Mark R. Robbins, MD FACS
Vascular & General Surgeon

Dr. Mark Robbins earned his medical degree in 1995 from the University of Iowa and trained for 5 years at the University of Kansas – Wichita as a surgical resident. In 2000, he and his family moved to Wichita Falls, TX where Dr. Robbins earned his board certification in general surgery and practiced for three years as a general surgeon earning the rank of major at Sheppard Air Force Base Hospital. During that time, he was privileged to serve on the island of Diego Garcia where he performed surgery in “Tent City” in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2003, Dr. Robbins was accepted into the vascular surgery fellowship program at the renowned Jobst Vascular Center in Toledo, Ohio. There he trained in all aspects of arterial and venous disease, emphasizing on minimally invasive and diagnostic procedures. At the completion of that two-year program, Dr. Robbins took and passed the board certification for Vascular Surgery.

Dr. Robbins treats all aspects of arterial and venous disease, with an emphasis on minimally invasive endovascular procedures that allow for quick recovery and return to normal activities.  These newer endovascular treatment options are incorporated with the time-honored operative techniques used for more complex vascular problems. He also has a passion for The Vein Clinic @ Vascular Specialists where he and his staff diagnose and treat the entire scope of venous disease as well as perform office­ based vein procedures. Although vascular surgery and interventional care is Dr. Robbins’ primary area of interest, he continues to enjoy taking care of his general surgery patients.  During his free time, Dr. Robbins enjoys water sports, reading, and traveling with his wife to visit their children who attend three different universities.

Leslie Robbins, CMC has been with Vascular Specialists for more than four years.  She is a certified medical coder, and is in charge of billing and receipts.  Her educational background is in art and design, and she enjoys using her creative talents to assist in providing a crisp and progressive image for the practice. During her free time, Leslie enjoys training for extreme running competitions.

Tania Garcia, RN and office manager has worked as a nurse for 19 years. Before joining Vascular Specialists in July 2010 she spent 17 years working mainly in the perioperative field. She holds two certifications in perianesthesia nursing and is currently working on obtaining certification in vascular nursing. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys at sporting events.

Christy Yochum is the Technical Director of the vascular lab  at Vascular Specialists of East Texas.  She joined our team this year with over 9 years of experience in the sonography field.  Christy graduated from Tyler Junior College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in 2003.  She furthered her education by obtaining the Advanced Certificate of Vascular Sonography in 2004.  Since graduating, she has also obtained her credentials through the ARDMS (the Americian Registery for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) in abdominal and OB/GYN sonography, as well as being an RVT (registered vascular technologist).  Most of her professional career has been spent in and around the East and Northeast Texas area at hospitals and clinics.  A desire to give quality patient care with a personal touch, has lead her here to Vascular Specialists of East Texas and her current position in our imaging facility. Christy was raised in and around the Tyler area for most of her life and currently resides in Lindale with her husband and two children.

Theresa Gaona certified medical assistant joined our team in December of 2010. She obtained her certification from Tyler Junior college and has been working as a medical assistant for three years. Theresa is fluent in both English and Spanish. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband and son Christian.

Katy Murray, billing assistant joined our team in June of 2009. She has been working in medical billing for the last three years. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her son Jaxon and family.

Trey Paris, RCS and technical director echocardiogram lab studied biology at University of Louisiana at Monroe. He graduated from Ultrasound Diagnostic School in Dallas, Texas with a degree in Cardiovascular Technology. He is registered with Cardiovascular Credentialing International and is currently in the process of getting credentialed in phlebology.  He has ten years experience in the hospital setting. Trey joined our team in 2011. Outside of work he is currently pursuing a private pilot license.

Mary Loftis, front office receptionist joined our team in 2011. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She has worked in the medical field for three years. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and her two sports fanatic sons.

Front and back office assistant Leslie Pate has been with us for three years.  She is currently a student at Texas A&M University as a nutrition science major, and works with us during holiday and summer breaks.  She is planning on pursuing a career as a physician assistant.

Front and back office assistant Jessica Kemp joined Vascular Specialists in May of 2011. Outside of the office she is currently studying to obtain her Bachelors in Science and Nursing degree. When she is not at work or school she enjoys going to the movies and spending time with family and friends.