Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed four individuals to the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council. The appointees 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 tasked with studying and developing strategies to maintain a strong health care system and workforce in Texas.

Clifford Porter, M.D., Ph.D., from Austin serves as a physician at Texas Direct Medical Care and is a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He previously belonged to the Free Market Medical Association and the Christian Medical & Dental Association. Porter also volunteers on medical mission trips with Austin Christian Fellowship and Austin Ridge Churches. He retired as a Colonel after 30 years of service in the United States Army Reserve, United States Army, and Texas Army National Guard. His academic background includes degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Claremont Graduate School.

Bryan Sisk, DNP, based in Houston, holds the position of senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Memorial Hermann Health System. He is affiliated with organizations such as the Texas Nurses Association and American Organization for Nursing Leadership and is recognized as a fellow by the American Academy of Nursing. Sisk sits on the board for the Daisy Foundation and founded Never Give Up Endowment for Veterans. He served in the United States Army for 20 years. His education includes degrees from Arkansas Tech University, Texas A&M University, and Northern Kentucky University.

Candice Smith from Canyon acts as chief executive officer of Deaf Smith County Hospital District. She participates in committees like GETAC–Disaster Preparedness and Response Committee and Emergency Medical Task Force. Smith also serves on several boards including Deaf Smith County’s CASA program, Panhandle Regional Advisory Council, Amarillo College Advisory Board, and Hereford Day Care board. Her educational credentials include nursing degrees from West Texas A&M University and University of Phoenix along with certification from the National Rural Hospital Association.

Cheletta Watkins, M.D., residing in Forney, works as Executive Medical Director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. She maintains memberships with groups such as American Board of Family Medicine, Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society, John Sealy School of Medicine Alumni Association; she also serves on Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center’s board while being part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Dr. Watkins earned her undergraduate degree from UT Austin before completing her medical training at UT Medical Branch at Galveston.

"Governor Greg Abbott appointed Clifford Porter, M.D., Ph.D., Bryan Sisk, DNP, Candice Smith, and Cheletta Watkins, M.D. to the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council for terms set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor." According to official information: "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."