Physicians & Providers
Dr. Jui-Lien “Lillian” Chou
Dr. Chou is a board-certified radiation oncologist who is also a breast cancer survivor. She possesses a passion for providing comprehensive, compassionate, and excellent healthcare to her patients. She is a breast cancer specialist who has dedicated herself to the development of state-of-the-art breast care centers. In addition to Wellness Lubbock, Dr. Chou also founded Aurora Breast Center San Antonio in September 2009. Both centers feature cutting-edge breast imaging, biopsy and cancer treatment technology along with a professional and caring team.
Dr. Chou was born in Tainan, Taiwan and received her M.D. from the prestigious Medical College, National Taiwan University in 1980 (with honors). In 1983, following three years of ophthalmology residency training at National Taiwan University Hospital, Dr. Chou moved to San Antonio to pursue her “American Dream.” She started her residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and soon after became board certified in Therapeutic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology.
Dr. Chou, who has long been recognized for her excellence in radiation oncology practice and breast care, is married to Dr. Peter Ming-Tao Ho, who is an ophthalmologist. Together, the couple have two adult children. Dr. Chou’s other passions are organic gardening and the promotion of urban organic agriculture/UOA through community education programs. These programs are supported by Ho-Chou Family Foundation, which Dr. Chou and Dr. Ho started in 2002 for the benefit of the community they belong to and love.
Steven Harms, MD
Breast Radiologist Dr. Harms is recognized nationally in the area of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), specifically breast MRI. Dr. Harms was named “Komen Foundation Scientist of the Year” by Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1998. He was on the faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Baylor University Medical Center, as well as the M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute. Dr. Harms and his research team developed MRI applications including RODEO Breast MRI during his 14 years as director of MRI at Baylor. He also helped draft the 2007 American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines, which recommend breast MRI screening for patients at high-risk of breast cancer. Harms is a fellow of the Breast Imaging Society and has been on the Best Doctor’s in America list since 2003. Dr. Harms practices at MANA’s The Breast Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is a clinical professor at UAMS.
Rick Burrescia PA-C
Ricky Burrescia, PA-C, MPAS, was born in Texan and has acted as physician’s assistant for nearly 40 years. Mr. Burrescia received a bachelor’s degree in zoology and botany from Texas A&M University – Commerce before studying biology as a graduate student. Mr. Burrescia received his degree in health sciences at the University of Texas Health Center at Dallas and soon after moved to Lubbock, Texas after becoming a certified physician’s assistant.
Mr. Burrescia has been a PA under several prominent physicians and completed his Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies via the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2005. For 16 years, Mr. Burrescia has been an integral part of the team caring for the needs of cancer patients throughout Texas and New Mexico at Radiation Oncology of the South Plains, P.A., and Wellness Lubbock. Mr. Burrescia enjoys classical guitar, golf, and outdoor activities.
Kevin Pope, MD
Dr. Pope is a Clinical Breast Radiologist who has provided imaging services in Northwest Arkansas for over two decades. Dr. Pope, co-founded both the first image-guided breast biopsy program in Northwest Arkansas and The Breast Center, which is the state’s first independent, dedicated breast center.
Dr. Pope is board certified in diagnostic radiology and the American Board of Radiology. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine and completed his radiology residency and neuroradiology fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals in Galveston, Texas.
Dr. Pope is an active contributor to the Multidisciplinary Breast Conference at Washington Regional Medical Center. He served the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation in various capacities and is a member of the American Society of Breast Disease, as well as the Society for Breast Imaging. Dr. Pope is a featured speaker on breast imaging and early cancer detection.
Kelly A. Johnson, MD
Dr. Johnson is Board Certified in Diagnostic Radiology and member of the American Board of Radiology. She provides her patients with expert breast imaging care at The Breast Center, a MANA Clinic, as well as Wellness Lubbock.
Dr. Johnson received her Breast Imaging Fellowship and Doctorate of Medicine, as well as performed her Diagnostic Radiology Residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Physics and Spanish from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Dr. Johnson volunteered at Cancer Support Homes and hospitals throughout high school and college and that experienced helped her develop her passion for medicine and patient care. Dr. Johnson is originally from Ft. Smith. Together with her husband, Jay, they have two young children, Gracie and Josie.
Dr. Charles Wheeler
Charles Wheeler, D.O., is a Pennsylvania native who, like many Texans, got here as quickly as he could, moving with his family to the Lone Star State as a child. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas, earned his medical degree at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, and served his country in the United States Air Force. He has been a practicing radiologist for more than 37 years. As a general radiologist, Dr. Wheeler has interpreted a wide variety of radiologic studies at Wellness Lubbock and Lubbock Imaging Center almost since our inception, including x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, bone densities, and CT scans.
Dr. Wheeler’s professional interests include Lubbock Osteopathic Foundation, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, American College of Osteopathic Radiology, Radiological Society of North America, and the Lubbock-Crosby-Garza County Medical Society, as well as his specialty of radiology. Dr. Wheeler’s hobbies include enjoying college and professional sports, music, travel, non-fiction books, television and movies, and gym workouts.