News Releases

Memorial Hermann Medical Group Introduces New Northwest Family Medicine Associates

Houston, Texas – Two board-certified family medicine physicians have relocated to Houston from the Chicago area to start Northwest Family Medicine Associates, a primary care practice that will be located on the campus of Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital. The new practice will be the latest component of Memorial Hermann Medical Group, a physician-led subsidiary of Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. 

Founding members Karen Rakers, M.D., and Jennifer Bang, M.D., worked together in Berwyn, Ill., before relocating to northwest Houston. They share an interest in preventive care.

Practicing within Northwest Family Medicine Associates will allow Drs. Bang and Rakers to focus on each patient’s personal healthcare needs while drawing on the resources, innovations and technological advancements of a well-respected healthcare system.  Memorial Hermann will provide business office and technology support services to the practice including deploying an integrated electronic medical record, billing and collecting, insurance reimbursement contracting, medical records maintenance and information technology.

“We are delighted to have Northwest Family Medicine Associates join our growing enterprise,” said Medical Director Ernest Bartimmo, M.D. “As part of Memorial Hermann Medical Group, our doctors will be able to spend more time practicing medicine and less time worrying about running businesses. By emphasizing the strengths of the partners, the patient is the ultimate winner.”

Dr. Rakers comes to Houston from Central DuPage Physician Group in Wheaton, Ill. She earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University and completed her residency at MacNeal Family Medicine in Berwyn, Ill. “I love family medicine because it gives me the opportunity to provide comprehensive, compassionate medical care to all age groups,” she said.

Dr. Bang is a Katy native who earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and also completed her residency at MacNeal. “I am eager to come back and serve my hometown as a family physician,” said Dr. Bang, who lists patient education as one of her special interests.

Northwest Family Medicine Associates is located at 1801 North Loop West, Suite 45. For  appointments, please call 713-868-2227.

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