Mega Doctor News
WASHINGTON D.C.: National healthcare non-profit organization, Physician-Led Healthcare for America (PHA), and its Board of Directors announced today that Carlos Cardenas, MD, a longtime practicing and highly respected physician from the Rio Grande Valley, has been appointed as its new President. He will serve during the 2025-2027 term, leading efforts to promote, educate, and advocate for exceptional patient-centered care through physician-led leadership.
“Dr. Cardenas has been one of the nation’s most important advocates for the most critical partnership in healthcare—the patient-physician relationship,” said Joseph Alhadeff, MD, PHA’s president. “As chairman of the board and one of the founding physician partners of DHR Health’s Hospital System, he has ensured that his community has access to innovative care for Texans across the Rio Grande Valley.”
Raised in McAllen, Texas, Dr. Cardenas brings nearly 30 years of experience as a Gastroenterologist and is a recognized leader in physician-led healthcare. He serves as Chairman of the Board for DHR Health, one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the country. DHR Health is a full service health system that offers some of the most comprehensive and advanced healthcare services in South Texas with 5 hospitals, 60+ outpatient locations, a Level I trauma center, a transplant center, a Level IV maternal hospital, and over 700 practicing physicians in over 70 specialties and sub-specialties. As one of the founding members of DHR Health, Dr. Cardenas takes pride in helping establish a healthcare system that has transformed access to advanced medical care in South 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 is a non-profit organization headquartered in the nation’s capital and has been a driving force in key impact areas for physician-led hospitals such as DHR Health and others throughout the United States. These hospitals provide care for economically disadvantaged populations, engage in medical research, offer education, and advocate for policy reforms. Physician-led hospitals have been at the forefront of these efforts, and Dr. Cardenas’ leadership will continue to drive the organization’s mission forward.
“Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Cardenas is an incredible advocate for all patients. He has dedicated countless hours to volunteer advocacy efforts, including serving as president of the Texas Medical Association and remaining an active member of his community.”
| There are many advantages to physician-owned hospitals, such as DHR Health. They are known for delivering the highest level of care due to the unique patient-physician partnership. Key features of physician-owned hospitals also include: |
| • Personalized, patient-centered care |
| • Medical decision-making and innovation without layers of corporate bureaucracy |
| • Higher patient satisfaction rates |
| • Lower infection and complication rates |
| • More efficient and effective treatment, as physicians are empowered to make decisions based on patient needs rather than administrative governance |
| • Lower admission rates |
| • Stronger physician engagement with patients |
For more information about PHA and its mission, visit https://physiciansled.com.
