Cynthia Linkes, DNP, MSN-CNS, RN, CPHQ, CCM

Highly motivated nursing professional, experienced clinician, and versatile health care senior leader with years of experience in a variety of health care setting including inpatient, ambulatory, military, and managed health care. Proven abilities as an administrator and educator to collaborate and lead diverse teams in educational endeavors and process improvement initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Quality improvement (QI) leader and collaborator within managed health care, oncology and psychiatric services, and population health and community wellness. Life-long learner striving to continuously expand understanding of leadership, QI, and mental health practices. Servant leader supporting others, providing resource to help them reach their full potential. Astute organizational professional providing ideation, design, and innovation to promote process improvements to streamline work, increase efficiency, and enhance safe health care practices. Thrives in a challenging, fast-paced work environment effectively managing multiple projects and priorities at the same time. An organized, dedicated, and diplomatic professional who improves working environments and committed to student and employee welfare. Displays strong interpersonal skills and successfully collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. Displays high level of integrity when handling sensitive situations and confidential information. 

• Professional Background

  Education

  • 2019 - Doctor in Nursing Practice - Executive Administrative Management - UTHSCSA
  • 1986 - Master of Science in Nursing - Dual Focus-Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Administration - University of Texas, Austin
  • 1983 - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing - University of Illinois Medical Center

  Highlights

  Licensures and Certifications

  • Registered Nurse (Texas)
  • National Association for HealthCare Quality - CPHQ 
  • Case Management Society of America - CCM  

  Honors and Awards

  • 2013 Who’s Who Among Executives and Professional Women in Nursing and Healthcare  
  • 2013 Meritorious Service Medal: Meritorious Service Medal (3)  
  • 2013 Combat Readiness Medal (8): I received this medal eight times over the time-period of 1985-2013 

  Appointments

  • 2020 - Assistant Professor/Clinical - UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2015 - Adjunct Assistant Professor - UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 1990 - Flight Nurse Instructor and Evaluator - United States Air Force Reserves (USAFR), 433d AES and Individual Mobilization Augmentee to AF Inspector General’s Office and Medical Operations Agency

• Instruction & Training

  • 2021, NURS 4230 Leadership and Management: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2020 - 2021, NURS 3206 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2020 - 2021, NURS 3275 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2020, NURS 7302 Theoretical Foundations for Leadership in Complex Adaptive Systems, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2019, NURS 3206 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2019, NURS 3275 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2018 - 2017, NURS 3206 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2018 -2017, NURS 3275 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing

• Service

  School

  Student Mentees/Trainees

  • 2020-2021, Theresa Fanasch, MSN-GNP candidate, psychiatric mental health assessments and care planning  

   

   

  Institutional

  • 2020 - 2021, UT Health SA, School of Nursing COVID Immunizations 

  Service to the Profession

  • 2020-2021, COVID Call Center, Southwest TX Reg. Advisory Council 
  • 2004, Squadron Commander, USAF - Qatar, Iraq, and Africa 

  Professional Affiliations (memberships) 

  • 2019 – present, Sigma Theta Tau International-Delta Alpha Chapter 
  • 2017 – present, American Nurses Association/Texas Nurses Association  
  • 2010 – present, Case Management Society of America 

  National Service

  Consultations  

  • 2017 - present Texas Nurses Association, Review and provide feedback on policies and scope of practice. 
  • 2013 – 2015 Aetna, Inc. EXL Medical Services, Inc.  (Philippines & India)  
  • 2008 – 2013 United States Air Force, AFIA-Air Force Inspection Agency: Medical Inspector for The Inspector General of the Air Force, and AFMOA-Air Force Medical Operations Agency: enhancement of case management and utilization review programs and processes 

  Community Service

  • 2015 - 2017, Board Member  Heartland Canines for Veterans   
  • 2015 - present, Stephen Leader Concordia Church and School (provide counseling  services for San Antonio community) 
  • 2013 - present,  Stephen Minister Concordia Church and School 

• Publications

  • Marshall, P. & Linkes, C. (1995). Soldier‘s Heart-Hidden Victims: Survivors‘ View of Combat Trauma. Lutherville, MD: The Sidran Press.

  Invited Podium Presentations (i. e. keynotes presentations) 

  • 2019, Implementing Evidence-Based Workplace Wellness Strategies to Increase Employee Health Appraisal Completion Rates, University of Texas School of Nursing, Nursing, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX (Sole Presenter)  

  Peer Reviewed Podium Presentations 

  • 2012, Integrating the Principles of Patient-Centered Care, American College of Healthcare Executives, San Antonio, TX (Panel)  

  Peer Reviewed Poster Presentations 

  • 2021, Implementing Evidence-Based Workplace Wellness Strategies to Increase Employee Participation, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Austin, TX (Poster Presentation) 

• Clinical

  • 2021, UT Health Wellness 360, Collaborate in the provision of administrative services.