Teri Cardenas is an inspiration. Enthusiastic, intelligent and driven, she is a healthcare executive with a positive energy that’s infectious. Cardenas has more than 30 years’ experience in business development, strategy and execution, marketing, physician services and communications. As CEO of Physicians PremiER, her scope includes nine freestanding emergency departments—five locations in Corpus Christi, three in San Antonio and one in Bryan—and four urgent care clinics throughout South Texas.
“I am so humbled and honored to lead such an extraordinary, highly skilled team of ER physicians, nurses, ER techs, rad techs and laboratory and service reps,” said Cardenas. “Physicians PremiER has an innovative mission to deliver concierge, convenient service and high-quality emergency care in a unique model.”
She has spent the majority of her career in senior leadership roles in large healthcare systems, as well as in some entrepreneur startups and privately owned physician ventures. For Cardenas, her work is a calling and a vocation. “I absolutely love working in healthcare. There is no other industry that touches every one of us or a loved one, often at some of the most difficult or uncertain times in our lives.”
Her efforts have been recognized with national awards from Medseek and Thomas Reuters, as well as for CRM leadership at CHRISTUS Health for accountable outcomes in achieving aggressive patient acquisition goals. But for Cardenas, her favorite rewards are the relationships she’s developed. “The biggest honor is having amazing teams through the years grow into their own senior–level roles or start lucrative consulting careers,” said Cardenas. “And we’re still connected to this day; I’m honored when they call me for advice.”
When she isn’t making impacts in our community, she is enjoying the community. “I love boating with my husband, soaking up the sun and walking the National Seashore,” said Cardenas. “I recently had outstanding job offers to move to Florida—and I simply didn’t want to leave Corpus. This is my desired forever home.” When asked what she would tell someone who’s considering moving to the Coastal Bend, she simply replies, “Do it.”
The ripple effect of her work is felt throughout our community, from wellness programs to efforts to increase access to care. She is proud to call the Coastal Bend home, and we are lucky to have her. Teri Cardenas is One to Watch as she continues to lead and facilitate health initiatives, setting into motion effects felt now and for generations to come.
