Pkwy.

4700 Seton Center Pkwy. Ste. 200

Bldg. 2 Pflugerville

Blake Schultz Texas Orthopedics

Edward Seade

512-485-0546

Edward Seade MD

911 W. 38th St. Ste. 300

512-583-0219 4611 Guadalupe St. Ste. 200

Ryan M. Taylor

M. Tyrrell Burrus

512-485-0544

M. Tyrrell Burrus MD

4700 Campus Village Dr. Ste. 100

512-324-9170

Round Rock

Texas Orthopedics

3707 S. 2nd St. Ste. 100 Greg Westmoreland Gregory E. Catlett Jr.

Texas Orthopedics

Orthopaedic Specialists

512-485-0521

of Austin

4700 Seton Center Pkwy. Ste. 200

512-476-2830 4611 Guadalupe St. Ste. 200

Kevin J. Bozic The University of Texas at Austin

Jacob Manuel

833-882-2737

St. David’s Center for Hip

1601 Trinity St. Fl. 9

and Knee Replacement 737-202-2500

Todd Walker

3000 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.

Todd Walker MD

Ste. 500

512-485-0548 4700 Seton Center Pkwy. Ste. 200

Joey Romero St. David’s Center for Hip

Anthony Johnson

and Knee Replacement

UT Health Austin Clinics

737-202-2500

833-882-2737

3000 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.

1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A

Ste. 500 Karl Marc Koenig David C. Laverty

UT Health Austin Clinics

Texas Orthopedics

833-882-2737

512-485-0527

1601 Trinity St.

4700 Seton Center Pkwy. Ste. 200

Orthopedics

John E. McDonald

Lee M. Reichel

Texas Orthopedics

ARC Medical Park Tower

512-485-0517

Orthopedics

4700 Seton Center Pkwy.

512-454-4561

Ste. 200

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 102

Mark S. Parrella

Gregg A. Vagner

Texas Orthopedics

ARC Medical Park Tower

512-485-0543

Orthopedics

3755 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.

512-454-4561

Ste. 160

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 102


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Michael A. Andreo

Michael J. Yium

Karen Stierman

Bradley Wisler

ARC Medical Park Tower

Ascension Austin ENT Clinic

ENT and Allergy Center of Austin

Advanced Pain Care

Orthopedics

512-444-7944

512-328-7722

512-244-4272

512-454-4561

6503 Menchaca Rd.

2765 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 205

351 Cypress Creek Rd. Ste. 201

Jeffrey S. Zapalac

Lindsay E. Young

Matthew D. Driscoll

Austin ENT Associates

ENT Specialists of Austin

Joseph G. William

ARC Medical Park Tower

512-458-6391

512-346-7600

Ascension Medical Group

Orthopedics

7200 Wyoming Springs Dr.

720 W. 34th St. Ste. 110

512-454-4561

Ste. 1400

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 102

Round Rock

Cedar Park

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 102

Georgetown PM&R 512-324-6722

James R. Eskew

1101 Wolf Lake Dr. Ste. 225

James Eskew MD, FACS

Georgetown

David H. Michel

Ryan Boerner

512-637-0961

ARC Medical Park Tower

Austin ENT Clinic

4101 James Casey St. Ste. 310

Orthopedics

512-346-5562

512-454-4561

4515 Seton Center Pkwy. Ste. 100

Hasan Chowdhury Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Esther Cheung-Phillips

512-509-0200

River ENT

300A University Blvd.

Mark O. Dammert

512-677-6368

Round Rock

Jeffrey R. Padalecki

Austin ENT Clinic

6611 River Place Blvd. Ste. 301

ARC Medical Park Tower

512-600-8090

Orthopedics

5625 Eiger Rd. Ste. 125

Pain Management

Ashley Dao

Brad Culling

901 Cypress Creek Rd.

Austin ENT Clinic

Advanced Pain Care

Bldg. 1 Ste. 100 Cedar Park

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 102

512-454-4561 1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 102

Asad Nawaz

Otolaryngology: Ear, Nose, Throat

512-454-0392

512-244-4272

3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 320

2000 S. Mays St. Ste. 201

Matthew M. Meigs

Rachel Elizabeth Arffa

Round Rock

Cedar Park Surgery Center 512-244-4383

Robert S. Marks Diagnostic Pain Center

ARC Far West Medical Tower

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Allen Dennis

512-981-7246

512-346-8888

512-509-0200

Advanced Pain Care

12176 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. D

6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 300

302 University Blvd.

512-244-4272

Round Rock Achal R. Dhruva

2000 S. Mays St. Ste. 201 Round Rock

Devin Peck Georgetown and Austin

ARC Medical Plaza Specialty

Raymond J. Brown

512-260-1581

Capital ENT & Sinus Center

Jeffrey Higginbotham

512-400-4195

1401 Medical Pkwy.

512-596-1704

Advanced Pain Care

12309 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 125

Bldg. B Ste. 200

12309 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 100

512-244-4272

Latif M. Dharamsi

Round Rock

Cedar Park

Interventional Pain

2000 S. Mays St. Ste. 201

Adnan Khan Georgetown Interventional Pain

John “Caleb” Simmons

Capital ENT & Sinus Center

ARC South 1st Specialty

512-596-1704

Paul H. Le

1900 Scenic Dr. Ste. 1108

and Pediatrics

12309 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 100

Advanced Pain Care

Georgetown

512-443-1311 3816 S. 1st St.

512-400-4195

512-244-4272 Robert Nason

2000 S. Mays St. Ste. 201

Dell Children’s Craniofacial

Round Rock

Timothy Bednar Greater Austin Pain Center

Jeremy (Scott) Sebastian

Team of Texas

ARC South 1st Specialty

512-377-1142

Josemaria “JM” Paterno

5920 W. William Cannon Dr.

and Pediatrics

11412 Bee Cave Rd. Ste. 300

Advanced Pain Care

Bldg. 6 Ste. 150

512-443-1311 3816 S. 1st St.

512-402-6324

512-244-4272 Russell D. Briggs ENT and Allergy Center of Austin

3418 N. Lamar Blvd. Ste. 100

Kristin Jarzombek Greater Austin Pain Center

Chad W. Whited

512-328-7722

512-402-6324

Ascension Austin ENT Clinic

2765 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 205

5920 W. William Cannon Dr.

512-454-0392 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 320

90

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

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UrologyAustin.com 512-788-9688 Apexcancercare.com 512-337-9020


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P

Alan Silberberg

David Kim

Greater Austin Pain Center

Skyline Pain

512-402-6324

512-777-1211

5920 W. William Cannon Dr.

200 Buttercup Creek Blvd.

Bldg. 6 Ste. 150

Ste. 115 Cedar Park

Martin V. Thai Martin V. Thai MD

Muhammad Ali Khan

512-206-8000

Texas Pain and Spine Physicians

12309 N. Mopac Expy.

512-388-1190

Ste. 125

7215 Wyoming Springs Dr. Ste. 300A

Chris Vije Pain Partners of Texas 512-534-5039

A U S T I N ’ S

Round Rock

14425 Falcon Head Blvd. Unit F-103

Pathology Megan Kressin Oculus Pathology

Jacob R. Caylor

512-579-4000

Pain Specialists of America

3445 Executive Center Dr.

512-836-1200

Ste. 250

4100 Duval Rd. Bldg. 3 Ste. 100

Jacqueline J. Haas Oculus Pathology

Genaro J. Gutierrez

512-579-4000

Pain Specialists of America

3445 Executive Center Dr.

737-257-5190

Ste. 250

4316 James Casey St. Bldg. B Ste. 200

Craig J. Peterson Oculus Pathology

Mihnea Dumitrescu

512-579-4000

Precision Regenerative and

3445 Executive Center Dr.

Functional Medicine

Ste. 250

512-892-0490 1101 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. Bldg. F Ste. 101

