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 discretion of the Governor. The Council is responsible for developing strategies to support a strong health care system and workforce in Texas.
Clifford Porter, M.D., Ph.D., from Austin, is a physician at Texas Direct Medical Care and a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He previously served with organizations such as the Free Market Medical Association and the Christian Medical & Dental Association. Porter volunteers on medical mission trips with local churches and retired as a Colonel after 30 years in the United States Army Reserve, United States Army, and Texas Army National Guard. His educational background includes degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Claremont Graduate School.
Bryan Sisk, DNP, based in Houston, serves as senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Memorial Hermann Health System. He holds memberships in both state and national nursing leadership groups and is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Sisk also sits on several boards related to nursing and veterans’ issues and completed 20 years of service in the United States Army. He earned degrees from Arkansas Tech University, Texas A&M University, and Northern Kentucky University.
Candice Smith leads Deaf Smith County Hospital District as its chief executive officer in Canyon. She participates on various committees related to emergency preparedness and serves on multiple regional boards including CASA for Deaf Smith County and Amarillo College Advisory Board. Her academic credentials include nursing degrees from West Texas A&M University and the University of Phoenix as well as certification from the National Rural Hospital Association.
Cheletta Watkins, M.D., works as Executive Medical Director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas in Forney. She is involved with several professional medical organizations such as the American Board of Family Medicine and serves on boards including Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center. Dr. Watkins studied biology at UT Austin before earning her medical degree from The UT Medical Branch at Galveston where she also completed her residency.
“The Council is established to study and develop a strategic approach for ensuring a thriving health care system and health professions workforce in this state,” according to Governor Abbott’s office.
