Governor Greg Abbott has appointed four individuals to the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council. The new members are Clifford Porter, M.D., Ph.D., Bryan Sisk, DNP, Candice Smith, and Cheletta Watkins, M.D. Their terms will last at the Governor’s discretion.
The Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council is tasked with developing strategies to support a strong health care system and workforce in Texas.
Clifford Porter of Austin is a physician at Texas Direct Medical Care and serves as a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He previously participated in the Free Market Medical Association and the Christian Medical & Dental Association. Porter volunteers on medical mission trips with Austin Christian Fellowship and Austin Ridge Churches. He retired as a Colonel from the United States Army Reserve after 30 years of service across multiple military branches. His academic background includes degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Claremont Graduate School.
Bryan Sisk of Houston holds positions as senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Memorial Hermann Health System. He is involved with several professional organizations including the Texas Nurses Association and American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and he is recognized as a fellow by the American Academy of Nursing. Sisk also serves on boards such as the Daisy Foundation and founded an endowment for veterans. He served 20 years in the United States Army. His education includes nursing degrees from Arkansas Tech University and Northern Kentucky University, along with a Master of Public Health from Texas A&M University.
Candice Smith leads Deaf Smith County Hospital District as its chief executive officer. She participates in disaster preparedness efforts through GETAC–Disaster Preparedness and Response Committee and Emergency Medical Task Force. Smith sits on several local boards related to healthcare, child advocacy, education, and daycare services in her region. Her educational credentials include nursing degrees from West Texas A&M University and University of Phoenix as well as certification from the National Rural Hospital Association.
Cheletta Watkins works as Executive Medical Director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. She maintains memberships in various medical associations such as the American Board of Family Medicine, Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society, John Sealy School of Medicine Alumni Association, Baylor Scott & White Health board membership, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Dr. Watkins earned her undergraduate degree at UT Austin before completing her medical training at The UT Medical Branch at Galveston.
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