Texas Governor Abbott Appoints New Members to Health Council

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed four new members to the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the healthcare workforce in the state. The newly appointed members are Clifford Porter, M.D., PhD, Bryan Sisk, DNP, Candice Smith, and Cheletta Watkins, M.D. Each appointee brings a unique combination of expertise and experience, poised to contribute significantly to Texas’s healthcare landscape.

Clifford Porter, based in Austin, is a tenured physician and senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. His extensive service record includes a retired Colonel rank in the U.S. Army Reserve. With medical and academic degrees from institutions such as the University of Saskatchewan and Eastern Virginia Medical School, Porter has a diverse background in both medicine and education. His active involvement with various medical associations and a history of volunteerism highlight his commitment to advancing healthcare services.

In Houston, Bryan Sisk serves as the chief nurse executive at the Memorial Hermann Health System. With over twenty years in the field, Sisk’s military service complements his extensive contributions to nursing and healthcare leadership. He has played a pivotal role in several nursing associations and established an endowment supporting veterans. His academic journey includes degrees from Arkansas Tech University, Texas A&M University, and a Doctor of Nursing from Northern Kentucky University.

The council’s composition also reflects regional health care needs, with Candice Smith as the CEO of the Deaf Smith County Hospital District. Smith is well-regarded for her leadership and active engagement in various committees, including the Emergency Medical Task Force and GETAC. Her educational focus includes a specialization in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix and a certification from the National Rural Hospital Association, showcasing her dedication to community health.

Cheletta Watkins, from Forney, joins the council with a strong background in family medicine, currently serving as the Executive Medical Director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Her affiliations with the American Board of Family Medicine, Texas Medical Association, and the Dallas County Medical Society underscore her commitment to improving medical standards and fostering collaboration within the healthcare community. 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.

These new appointments reflect Governor Abbott’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce in Texas, ensuring that a diverse range of perspectives and expertise will guide the state’s health policies and initiatives.