Distinguished Alumni

Trent Carter is a visionary leader in the field of addiction treatment and a dedicated entrepreneur. As a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Trent has revolutionized addiction recovery using his extensive clinical expertise. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing with honors from the University of Cincinnati and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Recognized as “Top Nurse Practitioner in New Mexico,” Trent is also an Albuquerque Business First’s 40 Under 40 award honoree.

In 2021, Trent founded Renew Health in southeast New Mexico, dedicated solely to addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. This clinic has gained community recognition and media attention for its innovative approach. Building on this success, Trent opened a second facility and is actively working to expand further, aiming to increase access to quality addiction treatment across the region. In 2022, he launched Curednation, a telehealth company extending accessible addiction treatment nationwide, allowing patients to recover in the privacy of their homes.

Driven by a mission to destigmatize addiction and enhance the availability of high-quality care, Trent’s initiatives have significantly improved treatment access and patient outcomes across the nation. He is committed to integrating advanced practices and expanding patient support networks to revolutionize addiction care further.

An advocate for community involvement and professional development, Trent is a recognized thought leader, contributing to public health discussions and recovery strategies. His leadership and commitment to healing have established him as a pivotal figure in transforming the addiction treatment landscape.

Dr. Dass is the Policy Lead at GeneConvene Global Collaborative at the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health working to assist scientific and regulatory capacity building in African countries determining the feasibility of using genetically modified (GM) and/or gene drive mosquitoes for malaria control or elimination within their independent regulatory framework. They bring expertise gained at the US Food and Drug Administration working as a master reviewer on the review, approval, and regulation of GM animals especially investigational GM insect products (bees and mosquitoes). They have provided expert advice and guidance on a variety of topics related to the policy, regulation, and risk assessment of GM insects especially mosquitos that spread human diseases such as Zika and Dengue, both within FDA as well as across US federal agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholder groups including the public. They have represented the US FDA on various task forces related to the Zika health emergency both at the national and international level. Additionally, they also represented the US government as an expert on an International Ad Hoc Expert Group organized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for the preparation of the biology document on Aedes aegypti. Current work involves providing expertise in all these areas to those developing or regulating GMO insects particularly GM mosquitoes including those with engineered gene drives. Dr Dass has served on the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Ad hoc technical expert group for Risk Assessment in 2020 and 2023/24.

Dr. McCarrell is a 2009 graduate of the TTUHSC School of Pharmacy and he completed a PGY-1&2 Pharmacotherapy Residency at TTUHSC in 2011.  After residency, Dr. McCarrell joined the faculty at TTUHSC in the geriatrics department, earning his dual board certification as a pharmacotherapy specialist and geriatric pharmacist.  He dedicated the next decade of his career to passionately teaching future pharmacists, winning several awards including Preceptor of the Year and Faculty of the Year.  He organized and chaperoned multiple medical mission trips to South America with the students of TTUHSC and served as faculty advisor for FIMRC, Faculty Secretary, as well as many other influential positions.  During his years at TTUHSC, Dr. McCarrell practiced in a PACE facility, serving as the sole provider of pharmacy services to vulnerable older adults in the program.  His practice focused on disease state management, geriatric psychiatry, and pharmacotherapy optimization.  
In the early stages of COVID, Dr. McCarrell had the opportunity to serve his community in hospital leadership and transitioned into private practice.  His leadership led to the sole source of monoclonal antibody administration in the Texas Panhandle and expanded immunization efforts as well.  He is blessed to work with an amazing team of pharmacists and technicians at BSA Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, where he and his team strive to lead the profession in innovation and clinical practice.  Dr. McCarrell is also very fortunate to have the love and support of his wife Kristin, and two children, Lincoln and Ivy.

Randy Martin, PharmD, MHA, BCSCP, CPPS, FASHP is clinical pharmacy manager at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, an 860-bed community teaching hospital.  In his role, Dr. Martin leads the clinical pharmacy program at Harris Methodist, including critical care, emergency medicine, acute care, and academic medicine teams. In addition, he provides oversight for an expanding pharmacy residency and student academic program. Dr. Martin holds a faculty appointment as an Associate Professor of Medical Education at Texas Christian University. He is nationally recognized as an expert in medication safety and has been consulted on numerous high profile medication error cases across the country.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Martin served as Director of Pharmacy, Innovation, and Ambulatory Clinics at Texas Health Harris Methodist Alliance Hospital and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Dr. Martin has dedicated his career to professional service. He currently serves as a commissioned member of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.  He is a former President of the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists and previously served on the Texas Pharmacy Congress and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists House of Delegates. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and a past recipient of Texas Society of Health System Pharmacists' Innovative Collaborative Practice Award and Larry P. Nesmith Pharmacist Recognition Award.

Outside of practice and service, he enjoys traveling and outdoor fun with his wife, Lindsey.

