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Office
Houston, TX
My office hours
Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
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Aetna
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Cigna
Humana
United healthcare
Office
Houston, TX
About
Bio
I am a general hematologist in solo private practice but serve on the voluntary faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital. I received all of my medical training at Baylor, where I served as a Chief Resident and graduated "cum laude". I am interested in all aspects of hematology and take care of patients with bleeding and clotting problems, hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma, and any other sort of hematologic disorder.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Hematology
Doctor Q&A
255 Answers
10 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Spinal tap pain: Sometimes patients have a "spinal headache" following lumbar puncture ("spinal tap") because a small amount of fluid continues to leak from the site. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Hypergammaglobulinem: Hypergammaglobulinemia can be monoclonal (precancerous or cancerous) or polyclonal. Causes of monoclonal hypergammaglobulinemia include multiple myelo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Vitamin B12 overdose: Too much vitamin B12 can cause mild diarrhea, skin rashes, hives, breathing problems, heart palpitations, panic attacks, and insomnia. The symptoms ty... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Leukopenia: Leukopenia is how doctors say low white blood cell count. There are many different causes. Please see a hematologist so they can help determine the ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Low iron: Blood transfusion carries signifcant risks such as bad allergic reactions, infection (hiv, hepatitis b and c, "mad cow disease", malaria, chagas disea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Blood clots & Encare: Encare is a topical, spermicidal form of birth control. Because it doesn't contain female hormones, it should be safe for you. Just keep in mind that ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Sick Mom: I'm sorry to hear about your mother. Without knowing the type of blood cancer your mom has i can't really tell you what to expect. I think you should ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Abnormal HBsAg: Having a positive hbsag shows that you have been exposed to the hepatitis b virus, but isn't necessarily indicative of chronic infection depending on ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Clexane: Clexane (known as Lovenox in the U.S.) is the brand name for enoxaparin. This medication is commonly used during pregnancy. Some doctors will switch b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Liver & polycythemia: Liver dysfunction and erythrocytosis can be seen with serious conditions like hemochromatosis (where the body absorbs and retains too much iron), poly... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Leukocytosis: A high white count (leukocytosis) can be caused by many different things, most commonly an infection. Some people have high white cells due to a medic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Untreated anemia: Bad anemia can cause fatigue, lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and leg pain with exercise. Some cases require blood transfusion. Ther... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Iron overdose: Usually, an excessive one-time dose of iron washes through your intestines and doesn't cause any side effects other than nausea, vomitina, and diarrhe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Acute leukemia: Acute leukemia is diagnosed by looking at the complete blood count (cbc), peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, flow cytometry, a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Sickle cell anemia: Sickle cell anemia can be diagnosed by a heel stick at birth or by performing hemoglobin electrophoresis of the blood (a simple blood test).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Memory loss: Brain cells need good blood flow just like any other cell in the body. If they don't get enough oxygen and nutrition from the bloodstream they don't w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Thrombocytopenia: The platelet (plt) count is normally 150-400 (thousand). Major surgery is possible if the PLT count is over 100. Minor procedures are usually possible... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Prednisolone: Both Prednisone and Prednisolone should be taken in the morning so they don't keep you up all night and so you don't suppress your adrenal gland funct... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Thalassemia: The only cure for thalassemia is currently bone marrow transplantation, but this procedure is associated with a risk of morbidity and mortality. With ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Celiac disease: Celiac disease can be diagnosed by labs (anti-gliadin antibody, tissue transglutaminase, anti-endomysial antibody) and by biopsy of the small intestin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
High white cells: High white cell counts can be due to a variety of things such as infection, inflammation, medications, smoking, obesity, and blood disorders such as l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Blood typing: Ab-positive is the universal plasma donor. O-negative is the universal blood donor. The anerican red cross website has lots of information about this.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Risk of Hodgkin's dz: There is no one "defect" that causes hodgkin's disease, but risk factors include a high socioeconomic status, having a family member with the disease,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
B12 test: Testing for vitamin B12 deficiency can be done in any doctor's office.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Iron chelation: Yes, especially if you are taking Desferal subcutaneously. But oral medications can cause a rash as well. Please discuss this with your doctor to see ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Blood clot causes: 3 things cause clots: blood vessel injury, stasis, and hypercoagulability. The first refers to things like surgery, the second to slow blood flow due ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
