You can't recruit your way to a healthy hospital. Stephen Bowerman has said it for years: it's hard to convince a nurse in Dallas or Austin to move to West Texas, so Midland has to grow its own. In this episode he sits down with the two people who make that possible, Dr. Sandra Woodley, president of The University of Texas Permian Basin, and Dr. Damon Kennedy, president of Midland College.They walk through the full pipeline, from dual credit high schoolers earning CNA, EKG tech and phlebotomy certifications, to associate degree nursing, sonography and respiratory care, to UTPB's 1,500 health science students and the roughly 400 in master's programs feeding the new Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center. Both institutions posted 100% NCLEX pass rates. Both are rebuilding their program lineups around what the region actually needs now: occupational health, physical therapy, speech therapy, lab tech training.The conversation also goes well past health care, into AI as a force multiplier instead of a job killer, child care as workforce infrastructure, a $20 million Scharbauer Foundation gift toward a $77 million construction project, record enrollment, and the quality-of-place investments (trails, an outdoor amphitheater, a central park) that decide whether young families stay. Stephen closes with the hard number driving all of it: Midland Health turns away about 80% of transfer requests from the region, and a 10-year market study projects a need for 145 more beds, more operating rooms, and about 75 additional providers.Chapters:0:00 Welcome, and why your comments matter0:43 Two guests who feed the entire Permian Basin workforce1:34 Dr. Sandra Woodley: 30 years in higher ed, 9 at UTPB2:07 Dr. Damon Kennedy: from Midland College student to president3:02 Why this episode is about health sciences3:25 Midland College: dual credit, CNA, EKG tech, phlebotomy4:06 Nursing, sonography, respiratory care, and a new behavioral health program5:01 Hiring local: phlebotomists and rad techs on day one5:54 UTPB health sciences: nursing, pre-med, counseling6:28 100% NCLEX, and rebuilding 85 degree programs6:56 The programs the Permian Basin still doesn't have8:03 400 students in the behavioral health pipeline8:21 How the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center got staffed9:10 It takes a village: career services and internships11:11 C3: talking to students and families early11:56 Seeing your own students at work in the ER12:25 Medical Explorers: 65 kids inside the hospital this summer14:39 Paying for college: Falcon Free and hospital scholarships15:51 What oil field executives said they actually need16:29 Beyond health sciences: IT, police, administration16:53 PSP and the infrastructure play18:05 AI, micro-credentials, and the force multiplier20:38 Child care as workforce infrastructure22:00 Brag session: UTPB engineering, business, and football24:55 Midland College athletics and the JUCO World Series run27:02 Mariachi, the arts, and being a community asset28:03 A $20 million gift and a $77 million construction plan30:38 Predictions for a growing Permian Basin31:56 Quality of place: trails, amphitheater, central park35:07 Kennedy's commitment: be the premier partner36:27 Midland Health's build, and 80% of transfers turned away37:49 145 more beds in 10 years38:46 Closing thanks

ER really works: when it's the right place for care, when urgent care or a primary care doctor is the smarter (and far cheaper) call, and why the patient who arrived after you sometimes gets seen first.Dana also breaks down 688-NURSE, Midland Health's free 24/7 nurse triage line, and the hospital's 20-year SANE program for survivors of sexual assault. The conversation closes with an honest look at the pressures ER teams face — from rising workplace violence to responding to a recent mass shooting in our community — and a simple ask: be kind, and thank a nurse.In this episode:What actually belongs in the ER — and what doesn'tThe real cost difference between the ER, urgent care, and your primary care doctor688-NURSE: a free, 24/7 nurse-led phone line that tells you where to goInside the SANE program — six certified nurses, 20+ years, and why it matters for justiceHow ER triage works, and why "first come, first served" doesn't applyThe numbers behind the wait: 70,000+ ER visits a year in MidlandWhy treatment chairs and new flow changes are getting patients seen fasterThe reality of workplace violence against nursesHow the team responded when crisis hit our communityNot sure where to go? Call 688-NURSE — free, 24/7, from a Midland Health nurse.Learn more about Midland Health: https://www.midlandhealth.orgIf this was helpful, please subscribe — it tells us you want more conversations like this. Have a topic or guest you'd like to hear from? Drop it in the comments.Chapters:0:00 Welcome & why we need your subscription1:05 Meet Dana Taylor, Emergency Department Director5:51 Inside the SANE program (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)9:22 When the ER is the right place for care11:45 ER vs. urgent care — and the cost gap14:19 688-NURSE: the free 24/7 nurse line17:07 ER vs. urgent care vs. primary care, explained20:05 Why everyone needs a primary care doctor22:54 How to decide where to go in a crisis28:20 How ER triage really works (acuity, not first-come)30:59 The numbers behind ER wait times & flow changes42:10 The reality of workplace violence in the ER45:45 When crisis hit: the team's response to a community tragedy50:05 Closing: be kind, and thank a nurse

