50 Most Influential Clinical Executives - 2019

Austin helps drive both process and clinical improvements at the San Antonio-based health system. That includes tapping into Lean management to ensure efficiency through the care process. Under her guidance, the nursing department in 2017 presented quality-improvement ideas to the organization. Austin also helped orchestrate response to the Sutherland Springs church shooting in November 2017 by instituting a new trauma protocol. She also helped lead development of a new stroke tracer program. Her nurses were also instrumental in recovery efforts during Hurricane Harvey that same month.