Pediatric Allergy Immunology

Bennett Ezekiel

Jackee D. Kayser

Procare Injury Centers

Dell Children’s Medical Group

512-549-4681

512-628-1870

1015 West 39 1/2 St.

701 South Capital of Texas Hwy. Ste. Q900

Mahan Ostadian Republic Spine and Pain

Pooja Varshney

512-219-8787

Dell Children’s Medical Group

13617 Caldwell Dr.

512-628-1870

Ste. 100

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200b

Clement Yeh Republic Spine and Pain

Grace P. Tamesis

512-219-8787

Texas Children’s Specialty

13617 Caldwell Dr.

Care Austin

Ste. 100

737-220-8200 8611 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 300

92

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Pediatric Anesthesiology LyTorre D. Vidaurri Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2000 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Scott M. Brandt U.S. Anesthesia Partners of Texas PA 512-454-2554 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570 William L. Corbett U.S. Anesthesia Partners of Texas PA 512-454-2554 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570 Genevieve Patman U.S. Anesthesia Partners

James Hoffman Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3500 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. K. Anitha Jayakumar Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3500 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Charles D. Fraser Jr. Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease 855-324-0091 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 100

512-454-2554

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 570

Michael J. Auth

Pediatric Cardiology

and Congenital Heart Disease

of Texas PA

Texas Center for Pediatric

Hanoch Patt Dell Children’s Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology 512-777-2917 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 102 Eileen Stewart Dell Children’s Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology 512-777-2917 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 102 Karen Wright Dell Children’s Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology 512-777-2917 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 102 D. Byron Holt Texas Center For Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease 512-777-2917 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 102

512-324-0000 4910 Mueller Blvd. Eric J. Exelbert Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3026 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Pediatric Dermatology Ronald George Tee Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 425 University Blvd. Round Rock Lucia Z. Diaz Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1920 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Moise L. Levy Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1920 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200 A Jennifer Shuley Ruth Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1920 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200 A

Pediatric DevelopmentalBehavioral Nhung Thi-Vien Tran Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-0098 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200 Sheri Ravenscroft Ravenscroft Developmental Pediatrics 737-383-1577 1600 W. 38th St. Ste. 422

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Derek R. Linklater Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2100

Pediatric Endocrinology Susan B. Nunez Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1830 1000 Hesters Crossing Rd. Round Rock Stephanie L. Tacquard Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1830 1301 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 200 Cedar Park Rajani Prabhakaran Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1830 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200 Shona K. Rabon Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1830 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 400 Amy Rydin Dell Children’s Medical Group

9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

512-628-1830

Joanna Schwartz

Ste. 200C

Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2100 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Mark D. Tabarrok

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Ryan Stewart Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3503 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2100 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Winnie T. Whitaker The University of Texas at Austin 512-495-5555 2901 N. Interstate Hwy. 35 Ste. 1400

94

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Marisa R. Izaguirre Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1810 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Unit 401 Chantal J. Lucia Casadonte Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1810 701 South Capital Of Texas Hwy. Ste. Q900 Anees A. Siddiqui Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1810 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Unit 401 Robert J. Zwiener Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1810 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200 Holly Breeden Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3504 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Catherine Brigman Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3504 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Pediatric Genetics Jaya K. George-Abraham Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-6066 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 400

Pediatric Gastroenterology D. Dyer Heintz Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1810 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Unit 401

James B. Gibson Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1840 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200

Pediatric Hematology Oncology Arun C. Gurunathan Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1900 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 200 Shannon M. Cohn Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center 512-628-1900 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 200 Raven Cooksey Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center 512-628-1900 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 200 Donald T. Wells Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center 512-628-1900 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 200 Philip Neff Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1900 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 200 Ginna Priola Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1900 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 200 Ranjan Bista Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-4325 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Ammar Morad Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-4325 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.


JOEY ROMERO, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Hip and Knee Replacement Specialist Dr. Joey Romero is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in adult reconstruction of the hip and knee. Dr. Romero has particular expertise in robotic and computer-assisted joint replacement and he is one of the few surgeons in the country that offers robotic knee replacement using a minimally invasive technique that avoids cutting any muscle or tendon and allows for accelerated recovery. His practice is committed to providing operative and non-operative treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s individual needs with a focus on relieving pain, restoring function and improving quality of life.

Schedule your appointment today (512) HIP-KNEE

JoeyRomeroMD.com


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S

Pediatric Hospital Medicine Lynn Thoreson Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease 855-324-0091 4910 Mueller Blvd. Cody Clary Texas Children’s Hospital

A U S T I N ’ S

T O P

North Austin Campus 737-229-2000 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Manoj Kumar Nepal Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2000 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Shimona B. Thakrar Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2000 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Pediatric Infectious Disease Marisol Fernandez Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1820 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200 Sarmistha B. Hauger Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1820 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200 Beenish Rubbab Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3509 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Pediatric Nephrology Faris Q. Hashim Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200 425 University Blvd. Round Rock

96

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

David H. Simon

Dave Clarke

Jane C. Edmond

Dell Children’s Medical Group

UT Health Austin Pediatric

UT Health Austin Pediatric

512-628-1860

Neurosciences at Dell Children’s

Neurosciences at Dell Children’s

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

512-628-1855

512-628-1855

Ste. 200B

4910 Mueller Blvd.

4910 Mueller Blvd.

Bandana Paudyal-Nepal

Daniel Freedman

Texas Children’s Hospital

UT Health Austin Pediatric

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

North Austin Campus

Neurosciences at Dell

737-229-3505

Children’s - Epilepsy Center

9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

512-628-1855 4910 Mueller Blvd.

Texas Children’s Hospital 737-229-3505 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Central Texas Pediatric Orthopedics

Kartik Pillutla North Austin Campus

Matthew Ellington

Pediatric Ophthalmology

512-478-8116 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 300

Amber S. Fenton Ascension Dell

Hilton Gottschalk

Lindsay Elton

Children’s - Eye Center Far West

Central Texas Pediatric

Child Neurology Consultants

512-324-6755

Orthopedics

of Austin

6811 Austin Center Blvd.

512-478-8116

512-494-4000

Ste. 410

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 300

7940 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 100 Megan M. Geloneck Karen Keough

Ascension Dell Children’s -

John Heydemann

Child Neurology Consultants

Eye Center Far West

Central Texas Pediatric

of Austin

512-324-6755

Orthopedics

512-494-4000

6811 Austin Center Blvd.

512-478-8116

7940 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 100

Ste. 410

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Kristen Arredondo

Lan T. Hoang

Ste. 300 Dell Children’s Medical Group

Ascension Dell Children’s

Brian E. Kaufman

512-628-1855

Medical Group

Central Texas Pediatric

9010 North Lake Creek Pkwy.

512-324-6755

Orthopedics

Ste. 300

6811 Austin Center Blvd.

512-478-8116

Ste. 410

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 300

Louisa Keith Dell Children’s Medical Group

Megyn Busse

512-628-1855

Austin Pediatric Ophthalmology

4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 300

512-345-3595

Central Texas Pediatric

4700 Seton Center Pkwy.

Orthopedics

Ste. 150

512-478-8116

Sara Pavitt

Kirsten Ross

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1855

Kathyrn Maier

4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 300

Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-6755

Ste. 300 Catherine Sargent

Ewell Steve Roach

6811 Austin Center Blvd.

Central Texas Pediatric

Dell Children’s Medical Group

Ste. 410

Orthopedics 512-478-8116

512-628-1855 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 300 Duriel Hardy

Radha Ram

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Texas Children’s Specialty

Ste. 300

Care Austin

UT Health Austin Clinics

737-220-8200

833-882-2737

8611 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 300

1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A


Congratulations to our Austin Monthly 2026 Top Doctors ©

Alexa Bodman, MD

Craig Kemper, MD

Hari Tumu, MD

Six locations: South Austin, Central Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, Bastrop and San Marcos. 512.306.1323 · austinbrainandspine.com


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S

Pediatric Orthopedics Kelly Cline Texas Children’s 737-220-8200 8611 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 300 Antony Kallur Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus

A U S T I N ’ S

T O P

737-229-3514 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Basel Touban Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3514 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. James Attra Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-2720 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 200 Stacey L. Clark Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-2720 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 200 Sharon Gnagi Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-2720 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 200 Suzanne Smart Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-2720 3705 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 200 Joel William Jones Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3516 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Dianna Yip Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-0197 4900 Mueller Blvd. Meghna P. Singh Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-4484 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Pediatric Pathology Chandra Krishnan Oculus Pathology 512-579-4000 3445 Executive Center Dr. Ste. 250 Amy Coffey Oculus Pathology 512-579-4000 3445 Executive Center Dr. Ste. 250

Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Glendaliz Bosques Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1893 4910 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 300 Faheem Mahomed Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1893 4910 Mueller Blvd.

