URGENT UPDATE: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has just announced critical appointments aimed at enhancing the state’s healthcare workforce, appointing four new members to the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council. This strategic move is expected to reshape healthcare delivery across Texas and responds to the urgent need for skilled professionals in the sector.
The newly appointed members include Clifford Porter, M.D., PhD, Bryan Sisk, DNP, Candice Smith, and Cheletta Watkins, M.D.. Each appointee brings unique expertise and leadership experience, crucial for addressing Texas’s healthcare challenges.
Clifford Porter from Austin stands out as a tenured physician and senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. His impressive background includes a retired Colonel rank in the U.S. Army Reserve, along with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions like the University of Saskatchewan and Eastern Virginia Medical School. His extensive volunteer work reflects his commitment to medical service, making him a valuable addition to the council.
In Houston, Bryan Sisk serves as the chief nurse executive at the Memorial Hermann Health System. A seasoned veteran with over 20 years in nursing, Sisk has a rich history of military service and is known for founding an endowment supporting veterans. His academic journey includes credentials from Arkansas Tech University and Texas A&M University, culminating in a Doctor of Nursing from Northern Kentucky University.
Adding regional representation, Candice Smith, CEO of Deaf Smith County Hospital District, brings her leadership skills and active participation in vital committees like GETAC and the Emergency Medical Task Force. Her educational background in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix complements her community service involvement.
Completing the new roster, Cheletta Watkins from Forney is the Executive Medical Director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Her extensive experience in family medicine and active roles in various medical associations indicate her dedication to elevating healthcare standards in Texas. Watkins earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and her Doctor of Medicine from The UT Medical Branch at Galveston.
This announcement comes as Texas faces increasing pressure to improve healthcare access and quality. The council’s newly appointed members are expected to leverage their diverse backgrounds to foster collaboration and innovation in the state’s healthcare system.
WHAT’S NEXT: Expect these appointments to lead to immediate initiatives aimed at workforce development and health policy innovations. As Texas continues to navigate its healthcare challenges, these leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping effective strategies.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these appointments will impact healthcare in Texas.
