Carlos J. Cardenas, MD

Biography

Chairman of the Board and Chief Administrative Officer

Dr. Carlos Cardenas has over 30 years of experience in the field of medicine and healthcare management. He is a founder and chairman of the board and chief administrative officer for DHR Health and sees patients at the DHR Health Gastroenterology Institute. 

Dr. Cardenas played a pivotal role in the establishment of DHR Health. In 2003 he, along with other local physicians and business partners recognized the need for specialty services and came together to serve the health care needs of the Rio Grande Valley. DHR Health treats approximately 683,000* patients annually, employs a workforce of nearly 6,300 and provides an economic impact on the region of over a billion dollars.

Dr. Cardenas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Austin College in Sherman, TX, graduated from medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX and is a recipient of their Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumni award.  He began his career as a resident at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, TX in 1985. Originally from McAllen, Texas, he returned to his community and has been instrumental in providing access to quality healthcare to the residents of the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Cardenas currently serves as President of Physician-Led Healthcare for America for the 2025-2027 term. He believes in serving his profession and his community and has previously held positions as President of the Hidalgo–Starr Medical Society and Chairman of the Board and President for the Texas Medical Association.