Patrick Marsh Jones Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-0197 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 200B

98

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Sarah A Frommer Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-0918 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 301 Patrick D Combs Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-324-0918 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 301 Edward P. Buchanan Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3517 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Richard A. Hopper Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3517 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Ibrahim Khansa Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3517 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Brinkley K. Moore (née Sandvall) Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3517 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Ste. 300 Talia R. Collier Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus

Pediatric Palliative Care

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

737-220-8200 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Maureen Nelson Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-220-8200 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

June-Ku Kang Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-380-9200 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 400 Jordan V. Scalo Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-380-9200 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 400 Joseph Emile Tayar Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-380-9200 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 400 Kavita Patel Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-3506 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Pediatric Radiology Saurabh Guleria ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-8505 12554 Riata Vista Cir. Christopher J. Yen ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-5100 12554 Riata Vista Cir. Eugene Tong ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-5100 12554 Riata Vista Cir. Shaheen M. Hussaini ARA Diagnostic Imaging 512-795-5100 12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Pediatric Pulmonology Lisa M. Barber Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-380-9200 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 400 Jason J. Fullmer Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-380-9200 6811 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 400

Edward L. Gayou Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2005 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. Maarten Lequin Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus 737-229-2005 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.


Congrats to the 39 ARC Doctors Voted Austin Monthly’s Top Doctors Allergy & Asthma

Colleen S. Adkins, MD Alexander J. Alvarez, MD Hetu Y. Parekh, MD Kelly H. Simpson, MD

Ob/Gyn

Gynecology

Alinda R. Cox, MD

Internal Medicine

Sharon F. Liu, DO

Neurology

Dermatology

Shwol-Huo Kiang, DO, FAAD Amy R. Mason, MD, FAAD Jay L. Viernes, MD, FAAD

Patrick C. Nolan, MD, PhD

Orthopedics

Achal R. Dhruva, MD Matthew M. Meigs, MD Jeremy Sebastian, MD John Simmons, MD

Michael A. Andreo, MD Matthew D. Driscoll, MD David H. Michel, MD Jeffrey R. Padalecki, MD Lee M. Reichel, MD Gregg A. Vagner, MD

Family Medicine

Rheumatology

ENT

Sarah J. Ferrero, MD

General Surgery

Christopher W. Bailey, MD, FACS Arielle C. DuBose, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Tina C. Bunch, MD Anurekha B. Chadha, MD Sonia Yousuf, MD

Give your top doctor a shoutout!

Sindura Bandi, DO, FACOG Crystal S. Berry-Roberts, MD, FACOG Andrea L. Campaigne, MD, FACOG Renu Chalasani, MD, MSCP Jayme B. Evans, DO Romy Ghosh, MD, FACOG Caroline A. Kaufman, MD, FACOG Leah D. Tatum, MD, FACOG Karla T. Waller, MD

Pediatrics

William F. Getman, MD Keerti K. Peterson, MD

Sports Medicine

Brandon K. Zinn, DO, MPH Jerett A. Zipin, DO

/AustinRegionalClinic


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S

Pediatric Rheumatology Ruy Carrasco Child Neurology Consultants of Austin 512-494-4000 7940 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 100 Vy Do Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1880

A U S T I N ’ S

T O P

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Unit 401 Janet Ellen Orrock Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1880 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Unit 401 Rosemary Peterson Dell Children’s Medical Group 512-628-1880 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Unit 401 MaiLan Nguyen Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin 737-220-8200 8611 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 300 Katie Stewart Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin 737-220-8200 8611 N. Mopac Expy. Ste. 300

Pediatric Surgery

Jessica Naiditch

Mary K. Wang

Juliette Howes Owens

Austin Pediatric Surgery

Ascension Dell Children’s

Grow Pediatrics and Adolescent

512-708-1234

Medical Group Urology

Medicine Pllc

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

512-324-3042

512-467-7334

Ste. 400

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

1401 Philomena St. Ste. 120

Ste. 302 Ankur Rana Leslie T. Mcquiston

Juniper Pediatrics

512-708-1234

Children’s Urology

512-750-4265

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

512-324-3042

2631 Gattis School Rd. Ste. 160

Ste. 400

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Round Rock

Ste. 302 Julie Sanchez Vani S. Menon

Lone Star Pediatrics

512-708-1234

Children’s Urology

512-833-7334

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

512-324-3042

12120 Ranch Rd. 620 N.

Ste. 400

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 302

Matias Bruzoni

512-478-4939

North Austin Campus

Texas Children’s Hospital

1101 Camino La Costa

737-229-3511

North Austin Campus

9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

737-229-3515

Catherine Massey

9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics

Texas Children’s Hospital

Danielle D. Sweeney

512-345-6758 3410 Far West Blvd.

Alpin D. Malkan

Pediatric Partners of Austin

North Austin Campus

Texas Children’s Hospital

737-229-3511

North Austin Campus

9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

737-229-3515 9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

Jacob T. Stephenson Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus

Pediatrics General

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Deborah A Bergfeld Ascension Medical Group

737-229-3511

Ari Brown

Seton PM&R

9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.

411 Pediatrics

512-324-7131

512-327-0411

1600 W. 38th St. Ste. 308

Pediatric Urology Kelly J. Nast Medical Group Urology

512-708-1234

512-324-3042

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 400

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 302

Erich Grethel Austin Pediatric Surgery

George M. Seremetis

512-708-1234

Ascension Dell Children’s

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 400

Medical Group Urology

Michael Josephs

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Austin Pediatric Surgery

Ste. 302

512-324-3042

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

People’s Community Clinic Jacob C. Smith

Austin Pediatric Surgery

100

Louis Appel

Texas Children’s Hospital

Ascension Dell Children’s

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 400

Nicole Bernard

Austin Pediatric Surgery

Nilda Garcia

512-708-1234

Hana Zibdeh-Lough

Austin Pediatric Surgery

925 Westbank Dr. Ste. 100 Eric Mayer Keerti K. Peterson

Ascension Texas Spine

ARC Cedar Park

and Scoliosis

512-259-3467

512-324-3580

801 E. Whitestone Blvd. Bldg. C

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 200

Cedar Park Lee E. Moroz William F. Getman

Ascension Texas Spine

ARC Far West

and Scoliosis

512-346-6611

512-324-3580

6835 Austin Center Blvd.

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 200

Lynn Mildred Azuma

Enrique B. Pena

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Ascension Texas Spine

512-509-0200

and Scoliosis

425 University Blvd.

512-324-3580

Round Rock

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 200


Congratulations to our Austin Monthly

2026 Top Doctors

Austin Brain and Spine Alexa Bodman, MD Craig Kemper, MD Hari Tumu, MD Austin Heart Kunjan Bhatt, MD Deborah Ekery, MD Norman Risinger, MD Jerome Thomas, MD Michelle Zikusoka, MD Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine Amy Bednar, MD Kimberly DeStefano, MD Mollie McDonnold, MD Jasbir Singh, MD Austin Spine Craig Kuhns, MD Richard Wupperman, MD Cardio Texas Itamar Birnbaum, MD Edward Chafizadeh, MD

St. David’s HealthCare is proud to be associated with some of the region’s top physicians. Together, we are providing the highest quality of care to our patients.

