Please tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare:

I currently serve as Associate Chief Medical Officer at UTMB Clear Lake, Medical Director for High Value Care for the UTMB Health System, and Chief of the Division of Urology. My journey in healthcare began with a deep-rooted desire to care for others, which was instilled in me by my family and community growing up. As a practicing urologic oncologist and tenured professor, I’ve been fortunate to blend clinical care, academic scholarship, and system-level leadership. Pursuing an MBA and FACHE certification has further allowed me to bridge the gap between medicine and administration, where I strive to align clinical excellence with operational performance. The opportunity to improve care delivery while mentoring the next generation of leaders is what keeps me inspired.

 

 

What activities do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I value time with my wife, Jenice, and children. We love traveling together—most recently exploring Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia—as well as staying active with walks, beach time, and trying new foods. I also enjoy writing, both professionally and creatively, and I’m currently working on a book about physician leadership and the evolving role of the Chief Medical Officer.

 

What is your favorite ACHE memory or activity?

One of my favorite ACHE memories was attending my first ACHE Congress in Chicago some years ago. It’s an energizing experience where healthcare leaders across the country come together to share ideas, lessons, and purpose. I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to speak at Congress and contribute to the Journal of Healthcare Management—efforts that stem from a desire to help shape culture and strategy in meaningful ways.

 

How do you envision healthcare in the next 10 years?

Looking ahead, I believe healthcare over the next 10 years will continue to shift toward value-based care with a stronger emphasis on health equity, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional leadership. The successful healthcare systems of the future will prioritize people—patients, clinicians, and staff—while leveraging AI technology to improve access, outcomes, and sustainability. I see physician leaders playing a critical role in this transformation by ensuring that clinical insights remain central to strategic decisions.