What actually happens behind the scenes to keep a hospital infection-free? In this episode of Healthcare That Makes You Proud, Stephen Bowerman sits down with Val Sparks, who has spent 42 years at Midland Memorial Hospital — the last 34 leading infection prevention and control.Val walks through the alphabet soup of hospital-acquired infections — CLABSI, CAUTI, MRSA, C. diff — and explains in plain terms what each one is, how it happens, and what her team does every single day to prevent it. From central line rounds and antimicrobial glue to UV-light disinfection and a housekeeping team that's part of the front line, this episode pulls back the curtain on the systems, protocols, and culture behind Midland Memorial's "zero infections" goal.The conversation also covers the hospital's DNV accreditation (including a sterile processing department that's the only one of its kind west of I-35 in Texas), what happens when an infection does occur, and how the team responds to hot-button public health topics like measles and Legionella. Val closes with the one habit she wishes everyone would adopt — and it costs nothing.It's an honest, detailed look at the people and processes working around the clock so patients and families can trust the care they receive at Midland Memorial.Chapters0:00 — Introduction & Channel Update1:07 — Welcome Val Sparks: 42 Years at Midland Memorial4:49 — Mandatory State & CMS Infection Reporting5:52 — CLABSI & CAUTI Explained8:20 — Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia & "Sedation Vacations"8:51 — MRSA: What It Is and How It Spreads9:36 — C. Diff Explained11:11 — Surgical Site Infections & DNV Accreditation14:36 — Sterile Processing: Only DNV-Certified Facility West of I-3515:38 — What Does "Hospital-Acquired" Actually Mean?18:12 — The Team Approach to Zero Infections22:04 — Housekeeping, UV Lights & Room Disinfection24:07 — The Wins: Falling Infection Rates26:22 — Reducing Central Line Infections28:38 — When an Infection Happens: Root Cause Analysis32:45 — Legionella & Measles: Today's Hot Topics38:38 — Val's #1 Tip: Hand Hygiene40:24 — Closing Thoughts: A Healthier Community

Dr. Summer Merritt, Chief of Staff at Midland Memorial Hospital and founder of Four Seasons Health and Wellness, joins Steve for a candid conversation about practicing medicine in Midland for nearly 18 years. From concierge medicine to robotic surgery, physician recruiting challenges to what makes Midland's medical staff truly unique — this is an honest look at community healthcare in West Texas.Dr. Merritt shares why she came to Midland for three years and never left, what it means to practice "old fashioned medicine" in the 21st century, and why the collegial relationships between physicians here are something you won't find in bigger cities.Subscribe to the Midland Health Podcast for conversations with the people shaping healthcare in the Permian Basin.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:04 Meet Dr. Summer Merritt03:30 Dr. Merritt in her own words — how she ended up in Midland05:20 The small town feel at Midland Memorial Hospital06:27 Barbara Duke, Rosalind Grover, and why community matters07:38 18 years of change — primary care and specialist access09:36 Expanding primary care in the Permian Basin11:23 What is concierge medicine?13:22 Changes in technology — EMRs, robotic surgery, and more16:12 Dr. Neil Shaw and the neurology story17:39 The challenge of physician recruiting in Midland22:13 Overcoming myths about Midland Memorial25:07 Telling the hospital's story on social media29:23 Why Midland is a hard sell — and why people stay anyway32:39 The seven minute commute and quality of life35:28 How physicians govern the hospital36:27 The Medical Executive Committee explained37:19 24/7 ICU physician coverage — a game changer38:46 Board certification standards for Midland's medical staff39:37 Physician representation on the board of trustees41:17 Wrapping up — what Dr. Merritt is most proud of41:36 The "phone a friend" culture of Midland's medical staff43:22 The Midland connection — two degrees of separation44:00 Working together in a crisis45:39 World-class credentials, right here in Midland46:20 Rigorous credentialing — why Midland doesn't just let anyone in48:05 Closing thoughts and thank you

Mental health care in West Texas is about to change in a big way.In this episode of the Midland Health Podcast, host Stephen Bowerman sits down with Gran Shinwar, the incoming leader of the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center — a facility designed to expand access to high-quality mental health and substance use care across the region.From inpatient treatment to outpatient programs, pediatric to geriatric care, and even advanced services like ECT, this center is being built to meet a need that’s existed in Midland and the surrounding communities for years.But this conversation goes beyond the building itself.It’s about:Why so many people in West Texas have had to leave the region for careWhat happens when someone is in a mental health crisisHow this facility creates a true “continuum of care”And why seeking help early can change everythingIf you or someone you know is struggling, this episode is a reminder: help is closer than ever — and you don’t have to wait.

