~ In a recent announcement, Governor Greg Abbott has appointed four individuals to the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council. The council is responsible for studying and developing a strategic approach to ensure a thriving health care system and health professions workforce in the state of Texas.

One of the appointees is Clifford Porter, M.D., Ph.D., who hails from Austin. Dr. Porter is a physician at Texas Direct Medical Care and also serves as a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously been a member of the Free Market Medical Association and the Christian Medical & Dental Association. In addition, Dr. Porter volunteers on medical mission trips with Austin Christian Fellowship and Austin Ridge Churches. He is also a retired Colonel from the United States Army Reserve, with 30 years of service in the Reserve, United States Army, and Texas Army National Guard. Dr. Porter holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from the University of Saskatchewan, as well as a Doctor of Medicine from Eastern Virginia Medical School and a Doctor of Philosophy from Claremont Graduate School.

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Joining Dr. Porter on the council is Bryan Sisk, DNP, who resides in Houston. Sisk currently serves as the senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Memorial Hermann Health System. He is an active member of various professional organizations such as the Texas Nurses Association and American Organization for Nursing Leadership, as well as being a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. In addition to his work in healthcare, Sisk is also dedicated to supporting veterans through his involvement with organizations such as Never Give Up Endowment for Veterans. With 20 years of service in the United States Army under his belt, Sisk brings valuable experience to his role on the council. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University, a Master of Public Health from Texas A&M University, and a Doctor of Nursing from Northern Kentucky University.

Candice Smith, a resident of Canyon, has also been appointed to the council. Smith currently serves as the chief executive officer of Deaf Smith County Hospital District. She is a member of various committees and boards, including GETAC–Disaster Preparedness and Response Committee and the Emergency Medical Task Force. In addition, Smith is actively involved in her community through her work with organizations such as Deaf Smith County's Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Panhandle Regional Advisory Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Rural Health Chief Nursing Officer Certification from the National Rural Hospital Association.

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The final appointee to the council is Cheletta Watkins, M.D., who resides in Forney. Dr. Watkins currently serves as an Executive Medical Director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Board of Family Medicine, Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society, and the John Sealy School of Medicine Alumni Association. In addition to her work in healthcare, Dr. Watkins also serves on the board of Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Medicine from The UT Medical Branch at Galveston.

These four individuals bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to their roles on the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council. Their expertise will be crucial in developing strategies to ensure a thriving health care system and health professions workforce in Texas for years to come.

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