©

Cardiovascular Specialists of Texas Michael Grad, MD Joseph Imsais, MD Robert Wozniak, MD Central Texas Brain and Spine Judson Cook, MD Dhruve Jeevan, MD Carl Lauryssen, MD Anant Patel, MD Richard Stovall, MD St. David’s Heart & Vascular Manish Chauhan, MD Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Robert Canby, MD G. Joseph Gallinghouse, MD David Kessler, MD Jason Zagrodzky, MD Texas Heart & Vascular Nathan Boyer, MD John Dieck, MD John Neill, MD Vinh Nguyen, DO Paul Tucker II, MD

Texas Robotic Surgery for Women Devin Garza, MD The Austin Diagnostic Clinic Sonali Birewar, MD Eileen Cook, MD Wendy Cutler, MD J. Adrian Dennington, DO Erik Diebolt, DO Grace Honles , MD David Joseph, MD Nikki Le, MD Derek Ley, DPM Jesslyn Lu, MD Stacia Miles, MD Scott Oberhoff, MD Patience Reading, MD Greg Thaera, MD John Villacis, MD John Wang, MD Sherwin Yen, MD

StDavids.com


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P

Esther Yaniv Austin Spine Health 512-428-4500 3345 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 101 Jim Fernandez Austin Sports Medicine and Orthopedics 512-450-1300 900 W. 38th St. Ste. 300 Eduardo Elizondo Charm - Center For Healing and Regenerative Medicine

A U S T I N ’ S

512-668-9389 10815 Ranch Rd. 2222 Bldg. 3B Ste. 200 Octavio Vela Greater Austin Rehab Physicians PLLC 512-544-5116 919 E. 32nd St. Kenneth Bunch Texas Orthopedics 512-485-0510 4700 Seton Center Pkwy. Ste. 200 Vishal Kancherla Texas Orthopedics 512-485-0536 4700 Seton Center Pkwy. Ste. 200 Ai Mukai Texas Orthopedics 512-485-0514 3755 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. Ste. 160 Erik Diebolt The Austin Diagnostic Clinic 512-901-1111 12221 N. Mopac Expy. Mark Vincent Queralt Ut Health Austin Musculoskeletal Institute 833-882-2737 1601 Trinity St.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Brent M. Egeland Ascension Medical Group Seton Plastic and Hand Surgery 512-324-8320 1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704D Brian P. Kelley Ascension Medical Group Seton Plastic and Hand Surgery 512-324-8320 1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704D Sean Paul Austin Face and Body 512-855-6211 7004 Bee Caves Rd. Bldg. 2 Ste. 100 West Lake Hills Christine Fisher Austin Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 512-256-4146 2905 San Gabriel St. Ste. 100 Johnny Franco Austin Plastic Surgeon 512-334-9917 10622 Burnet Rd. Ste. 100 Adam Weinfeld Austin Plastic Surgeon 512-334-9917 10622 Burnet Rd. Ste. 100 Justin Booth Austin Plastic Surgery Institute 512-920-6078 4701 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 202 Haley Bunting Breast Reconstruction Associates 512-763-4545 12201 Renfert Way Ste. 100 John M. Eggleston III Breast Reconstruction Associates 512-763-4545 12201 Renfert Way Ste. 100

102

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

Edward Buckingham

Claude-Jean Langevin

Buckingham Center for Facial

Wellspring Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery

512-600-2888

512-401-2500

1600 W. 38th St. Ste. 206

6420 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 100 Elisabeth Potter Patrick Kelley

Dr. Elisabeth Potter MD

Dell Children’s Medical Group

512-601-4759

512-324-8320

6818 Austin Center Blvd. Ste. 204

1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 301

Podiatry

David Dellinger

Craig H. Thomajan

Elysian Plastic Surgery

Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists

512-229-1978

512-328-8900

11623 Angus Rd. Ste. C15

5000 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 202

Marcelo Antunes

Demencio Bazan

Face Austin Facial Plastic Surgery

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

512-399-9516

512-654-6500

4701 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 106

2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy

M. Scott Haydon

Pflugerville

Building 2 M Scott Haydon MD 512-337-6422

Amanda Willrich Hudson

4701 Bee Cave Rd. Ste. 202

Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-260-6100

Ashley Gordon

910 E. Whitestone Blvd.

Restora Austin Plastic

Cedar Park

Surgery Centre 512-371-8817

Elliott David Hudson

901 W. 38th St. Ste. 401

Baylor Scott & White Clinic 512-509-0200

Dustin Reid

300a University Blvd.

Restora Austin Plastic

Round Rock

Surgery Centre 512-371-8817

Jon Smedley

901 W. 38th St. Ste. 401

Precision Podiatry 512-336-2300

Ross Blagg

1103 Cypress Creek Rd. #101

Synergy Plastic Surgery

Cedar Park

512-960-1875 3355 Bee Caves Rd. Bldg. 4

Derek Ley

Ste. 401

Austin Diagnostic Clinic 512-901-1111

Lauren Crawford

12221 N. Mopac Expy. 3rd Fl

Synergy Plastic Surgery

Psychiatry

512-960-1875 11200 Menchaca Rd. Bldg. 2 Ste. 201

Afshan Khan Austin Family Psychiatry 512-902-6920

Jeffrey D. Cone Jr.

4407 Bee Caves Rd.

Wellspring Plastic Surgery

Bldg. 1 Ste. 111

512-600-2888 1600 W. 38th St. Ste. 206


THE NATION’S LEADING TEAM OF CANCER EXPERTS IS YOURS When you fight cancer with Texas Oncology, your care is shaped by the collective experience of hundreds of oncologists, surgeons, and support staff — physicians like the ones named by their peers as Top Doctors in Austin Monthly. Giving you access to a team of cancer experts like these, makes Texas Oncology the leader in fighting your cancer. Miguel Albino, M.D. Michelle T. Ashworth, M.D. Punit Chadha, M.D. Jane S. Chawla, M.D. Mika Cline, M.D. Karen Cohen, M.D. Caroline Coombs-Skiles, M.D. Quan T. Dang, M.D. Helen Dinkelspiel Eshed, M.D. Rob Alan Fuller, M.D. Allison E. Gorrebeeck, M.D. Moya Griffin, M.D. Beth Hellerstedt, M.D. Michael Herman, M.D. Kathryn E. Hudson, M.D. Sylvia Jaramillo, M.D. Priyanka N. Kamath, M.D. Kyle T. Keyes, M.D. Lynne Knowles, M.D. Darren Kocs, M.D. Thiru V. Lakshman, M.D. Kimberly B. Loar, M.D. Paul V. Loar III, M.D. Aimee Mackey, M.D. Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D.

TEX ASO N CO LO GY.CO M

Mathew Meeneghan, M.D. Balijepalli Netaji, M.D. Bridget O’Brien, D.O. Christopher R. Oxner, M.D. Krishna Patel, M.D. Debra Patt, M.D. Ashleigh Porter, M.D. Douglas Rivera, M.D. Amar S. Shah, M.D. Courtney Sheinbein, M.D. Shubhada Shrikhande, M.D. Julie M. Sprunt, M.D. Michael Teneriello, M.D. Srivani Thatikonda, M.D. Sherrie Thomas, M.D. Ryan Tierney, M.D. Lawrence Tsai, M.D. Megan C. (Turner) Turley, M.D. Athira Unnikrishnan, M.D. James Uyeki, M.D. Hareesha Vemuganti, M.D. Rebecca L. Wiatrek, M.D. Jennifer Wright, M.D. Jeff Yorio, M.D.