Christine Lucio began her career as a Clinical Social Worker, conducting medical and mental health services with clients of all ages. She worked across the United States in rural communities, hospitals, behavioral health clinics, and military installations. As a social worker, she helped open the first long-term care facility in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Alaska. 

Christine later shifted her focus towards upstream solutions by attending Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Master of Public Health program at the Abilene campus where she was selected for the Outstanding Public Health Student Award. After graduation, she joined the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District as the Assistant Director of Public Health. Christine promoted health knowledge through developing policy, programs, and marketing materials. During her tenure she proudly served as a key member of the COVID-19 Pandemic response team. She managed 4 obesity and chronic disease prevention grants, served as deputy incident commander for flu PODs, and facilitated the development of a healthy vending policy for the City of Abilene. Beyond serving her community, Christine believes in mentoring the next generation of professionals and has acted as a field educator and mentor for students completing their MSW or MPH. 

After 5 years of service, Christine transitioned into her current role as a Public Health Analyst in the Division of Diabetes Translation at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She resides in Bulverde, Texas with her husband, Zach, and their two daughters, Kylie and Ava.

Dr. Lidia Fonseca is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities and has served as the Director of Programs at the Valley Association for Independent Living in South Texas for over 12 years. With a career deeply rooted in rehabilitation services, Dr. Fonseca has made significant strides in promoting independence and improving the quality of life for those she serves.

Her academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in Rehabilitative Services from the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA). She further honed her expertise with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), and she attained her doctorate in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

Beyond her administrative and programmatic responsibilities, Dr. Fonseca is passionate about shaping the future of rehabilitation counseling. She has supervised countless interns, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation of rehabilitation counselors ensures that her legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to thrive.

Dr. Fonseca received the 2023 Governor's Award from the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities for her dedication in creating employment opportunities for Texans with disabilities. She also earned the 2024 Community Partner Award from UTRGV for creating and implementing a successful internship program.

Dr. Fonseca's work is not just a profession but a vocation, reflecting her unwavering commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities and empowering them to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

Peyton LaBauve is a passionate healthcare business professional with broad-spectrum leadership experience spanning both acute and post-acute settings. His healthcare journey began in 2012 as a combat medic in the United States Air Force Reserve, setting the foundation for a career dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Peyton is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), a Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP), and a Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator (LNFA). As the administrator of an 80-bed skilled facility, he leveraged evidence-based interventions to elevate his facility's quality rating despite pandemic challenges. Post-pandemic, his tenure with the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute saw the successful revival of a 32-bed specialty facility while maintaining flawless regulatory compliance. 

Peyton serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he was honored as the 2023 Outstanding Faculty of the Year for the Department of Healthcare Management and Leadership.

Peyton is also passionate about innovation. Beyond his work with Texas Tech, Peyton is currently dedicating himself to advanced studies in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including coursework at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. He is deeply engaged in exploring the transformative potential of these technologies in healthcare.

In 2024, Peyton was recognized as one of Galveston's "40 Under 40", which honors individuals across industries for their personal and professional success and community commitment. Peyton now resides in Dallas with his wife, Dr. Ellen LaBauve, a local OBGYN, and their daughter, Mia, who they welcomed in September.

PA Eric Martinez graduated from the Texas Tech PA Program in 2011. During his time at TTUHSC, he learned the importance of advocacy and has dedicated his career to advocating for his patients and the PA profession. Eric works at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Houston and serves as the director of the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship. Eric is an Assistant Professor at BCM and is instrumental in training PA students who rotate through the ER. 

Eric served many volunteer roles in the Texas Academy of PAs, including Student Affairs and Legislative Affairs Committee Chairs, Director at Large, Delegate to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates, and as President (2019-2020). He was instrumental in helping with legislative efforts to remove barriers to PA practice and increase access to care, especially in rural settings. 

Currently, Eric serves as a Director at Large on the AAPA Board of Directors, advocating for patients and PAs on the national level. In recognition of his service to the PA Profession, he was inducted into the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Pi Alpha Honors Society in 2019. In 2023, BCM awarded him the Carl Fasser Visionary Leadership Award for his service to BCM and the community. 

Eric, his wife (also a PA!), and their young family live in Houston. Eric is co-founder and COO of the Kaiden Paul Foundation.

Troy Hounshell graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in 2000 with a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree and went on to complete his Doctor of Science (ScD) in Physical Therapy from TTUHSC in 2005. Troy co-owned Physical Therapy Associates, LP until 2008, when he transitioned to managing Rehab and Wellness Consulting alongside his wife, Denay—also a TTUHSC alumna and physical therapist. Under their leadership, Rehab and Wellness Consulting became one of the largest contract home health therapy companies in Lubbock, a position it held until selling it in 2015.