AML vs. ALL: The symptoms of AML and all can be quite similar since both cause anemia (low red cells) and low platelets (which causes bruising and bleeding). In ad... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Subtypes of AML: The various subtypes of AML are based on what type of cell has turned leukemic and how mature (or differentiated) the cell is. AML m4 can be dangerous... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Leukopenia: Unfortunately, there is no easy way to know whether your count is low due to your connective tissue disease or your medication other than doing a bone... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 56-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Iron deficiency: Pagophagia, or craving ice, is caused by iron deficiency. Low iron makes you tired, pale, lightheaded, and short of breath, and gives you foggy thinki... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
B12 deficiency: Interpreting vitamin B12 levels can be tricky. Ask your doctor to check a methylmalonic acid and homocysteine level. If these are elevated, that sugge... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
DVT and PE: If people with deep venous thromboses and pulmonary emboli receive anticoagulation treatment, haven't suffered large clots that could impair their res... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Zinc + iron: Zinc and iron compete for absorption, so if you take too much of one you won't have enough of the other.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Blood clot causes: We doctors are taught to remember virchow's triad: blood vessel injury, stasis, and hypercoagulability. The first refers to things like surgery and ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Weird cravings: The most common cause of unusual cravings and fatigue is iron deficiency. Please ask your physician to check both your iron and your thyroid levels if... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
You: You will look younger longer if you maintain a healthy body weight and avoid sun exposure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Acidosis: Acidosis can occur when the body produces too much acid (such as Lactic Acid or during diabetic ketoacidosis), when the kidneys are too sick to excret... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Leukopenia: A low white cell count (leukopenia) can be caused by many different things. Some people have low white cells due to a medication they are taking. Othe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Polycythemia: A high hematocrit indicates that one has too many red cells (polycythemia). There are many different causes of this condition, some of them potentiall... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Metabolic panel: A comprehensive metabolic panel tests kidney and liver function, as well as the level of common electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Cervical lymph nodes: Lymph glands in the neck are very common, and can be seen with many benign conditions such as an infected throat or ear, skin inflammation, or an irri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Heavy: Heavy drinking increases the risk of osteoporosis, many types of cancer, and liver disease.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Don't: Don't take iron or calcium at the same time as thyroid medication - they will block its absorption.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Menorrhagia: Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, can be due to several problems but one of the most common is a form of hemophilia known as von willebrand di... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Low INR: If you're not on anticoagulation, low inrs have been associated with a tendency to blood clots (this is how the prothrombin 20210 gene mutation was fo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Pregnancy and CBC: It is common for blood counts to drop during the later phases of pregnancy. As the pregnant woman retains more fluid, the blood cells get diluted to v... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
IV iron: Even with full replacement of low iron stores, it can take up to a month to make 2-3 pints of blood so i suspect that is why your teen is still tired.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Von Willebrand Dz: The main thing that raises von willebrand factor levels is exposure to female hormones, whether through pregnancy or taking oral contraceptive pills o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
B12 replacement: To answer this question effectively, i would need to know the dose and route you are currently taking. If taking it orally, the usual dose is 1000 mcg... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Kelty Bakeranswered
Hematology 30 years experience
Thal minor and PG: Thalassemia minor is usually not a problem during pregnancy; however, all women get more anemic with pregnancy and this can be even more pronounced in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
4
Recommendations
967
Thank you notes
Dr. Christopher Wright
Jun 2, 2013
Dr Baker is compassionate, knowledgable, and committed to the overall health of her patients. She has outstanding bedside manner and takes time to address all of her patients' concerns, both in the c...Read More
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Baker is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Baker is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Yea my leukemia is fighting through all chemo, so they said nothing else can be really done, just get blood products, my smear is 70% now
HealthTap member
I had a radical hysterectomy 17 years ago from having cervical cancer, I'm 39 now and the last 4 years have been suffering with fibromyalgia
HealthTap member
Thank you for answering my question I appreciate all the answers I am getting from everyone here it's helping me know more about what happen
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Baylor College of Medicine, TX
Graduated 1993MD
Residency
Baylor College of Medicine
Awards
Alpha Omega Alpha
Top Hematologist , Third Place, National - Winter
2013
Top Hematologist , Second Place, National - Summer
2013
Affiliations
American Society of Hematology
American Medical Association
International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
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