A Part of Texas Oncology


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Ashley R. Trust

Esther L. Fields

Richard Garza

Brock Harper

Central Health

Central Texas Pulmonary

Urology Austin

Central Texas Rheumatology

512-978-8000

and Critical Care Associates

512-337-9020

Associates

1111 E. Cesar Chavez St.

512-819-0132

1020 W. 34th St.

512-518-4992

1900 Scenic Dr. Ste. 2220 Nichelle Haynes

Georgetown

Reproductive Psychiatry and Counseling 512-982-4116 4022 Menchaca Rd.

4701 Bee Caves Rd. Jay Messer

Ste. 201

Urology Austin

Radiation Oncology

512-337-9020

Kevin Osgood

1020 W. 34th St.

Central Texas Rheumatology

Mehul K. Patel Baylor Scott & White

Associates

Rheumatology

512-518-4992 Ste. 201

Pulmonology

Cancer Center 512-509-0099

Tina C. Bunch

Harsh Babbar

300a University Blvd.

ARC Far West Medical Tower

Cedar Park Pulmonology

Round Rock

512-346-8888

Monty Tew

6811 Austin Center Blvd.

Central Texas Rheumatology

Ste. 300

Associates

512-379-3636 1401 Medical Pkwy. Ste. 419

Ahmad Paiman Ghafoori

Cedar Park

Texas Cancer Specialists

Dominic deKeratry

512-518-4992

512-518-4673

Anurekha B. Chadha

11111 Research Blvd. LL2

ARC Far West Medical Tower 512-346-8888

Central Texas Pulmonary

4701 Bee Caves Rd.

4702 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 201 Stephanie Booth

and Critical Care Associates

Karen H. Cohen

6811 Austin Center Blvd.

Stephanie Booth MD

512-819-0132

Texas Oncology

Ste. 300

512-454-3631

1900 Scenic Dr. Ste. 2220

512-341-8724

Georgetown

2410 Round Rock Ave. Ste. 150

Sonia Yousuf

Round Rock

ARC Southwest

Robert J. Koval

512-282-8967

Texas Orthopedics

Matthew Anderson

1301 W. 38th St 110

Austin Pulmonary Consultants

Mike P. Herman

1807 W. Slaughter Lane

512-485-0516

512-977-0123

Texas Oncology

Ste. 490

4700 Seton Center Pkwy.

3600 W. Parmer Lane Ste. 106

512-341-8724

Shenil Shah

Ste. 200

2410 Round Rock Ave. Ste. 150

Nada Eltahir Elmagboul

Round Rock

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Veena Ajit Patel

512-509-0200

The University of Texas At Austin

Austin Pulmonary Consultants 512-977-0123

Douglas Rivera

425 University Blvd.

833-882-2737

3600 W. Parmer Lane Ste. 106

Texas Oncology

Round Rock

1601 Trinity St.

512-531-5200 William Bartek

2000 Scenic Dr. Ste. G002

Sangeetha Pabolu

Louis Robinett

Austin Pulmonary

Georgetown

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Vital Rheumatology PLLC

512-509-0200

512-893-1304

Consultants - South Austin 512-441-9799

Courtney A. Sheinbein

425 University Blvd.

3600 W. Parmer Lane Ste. 106

5920 W. William Cannon Dr.

Texas Oncology

Round Rock

Sleep Medicine

Bldg. 1 Ste. 150

512-687-2300 301 Seton Pkwy. Ste. 104

Brian S. Sayers

Ashwin Gowda

Jadvinder Singh Goraya

Round Rock

Brian S Sayers MD

Texas Sleep Medicine

512-454-3631

512-440-5757

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 110

512-509-0200

Srivani Thatikonda

302 University Blvd.

Texas Oncology

Round Rock

512-421-4280

Eduardo Cepeda

805 W. 37th St.

Central Texas Rheumatology

Rajesh Babu

1221 W. Ben White Blvd. Ste. A-100

Associates

Spine Surgery

Baylor Scott & White

Ryan M. Tierney

512-518-4992

Glenn E. Harper

Specialty Clinic

Texas Oncology

4701 Bee Caves Rd.

Advanced Pain Care

512-654-1234

512-447-2202

Ste. 201

512-244-4272

200 Medical Pkwy.

4101 James Casey St.

2000 S. Mays St. Ste. 201

Lakeway

Ste. 100

Round Rock

104

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP DOCTORS A heart out of rhythm needs special care. People from around the world come to Texas Cardiac

Arrhythmia for treatment of the most challenging atrial and ventricular heartbeat disorders.

AMIN AL-AHMAD, MD AUSTIN

JOHN ALLISON, MD AUSTIN

KHALED AWAD, MD AUSTIN

MOHAMED BASSIOUNY, MD ROUND ROCK

WEERANUN BODE, MD AUSTIN

J. DAVID BURKHARDT, MD AUSTIN

DAVID BURKLAND, MD HOUSTON

ROBERT CANBY, MD* AUSTIN

PAUL R. COFFEEN, MD AUSTIN

G. JOE GALLINGHOUSE, MD* AUSTIN

FRANCISCO GONZALEZ, MD EL PASO

BRIAN GREET, MD HOUSTON

STEVE HAMILTON, MD EL PASO

RODNEY HORTON, MD AUSTIN

PATRICK HRANITZKY, MD NORTH CAROLINA

DAVID J. KESSLER, MD* AUSTIN

ANDREA NATALE, MD AUSTIN

BILL NESBITT, MD N. RICHLAND HILLS

JAVIER SANCHEZ, MD DALLAS

KAMALA TAMIRISA, MD DALLAS

ERIC TAYLOR, MD MCALLEN

SENTHIL THAMBIDORAI, MD FT. WORTH

ZOLTAN TOTH, MD BRYAN

DAVID R. TSCHOPP, MD AUSTIN

JEFFREY N. WHITEHILL, MD ROUND ROCK

JASON ZAGRODZKY, MD* AUSTIN

For appointments, call 512-807-3150 or visit us online. www.tcaheart.com


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Ryan K. Bergeson

Robert Josey

Rebecca Lynn Wiatrek

Ankur P. Bhakta

Ascension Medical Group

Robert Josey MD

Texas Oncology

Capital Surgeons Group

Georgetown Orthopedics

512-400-4149

512-421-4250

512-498-4860

512-942-2499

4611 Guadalupe St. Ste. 200

6204 Balcones Dr.

505 W. Louis Henna Blvd.

Georgetown

O. Atilla Onan

Kim Denise Brown

Texas Orthopedics

UT Health Austin Clinics

Mustasim N. Rumi

512-485-0523

833-882-2737

Ascension Medical Group

4700 Seton Center Pkwy.

1601 Trinity St. Bldg. A

Seton Orthopedics

Ste. 200

1101 Wolf Lake Dr. Ste. 225

Ste. 220

Urology Aaron Laviana Ascension Medical Group

512-324-9170

Richard Y. Fleming

Seton Urology

16020 Park Valley Dr.

Sports Medicine

UT Health Austin Surgical

512-324-7871

Oncology

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704F

Brandon K. Zinn

833-882-2737 1601 Trinity St.

