Carlos Cardenas, MD, to Assume PHA Presidency in September
WASHINGTON — Physician-Led Healthcare for America’s (PHA) Board of Directors appointed Carlos Cardenas, MD, of Edinburg, Texas, as president-elect. He will serve as PHA’s president for the 2025-27 term, effective September 9.
A native of McAllen, Texas, Dr. Cardenas has nearly 30 years of experience as a gastroenterologist and is a recognized leader in physician-led healthcare. He serves as chairman of the board of DHR Health, one of the largest physician-led hospitals in the nation. As one of the founding members of DHR Health, Dr. Cardenas takes pride in helping establish a healthcare system that transformed access to advanced medical care in South Texas.
Dr. Cardenas earned his bachelor of arts degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. He graduated from medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, and completed his residency training at Baylor Scott and White in Temple, Texas.
“I am honored to take on this role and work alongside my colleagues to enhance healthcare services for communities nationwide,” said Dr. Cardenas. “Our mission at DHR Health has always been to provide world-class, patient-centered care, ensuring that individuals receive the highest level of treatment close to home. I look forward to expanding care, advocating for physician leadership and improving patient outcomes through this new role with PHA.”
PHA President Joseph Alhadeff, MD, commented, “Dr. Cardenas has been one of the nation’s leading advocates for the most important relationship in healthcare: the patient-physician partnership. As chairman of the board and one of the founding physician partners of DHR Health, he has played a crucial role in ensuring that his hometown can provide innovative care to Texans across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.”
Dr. Alhadeff added, “Above all, Dr. Cardenas is an incredible advocate for all patients. He has dedicated countless hours of his time to volunteer advocacy efforts, such as serving as president of the Texas Medical Association in 2014.”
As president, Dr. Cardenas will drive PHA’s mission to promote, educate and advocate for exceptional patient-centered care through physician leadership. Additionally, he will help further position PHA as the leading national voice for physician-led hospitals and other physician-led models.
About PHA
Physician-Led Healthcare for America (PHA) promotes, educates and advocates for exceptional patient-centered care through physician leadership. Founded in 2001, PHA advocates for the interests of physician-led hospitals, physician-led facilities, physician-led practices and other physician-led initiatives at the federal, state and local levels. The organization also supports its members in their efforts to advance the quality and availability of healthcare in their specific communities.