Name: Elizabeth Palacios, M.D.
Hospital/Health System you serve: Parkland Health
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
Occupation: Retired M.D.
Family: Married, two daughters, three grandchildren
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, working out, spending time with family and friends
As a Board Member
What has been most rewarding during your board service? Learning about the vast scope of Parkland Health and knowing I had a small part in all the great service provided.
What has been the most challenging issue for your board? Moving from the in-person board meeting to Webex meetings during COVID restrictions.
What has been the biggest surprise during your board service? Again, COVID.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a board member? The importance of institutional memory
What are your board’s priority areas for 2022? Enhancing mental health services has been a top issue for a few years and continues to be, and continuing our journey to become a High Reliability Organization. As a board we have been working hard on our own engagement and performance and I believe we all prioritize that.
Why did you choose to become a Certified Healthcare Trustee? I was encouraged and inspired by Dr. Winfred Parnell.
About Me
My background: Originally from northeastern Ohio, I moved to Texas after a term in the USAF. Post discharge, I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio before going to medical school in Galveston. After my internal medicine residency in Jacksonville was completed, I returned to Texas and settled into private practice in east Dallas.
My childhood ambition: To travel the world. Might still happen!
My favorite person: This could get me in trouble!
Last place I traveled: Beavers Bend, Oklahoma
What are you currently reading? I just finished The Anomaly by Herve le Tellier and would recommend it. Bangkok Wakes To Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthad is also excellent.
My favorite place in Texas: Big Bend