Round Rock Alex Cruz

ARC Cedar Park

Ascension Texas Spine

512-259-3467

and Scoliosis

801 E. Whitestone Blvd. Bldg. B

512-324-3580

Cedar Park

Ascension Medical Group

Transplant Surgery Nicole A. Turgeon

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 200 Jerett A. Zipin

Michael Lynn McClelland Seton Urology 512-477-5905 1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

Ascension Dell Seton

Matthew J. Geck

ARC Kelly Lane

Medical Center Transplant

Ascension Texas Spine

737-220-7200

512-324-7930

Ascension Medical Group

and Scoliosis

2100 Autumn Slate Dr. Ste. 150

1400 North St. Ste. C3 400

Seton Urology

512-324-3580

Pflugerville

512-324-7873 Joel Adler

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 200 Douglas Elenz

The University of Texas at Austin

Eeric Truumees

Austin Sports Medicine

833-882-2737

Ascension Texas Spine

and Orthopedics

1601 Trinity St.

and Scoliosis

512-450-1300

512-324-3580

900 W. 38th St. Ste. 300

Trauma Surgery

Sports Medicine Surgery

Jayson D. Aydelotte

512-347-7463 3000 N. I-35 Ste. 708

1004 W. 32nd St. Ste. 200 Craig A. Kuhns Austin Spine Surgery

Harras B. Zaid

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704 James Stuart Wolf Jr. Ascension Seton Medical Group Surgery 512-324-7871 1601 Trinity St.

Ascension Medical Group

Koushik Shaw

Seton Surgery

Austin Urology Institute

Benjamin Szerlip

512-324-7873

512-694-8888

Austin Orthopedic Institute

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704G

12319 N. Mopac Expy.

512-856-1000

Ste. 200

Rick M. Wupperman

11652 Jollyville Rd. Ste. 207

Carlos V. Brown

Austin Spine Surgery

Surgical Oncology

Ascension Medical Group

Juzar Jamnagerwalla

Seton Surgery

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Rob Alan Fuller

512-324-7873

512-509-0200

Texas Oncology

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704F

302 University Blvd.

512-347-7463 3000 N. I-35 Ste. 708 Judson Cook

512-421-4250

Central Texas Brain & Spine

6204 Balcones Dr.

Round Rock Tatiana Carla Pereira Cardenas

Nathaniel Michael Polnaszek

Shaun Patrick McKenzie

Ascension Medical Group

Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Texas Oncology

Seton Surgery

512-509-0200

Carl Lauryssen

512-421-4250

512-324-7873

302 University Blvd.

Central Texas Brain & Spine

6204 Balcones Dr.

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704F

Round Rock

Christopher R. Oxner

Marc D. Trust

Michael Trotter

Texas Oncology

Ascension Medical Group

Midtown Urology Associates

512-421-4250

Seton Surgery

512-451-7935

6204 Balcones Dr.

512-324-7873

911 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

512-730-0000 2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 400

512-730-0000 2217 Park Bend Dr. Ste. 400

1601 Trinity St. Ste. 704F

106

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026


ERIN WINSTON, MD Austin Breast Imaging Dr. Erin Winson co-founded Austin Breast Imaging 10 years ago with a mission to advance breast health. As part of Rose Imaging Specialists – one of the nation’s largest groups of dedicated breast imagers – she leads with expertise, innovation, and a deeply patientcentered approach. Dr. Winston introduced 3D mammography to Austin and is the region’s only provider of contrastenhanced mammography, an alternative to breast MRI. Her independent, physician-owned center delivers truly personal care. Patients receive one-on-

one attention, with diagnostic results given directly so they leave feeling supported, informed, and empowered. Dr. Winston views the breasts as central to the whole woman. “The breasts carry us from girlhood through womanhood, with all the challenges in between. They overlie the heart – symbolically and anatomically – and deserve the same care throughout a woman’s lifetime,” she says. Dr. Winston is committed to providing the imaging, education, and access women need to take charge of their breast health and achieve lifelong wellbeing.

512-776-1000

austinbreastimaging.com


2 0 2 6 D O C T O R S T O P A U S T I N ’ S

Kyle Keyes

Elizabeth Mobley

Connie I. Hsu

HOW TH E L I ST

Texas Urology Specialists

Urology Austin

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

I S M ADE

512-421-4235

512-231-1444

512-795-5100

901 W. 38th St. Ste. 200

8701 N. Mopac Expy.

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Using an online survey, Austin Monthly solicited peer nominations from physicians in the greater Austin area, asking them to nominate up to three doctors per practice area who they would trust with the medical care of themselves or their family. To ensure the nomination process is peer-based, full contact information was requested before nominating, and doctors were asked to limit their nominations to physicians whose work they’ve personally witnessed. Austin Monthly then tallied the results, selecting the top percentage of vote recipients in each practice area before submitting the final list to our fact-checking process, which includes a review of good standing among medical boards. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be a part of the list. We recognize that many good doctors are not included on the list; this is only a sampling of a huge array of talented professionals within the region. We encourage all consumers to do their own research before selecting a doctor. Austin Monthly uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. It does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. Austin Monthly does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from Austin Monthly. If you see an error in the information listed, please contact info@austinmonthly.com.

Ste. 200 Lawrence Tsai

J. Andrew Williamson

Texas Urology Specialists

Robert Northway

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-421-4235

Urology Austin

512-795-5100

11645 Angus Rd. Ste. B9

512-788-9688

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

608 Radam Lane Nikki P. Le

Vascular Surgery

The Austin Diagnostic Clinic

E. Charles Osterberg

512-901-1111

Urology Austin

Joseph J. Dubose

12221 N. Mopac Expy.

512-788-9688

Ascension Institute for

608 Radam Lane

Cardiovascular Health 512-324-3028

Brett Baker

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 307

Urology Austin

Peter Ruff

512-477-5905

Urology Austin

8701 N. Mopac Expy.

512-788-9688

Pedro G. TeIxeira

Ste. 200

608 Radam Lane

Ascension Institute for

Carl Bischoff

Rachel Sosland

512-324-3028

Urology Austin

Urology Austin

1301 W. 38th St. Ste. 307

512-248-2200

512-788-9688

1401 Medical Pkwy.

608 Radam Lane

Cardiovascular Health

Jeffrey M. Apple Cardiothoracic and

Ste. 101 Sandeep Mistry

Vascular Surgeons

Urology Specialists of Austin

512-459-8753

R. Grady Bruce

512-238-0762

1010 W. 40th St.

Urology Austin

970 Hesters Crossing Rd.

512-788-9688

Ste. 101

David A. Nation

16040 Park Valley Dr.

Round Rock

Cardiothoracic and

Stacy Ong

512-459-8753

Urology Specialists of Austin

1010 W. 40th St.

Cedar Park

Vascular Surgeons

Bldg. 1 Ste. 111 Round Rock David Cuellar

512-238-0762

Urology Austin

970 Hesters Crossing Rd.

John K. Politz

512-788-9688

Ste. 101

Cardiothoracic and

16040 Park Valley Dr.

Round Rock

Round Rock Eric Giesler Urology Austin

Vascular Surgeons 512-459-8753

Bldg. 1 Ste. 111

Vascular and Interventional Radiology

1010 W. 40th St. Scott A. Seidel Cardiothoracic and

512-788-9688

Ian D. McLoughlin

Vascular Surgeons

5300 Bee Cave Rd.

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

512-459-8753 1010 W. 40th St.

Bldg. 1 Ste. 100

512-795-5100

West Lake Hills

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

Bryan Kansas

Stephen Pan

Cardiothoracic and

Urology Austin

ARA Diagnostic Imaging

Vascular Surgeons

512-231-1444

512-795-8505

512-459-8753

11410 Jollyville Rd.

12554 Riata Vista Cir.

1010 W. 40th St.

Ryan S. Turley

Ste. 1101

108

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

DOCTO RS: Congratulations! If you’d like to display this accomplishment with a plaque, please visit our official store at austinmonthly .com/plaques.


