Cathy Fernandez

Cathy Fernandez, FNP

Cathy Fernandez, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who completed a Master of Science at Texas Woman’s University in 2000.  She has been working in the field of rheumatology since 2001 and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Professionals and Texas Nurse Practitioners.

 Cathy began her nursing career in 1988, initially working in surgery and cardiac care while pursuing higher education.  In 2010, she completed the nurse practitioner postgraduate rheumatology training program, increasing her knowledge base of rheumatologic conditions to provide the best care for her patients. The most gratifying part of medical practice for Cathy is being able to care for patients personally and to provide patients education about their diagnoses and treatment options.  

 In her free time, Cathy stays active with yoga and walking. She is an avid cook and enjoys sharing her food with her neighbors and very appreciative coworkers. Cathy particularly enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her church community.  

Cathy welcomes her patients to NTCR!

Dr. Maria Isabel Esparza is a highly respected physician who is board-certified in Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. She is dedicated to providing top-quality, personalized care that focuses on the overall well-being of her patients, including their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Dr. Esparza graduated cum laude from the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes in Mexico. She then completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and her fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. For five years, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Endocrinology and Metabolism Department at the Weight Wellness Clinic at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she focused on treating obesity and its associated comorbidities.

"I attended medical school in Mexico, and practicing there showed me how important it is to have an excellent bedside manner, especially when resources are limited. I am on a mission to provide my patients the best care." - Dr. Esparza

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Esparza values her ability to connect with a diverse range of patients, particularly in Texas' multicultural communities.

At NTCR Wellness Clinic, Dr. Esparza's practice focuses on wellness, weight management, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. She is passionate about community education and empowers patients to achieve their health goals in a supportive and trusting environment. Dr. Esparza actively shares evidence-based information through her social media presence and by giving talks both online and in person to patients and medical professionals.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Esparza enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones and volunteering in the community. She also enjoys Latin dancing, horseback riding, and reading.

Dr. Maria Isabel Esparza welcomes her patients to NTCR Wellness Clinic, where she strives to bring back the art of listening and personalized care.