Permian Behavioral Health Centerhttps://www.permianbehavioral.org/If an emergency, call 911.Call or text 988, this will allow you to talk to a professional through the 988 national crisis hotline. PermiaCare offers access to a 24/7 hotline if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.Call 1-844-420-3964.68Nurse (686-8773) to assist with providing information on resources available for mental health services to those experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts or ideations. Texas Health and Human Services Mental Health Crisis Services Resources:https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-crisis-services

What if the future of healthcare isn’t just about treating illness—but preventing and even reversing it?In this episode of Healthcare That Makes You Proud, host Stephen Bowerman sits down with Marcy Madrid, Vice President of Community Health at Midland Health, to explore how a shift toward lifestyle medicine and community partnerships is transforming healthcare in West Texas.Marcy shares her deeply personal journey after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis—and how lifestyle changes helped her regain her health and redefine her approach to care.Together, they discuss:- Why 80% of chronic diseases are tied to lifestyle choices- The difference between “sick care” and true healthcare- How Midland Health is working beyond hospital walls- The role of partnerships in building a healthier community- Practical steps anyone can take to improve their health todayThis conversation isn’t just about healthcare systems—it’s about ownership, awareness, and the small decisions that shape long-term outcomes.Learn More & ResourcesMidland Health → https://midlandhealth.orgLifestyle Medicine Program → https://midlandhealth.org/lifestylemedicineHealthy City Initiative → https://ourhealthycity.comCommunity Health Needs Assessment → https://midlandcounty.healthforecast.net/If you find value in these conversations, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from it.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Marcy Madrid02:14 – Marcy’s Role at Midland Health04:34 – The Shift to Community Health07:06 – Lifestyle Medicine & Chronic Disease10:14 – Marcy’s MS Diagnosis Story16:15 – A Radical Lifestyle Change17:30 – Reversing Disease: What Happened Next20:18 – Why This Matters for the Community23:01 – Key Partnerships in Midland26:25 – Community Health Needs & Priorities31:36 – The “Kick the Table” Analogy38:09 – Ownership in Personal Health44:31 – Internal Culture at Midland Health45:56 – Practical Steps to Get Healthier50:20 – Final Takeaways

In this episode of Healthcare That Makes You Proud, host Stephen Bowerman sits down with Jenny Delk-Fikes from Midland Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute to talk about one of the most important topics in healthcare — heart health.Jenny shares her journey from starting as a new graduate nurse in 2001 to becoming a leader in cardiovascular services, along with the advanced care available right here in Midland. Together, they break down how the heart works, common cardiovascular conditions, and the wide range of services offered locally — from electrophysiology and structural heart procedures to vascular care and emergency heart attack treatment.They also discuss:• Signs and symptoms of a heart attack• Why “time is muscle” in emergency care• Door-to-balloon response times• Advanced technology available in Midland• Recovery and cardiac rehab• Preventative lifestyle changes to protect heart healthWhether you’re focused on prevention or simply want to better understand the care available in your community, this conversation offers valuable insights into keeping your heart healthy — close to home.Chapters00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome01:05 – Jenny’s Background & Career Path02:15 – How the Heart Works04:16 – Services in the Heart & Vascular Institute05:06 – Electrophysiology & Arrhythmias06:08 – Structural Heart Procedures07:43 – Vascular & Peripheral Care09:08 – Aneurysms Explained10:13 – Common Heart Procedures12:03 – Coronary Artery Disease13:02 – Heart Attack Symptoms14:08 – Emergency Room Response15:00 – Door-to-Balloon Time17:11 – Outcomes & Recognitions18:06 – Case Volume & Services18:54 – Recovery After a Heart Attack20:01 – Lifestyle Medicine & Prevention20:54 – Why Stay Local for Care24:59 – Preventative Heart Health TipsMidland Health is a community-based healthcare system serving Midland and the surrounding region for more than 75 years. Committed to compassionate care, advanced technology, and continued growth, Midland Health provides a wide range of medical services designed to meet the evolving needs of the community.Learn more at https://www.midlandhealth.org

Healthcare That Makes You Proud is a podcast brought to you by Midland Health, created to share the people, stories, and progress shaping healthcare in our community.In this introductory episode, Stephen Bowerman, President & CEO of Midland Health, is joined by Tasa Richardson, Director of Planning, Marketing and Communications, to set the foundation for the series. Together, they discuss why this podcast exists, what it aims to highlight, and how Midland Health continues to grow alongside the community it serves.From a 75-year legacy of care to ongoing expansion, innovation, and community partnership, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to deliver compassionate, high-quality healthcare close to home.Future episodes will be hosted by Stephen Bowerman and will feature conversations with medical professionals, leaders, and team members who are helping move healthcare forward in Midland and the surrounding region.This podcast is for patients, families, employees, and neighbors who want to better understand—and take pride in—the care available right here at home.Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Healthcare That Makes You Proud01:10 – Meet Stephen Bowerman03:45 – Why Midland Health launched this podcast07:30 – A 75-year legacy of care in Midland10:45 – Community support and philanthropy12:40 – What “leading healthcare for greater Midland” means15:00 – More than a hospital: understanding the Midland Health system22:30 – Growth, partnerships, and expanding services29:00 – The master facility plan and campus expansion37:00 – Technology, training, and the future of care43:20 – What “Healthcare That Makes You Proud” really means47:00 – Looking ahead to future episodesMidland Health is a community-based healthcare system serving Midland and the surrounding region for more than 75 years. Committed to compassionate care, advanced technology, and continued growth, Midland Health provides a wide range of medical services designed to meet the evolving needs of the community.Learn more at https://www.midlandhealth.org