LOCATIONS Austin Central

3705 Medical Pkwy, Suite 320 Austin, TX 78705 P: 512-454-0392

Austin North

4515 Seton Center Pkwy, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 P: 512-346-5562

Austin South

6503 Menchaca Rd Austin, TX 78745 P: 512-444-7944

Austin Southwest Village 5625 Eiger Rd, Suite 160 Austin, TX 78735 P: 512-600-8090

Kyle

1180 Seton Pkwy, Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78640 P: 512-268-5282 Ashley Dao, MD Top Doc 2025, 2026

Mark Dammert, MD Top Doc 2024, 2025, 2026

Ryan Boerner, MD FAAOA Top Doc 2024, 2025, 2026

AWARD WINNING CARE The team at Austin Ear Nose & Throat Clinic has proudly severed patients since 1969. We treat our patients and their families as if they are members of our own, and we are always readily available to help you in your time of need. Visit one of our 5 full time locations or 2 satellite offices and discover the immense positive impact we make in our patient’s lives. From scheduling your appoinntments to treating your ear, nose, or throat condition, we’ll allow you to seamlessly access the care you need.

SATELLITE LOCATIONS Bastrop

623 State Hwy 71 #204 Bastrop, TX 78602 P: 512-444-7944

Lockhart

209 S Church St, Suite A Lockhart, TX 78644 P: 512-444-7944

SERVICES Hearing Services

Voice and Throat Care

Head and Neck Services

Sinus Treatment

Sleep Disorders

Facial Plastics

Allergy Testing

Pediatric ENT

512-910-8306 |

www.austinent.com

SCAN QR TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT


AUSTIN ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE Joel Hurt, MD; Tyler Goldberg, MD; Earl Kilbride, MD; Brett Robin, MD; Benjamin Szerlip, DO Austin Orthopedic Institute is an independent orthopedic practice serving Central Texas. With locations in Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Killeen, AOI’s team of board-certified, fellowshiptrained physicians, physician assistants, and physical therapists delivers comprehensive orthopedic care with over a century of combined experience. AOI’s services include both conservative and surgical treatment of conditions involving the shoulder, hand, wrist, elbow, knee, and hip. From joint replacement and sports medicine to trauma

care and physical therapy, the practice provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Austin Orthopedic Institute’s providers and employees are instilled with the value of patient care and service. The practice values having a team who knows their patients rather than a faceless corporation. AOI offers same and next-day appointments, 24/7 provider access, and complimentary reviews of MRIs and X-rays—treating patients as individuals, never numbers.

512-856-1000

www.austinoi.com


Congratulations to our Austin Monthly 2026 Top Doctors ©

Judson Cook, MD

Carl Lauryssen, MD

Dhruve Jeevan, MD

Anant Patel, MD

Richard Stovall, MD

Five locations in North Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Hutto and Fredericksburg. 512.730.0000 · centraltexasbrainandspine.com


PAID ADVERTORIAL

PRIORITIZING YOUR FERTILITY HEALTH IN 2026 A new survey of 2,000 American women ages 18 to 40 reveals a striking gap in reproductive education: 70% say they have never discussed their fertility health with a primary care physician, OB-GYN, or other provider. The finding comes as infertility continues to affect more families worldwide, with one in six couples experiencing fertility challenges. Experts say earlier education could help people safeguard their reproductive futures. Aspire Fertility Austin is sharing key steps both women and men can take to protect their fertility health in 2026 and beyond. Why Fertility Education Needs to Start Earlier “We’re taught not to think about our fertility until we want to have a baby,” says Dr. David Prokai, reproductive specialist at Aspire Fertility Austin. “Before that, it’s all about prevention. And we need to think more proactively about our fertility health.” Dr. Angela Kelley, also a reproductive specialist at Aspire Fertility Austin, agrees. “Just because you aren’t ready for pregnancy now doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the factors that could affect your fertility down the road.” Lifestyle Factors With the Biggest Impact Drs. Prokai and Kelley say daily habits play a major role in reproductive health for all genders. Weight: Both very low and very high body weight can disrupt fertility. “Our brains can signal that it’s not a safe time for pregnancy if someone is very underweight or obese,” Dr. Prokai explains. Women may experience reduced ovulation, while men may see declines in sperm quality. Alcohol & Caffeine: Moderation matters. “Heavy alcohol and caffeine use can negatively impact reproductive health,” says Dr. Kelley. She recommends limiting alcohol to two drinks per week and caffeine to no more than two servings per day.

Smoking: “There is no safe level of tobacco or marijuana use for fertility,” Dr. Kelley stresses. Smoking increases female infertility, raises miscarriage risk, and reduces sperm production. Diet: While no single eating plan is required, both physicians recommend prioritizing lean proteins, leafy greens, and reducing saturated fats, processed foods, and simple sugars. “A Mediterranean-style diet incorporates foods high in antioxidants and nutrients that support reproductive health,” Dr. Prokai adds. Different Considerations for Women and Men While lifestyle recommendations apply broadly, some factors differ by gender. For women, age remains the strongest predictor of fertility. “By 40, a woman’s chance of naturally conceiving drops below 5% due to fewer and lowerquality eggs,” says Dr. Kelley. She notes that egg or embryo freezing can help preserve options for the future. For men, a growing concern is the rise of testosterone therapy. “Testosterone use can reduce sperm production, and the effects can sometimes be irreversible,” Dr. Prokai warns. Men who hope to become fathers should discuss their testosterone use with a doctor or reproductive specialist.

Photo Credit: Aspire Fertility Austin

Treatment Options Are Available While IVF is often associated with infertility care, Dr. Kelley emphasizes that it is not always the first step. “Some cases can be addressed with surgery or medications,” she says. Diagnostic testing helps identify the cause and most effective treatment path. For patients who do need IVF, many clinics offer financing options. Aspire Fertility Austin partners with Bundl, a financial services program that bundles treatments at discounted rates and offers financial guarantees for eligible patients. “We know finances are a barrier,” Dr. Kelley says. “But people can and should talk to a financial counselor and explore all available options. There’s often more support than they realize.” To learn more about Aspire Fertility, please visit aspirefertility.com/austin-texas or call us at (512) 479-7979.


MARIE SOMOGYI, MD, FACS Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates Dr. Marie Somogyi’s dream to pursue medicine began at a very young age. Her scientific interest coupled with her naturally artistic eye steered her to the field of oculofacial plastic surgery, which perfectly matched these interests. She is committed to providing individualized, patient centered care while utilizing advanced surgical techniques in order to deliver the highest level of care for her patients. After completing a competitive two year fellowship in ophthalmic plastic, orbit and reconstructive surgery accredited by the

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and a facial cosmetic surgery accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), Dr. Somogyi became double board certified as an ophthalmic and facial plastic surgeon. She also serves as a faculty member for the Ophthalmology Department at the Dell Medical School at UT Austin. She is actively involved in research, which can be found published in preeminent journals and frequently presented at national meetings.

512-501-1010

www.austinface.com


Looking for your area’s

BEST DERMATOLOGISTS? They’re right in your neighborhood!

Jollyville Four Points

Mueller

Recognized for Dermatology

Roopal Bhatt, MD

Hans Sander, MD

Four Points Mueller (512) 478-3376

Jollyville (512) 345-8688

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU

Austin’s New Destination for Women’s Heart Health Honoring Dr. Caitlin M. Giesler for Excellence in Cardiology Women deserve a truly revolutionary approach to heart health. They Wom experience distinct patterns of heart disease, and they deserve personalized care built on understanding those differences. The H Heart Center for Women was founded to challenge convention. We know women. We hear women. We value women at every age and life stage.

Now Welcoming New Patients.

We Listen, Diagnose, Treat, Educate, & Advocate. heartcenterforwomen.com


Congratulations to our Austin Monthly 2026 Top Doctors

Amy Bednar, MD

Mollie McDonnold, MD

Kimberly DeStefano, MD

Jasbir Singh, MD

namfm.com

©


Congratulations to our 2026 Top Doctors!

WE UNDERSTAND PAIN IS PERSONAL Our goal is to understand your pain and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. What sets us apart rt is our compassionate io te care approach, which focuses on advanced interventional procedures to help reduce your medication needs and guide you toward lasting relief.

Website Call/Text

CapitolPain.com 512-467-7246

©2026 Capitol Pain Institute. All rights reserved.


Mary Ann Martinez, MD EDUCATION

Voted Austin Top Doctor 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026!

BA Biology - UT Austin M.D. - UT Health Science Center San Antonio Dermatology Residency - Duke University Austin Top Doctor 2013, Consecutive Since 2017 Texas Top Doctor 2023, 2024 Austin Chronicle Best Dermatologist 2011

Dr Martinez has been happily serving the Austin, Westlake and surrounding areas since 1999. She and her original staff of 26 years offer personalized dermatologic care for all ages. Dr Martinez has a special interest in preventative anti-aging skin care, acne, female skin care, skin cancer prevention and detection and cosmetic treatments, including Botox, fillers, Juvederm and chemical peels. She also offers a full skin care line including Topix and Elta MD.

Alpha Omega Alpha Phi Beta Kappa

Schedule an appointment today with Dr Martinez and her original staff of 26 years at Epiphany Dermatology of West Lake Hill and experience the difference!

2026

www.epiphanydermatology.com

5656 Bee Caves Rd., Bldg. D, Ste. 203, Austin, TX 78746 (512) 329-609

MANISH CHAUHAN, MD St. David’s Heart and Vascular Austin St. David's Heart and Vascular 3000 N. Interstate 35, Suite 700 Austin, TX 78705

737-931-1100

austincardiovascularspecialists.com

Three-time Austin Monthly Top Doctor, Dr. Manish Chauhan is an experienced interventional cardiologist known for exceptional care and longstanding service to the greater Austin community. He provides compassionate and comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on advanced interventional procedures. At St. David’s Heart and Vascular, Dr. Chauhan specializes in cardiac catheteriza-

tion, coronary and peripheral vascular interventions, carotid stenting, and structural heart procedures. He is also actively involved in technology development aimed at improving patient outcomes. Dr. Chauhan completed his medical residency and fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Round Rock St. David's Heart and Vascular 16030 Park Valley Dr, Suite 201 Round Rock, TX 78681


PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION PRECISION REGENERATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Mihnea Dumitrescu, MD Precision Medicine is “N=1 Medicine.” You are treated based on individual circumstances, not those of the population at large. We pioneered an integrative approach based on regenerative and functional medicine to leverage your body’s ability to self-heal. Start with our customized diagnostic and treatment options for spine and sports injuries. Our regenerative programs employ platelet-rich plasma and stem cell precisely guided injections, in-house professional sports-grade chiropractic care, supplements, hormones, and longterm follow-up for ongoing prevention. Improve your metabolism and hormones, lose weight and get fit, and educate yourself about your health — all under one roof — under the care of a team of specialists who work closely with each other!

512-892-0490 austinprecisionmedicine.com 1101 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. Building F, Ste. 101 West Lake Hills, TX 78746

AUSTIN EYE CENTER

Fuad Makkouk, MD Dr. Makkouk’s journey in ophthalmology began in Austin, where he graduated with high honors in biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Doctor of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he served as chief resident of ophthalmology. After an internship at Yale New Haven Hospital, Dr. Makkouk returned to Yale University for a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship and clinical instructor role. He has received numerous leadership and citizenship awards, been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and has presented at national conferences. He also currently serves as a principal investigator on more than thirty clinical research studies. His expertise spans a variety of ophthalmic conditions, including macular degeneration, retinal detachments, and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Makkouk currently practices at Austin Eye Center, where he delivers advanced, patient-focused ophthalmic care in a boutique setting.

512-693-9363 austineyecenter.com 9707 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 230 Austin, TX 78750


SUUBSCRIBE Congratulations to our Austin Monthly 2026 Top Doctors Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Scott Oberhoff, MD John Villacis, MD Dermatology Stacia Miles, MD Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Jesslyn Lu, MD Sherwin Yen, MD Family Medicine J. Adrian Dennington, DO Grace Honles, MD David Joseph, MD

Internal Medicine John Wang, MD Nephrology Sonali Birewar, MD Eileen Cook, MD Neurology Patience Reading, MD Greg Thaera, MD

©

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Erik Diebolt, DO Podiatry Derek Ley, DPM Urology Nikki Le, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology Wendy Cutler, MD

ADClinic.com


February ryy 27, 2026 JW MARRIOTT

JOIN US AT THE 2026 ENVISION GALA

as we celebrate 25 years of providing professional support to children and teenagers facing a parent’s serious illness or injury — and honor the profound impact of Wonders & Worries. The event includes:

o Cocktail hour and raffle o Seated dinner and live auction o After-party and dancing

TABLES STARTING AT $3, 000 AND SPONSORSHIPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE

Please use the QR code below to register, become a sponsor, or make a donation.

wondersandworries.org


• exclusive events • enhanced gamedays • curated dining •

Elevate your Longhorn Experience www.universityoftexasclub.com


Weird History Little by Little

The Big Short PICTURE THIS: a romantic comedy where Matthew McConaughey plays a guy who accidentally gets his girlfriend pregnant, and now that they’re linked for life, he must reveal a big secret about his family. Sounds like a reasonable setup with room for some humorous mishaps, right? Now, imagine that the secret is that all his family members have dwarfism, despite him being of average size. Oh, and his brother is a little person played by Gary Oldman, whose best friend is played by Peter Dinklage. Believe it or not, the movie was actually made, and it’s called Tiptoes. The strangeness doesn’t stop at Oldman walking around set on his knees. Kate Beckinsale agreed to be paid minimum wage for the film by the Screen Actors Guild if she could wear her lucky hat (a black-and-white striped beanie) in the movie. As soon as filming began, the producers (one of whom was the creator of the TV show Cops) hated the hat and demanded it be removed, which was the first scuffle in a series of debates that eventually got the director, Matthew Bright, fired from the movie. A recent viral video on social media showed McConaughey watching the film’s trailer on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast with Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer. “Do you know that when

people watch the trailer for Tiptoes, they think it’s an SNL sketch?” Segura asks before rolling the clip. After cackling all the way through the viewing, McConaughey reveals that he’s never actually seen the trailer. “It doesn’t look real, but damn, that’s a good trailer,” he says, “That goes for it.” If you’re thinking that this must have been made in the fledgling days of the accomplished actor’s career, you’d be wrong. It came out in 2002, after A Time to Kill and The Wedding Planner, just a few months before How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. The two-and-a-half-hour director’s cut of Tiptoes premiered in Austin at the Alamo Drafthouse’s original location on Colorado Street during Harry Knowles’ Butt-Numb-A-Thon film marathon. But after the producers slashed the film down to 90 minutes to screen at Sundance in 2004, Bright was so angry that he flew into a rage and had to be dragged offstage. Fed up with the project altogether, he sought to have his name taken off the movie and replaced with the alias Bill Weiner. All of this may sound like a tall tale, but the truth is that Tiptoes had no shortage of truly unimaginable moments.

Volume 34/Number 1, January/February 2026, Austin Monthly (Publication No. 001-163), is published bimonthly, six times a year, by Hearst Newspapers. Subscriptions are $14.95 per year for six issues. For customer service inquiries or to change your address, contact: Austin Monthly, PO Box 2127, San Antonio, TX 78297-2127, 512-387-6234, or subscriptions@austinmonthly.com. Periodicals postage paid at Denver, CO, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2026 by Hearst Newspapers, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in the publication do not constitute an offer for sale in states where prohibited or restricted by law.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Austin Monthly, PO Box 2127, San Antonio, TX 78297-2127

122

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026

C O L L AG E BY M A R A E S Q U I V E L

This forgotten Matthew McConaughey flick has a premise so wild that people thought it was an SNL sketch. BY BRYAN C. PARKER


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