In 2015, Troy founded Hounshell Enterprises, Inc., where he served as a therapy consultant and contractor, providing care throughout West Texas. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, particularly as Troy and Denay's son, AJ, was diagnosed with leukemia just months before the pandemic began. This development, along with supporting their daughter Ava throughout high school, proved quite the challenge. Despite these situations, they launched Texas Therapy Pros in October 2020, offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy services across three skilled nursing facilities in the Texas Panhandle. Their business rapidly expanded, and within a year, they added home health services. Today, Troy leads a team of over 50 therapists who provide comprehensive care across six skilled nursing facilities and home health settings, continuing his mission to enhance patient outcomes across the region.

Amanda Chiao is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Pediatrics and Vestibular Laboratory at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) El Paso. After time in the Midwest, Dr. Chiao relocated back to her hometown of El Paso, Texas to serve her community and pursue a research program of diversity, inclusion, and equity by focusing on vulnerable patient populations and community-based needs. Her research is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and she has received nearly $3 million in federal and internal funding to study the implications of substance misuse and ototoxicity. Dr. Chiao is also the senior pediatric audiologist at El Paso Children’s Hospital where she and her husband, Dr. Jonathan Chiao started the first Pediatric Audiology and Otolaryngology programs in the region.  Her nationally recognized clinical expertise includes vestibular testing in infants and children, and concussion. Since the fruition in 2023, El Paso Children’s has provided over 50 pediatric hearings in children as young as 1 month, implanted over 22 cochlear implants in children as young as 6 months, and the only program within 350-miles offering complete pediatric auditory and vestibular testing and rehabilitation. 

Dr. Chiao first received her Doctor of Audiology and Philosophy from TTUHSC where she aspired to be a clinician-scientist. Following, she completed an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at Boys Town National Research Hospital. Now back home, Dr. Chiao is able to live our her dream of serving children and being a leading researcher in the same community that raised her.

Texas Tech for undergraduate degree, medical school and residency
Fellowship in Orthopaedic trauma at the University of Florida
ABOS Board certified in Orthopaedics
Adjunct faculty for TTUHSC residency

Dr. Acevedo graduated from the TTUHSC School of Medicine in 2005 and then entered active duty in service in the United States Army.  He completed his General Surgery Internship and Residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2010.  He then served as Officer-in-charge of the combined Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology clinic at Fort Sill, Oklahoma from 2010-2014, as well as Assistant Chief of the Department of Surgery.   In 2014, he was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Major and settled in Abilene, Texas.  He has since served as Department of Surgery Chief at Abilene Regional Medical Center as well as on the Medical Executive Committee of Hendrick Medical Center.  Dr. Acevedo completed his Executive Masters in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2019 and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.  Dr. Acevedo is a graduate of the Texas Medical Association Leadership College as well as the Privia Clinical Leadership Program.  He has served on multiple committees and counsels in the Texas Medical Association and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.  He currently is in private practice in Abilene, Texas where he serves as President-Elect of West Texas Health, as well as on the boards of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center and the TTUHSC National Advisory Board.  He has three children- Isaac (16), Luke (15) and Elizabeth (7).

Robert J Gaines, M.D. is a graduate of Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, class of 2000.  He completed his orthopedic surgery residency as an officer in the U.S. Navy at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and his trauma fellowship at the Florida Orthopedic Institute in Tampa. During his time in the U.S. Navy, he achieved the rank of Commander and was awarded multiple military commendation medals for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan during operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Kandjar. In 2011, Rob was featured in his role as a Navy orthopedic surgeon in an academy-award-nominated military documentary, Hell and Back Again. Since his return to Lubbock, he has been recognized as Top Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon in 2020 and 2021.  Additional awards include Clinical Teacher of the year for the Covenant Campus for Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and Teacher of the Year for Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. He has also received both the Justice Award and the Excellence Award from Covenant Health Systems. He has previously served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and is currently the Chairman of Surgery for Covenant Hospital.

Trent Carter is a visionary leader in the field of addiction treatment and a dedicated entrepreneur. As a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Trent has revolutionized addiction recovery using his extensive clinical expertise. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing with honors from the University of Cincinnati and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Recognized as “Top Nurse Practitioner in New Mexico,” Trent is also an Albuquerque Business First’s 40 Under 40 award honoree.

In 2021, Trent founded Renew Health in southeast New Mexico, dedicated solely to addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. This clinic has gained community recognition and media attention for its innovative approach. Building on this success, Trent opened a second facility and is actively working to expand further, aiming to increase access to quality addiction treatment across the region. In 2022, he launched Curednation, a telehealth company extending accessible addiction treatment nationwide, allowing patients to recover in the privacy of their homes.

Driven by a mission to destigmatize addiction and enhance the availability of high-quality care, Trent’s initiatives have significantly improved treatment access and patient outcomes across the nation. He is committed to integrating advanced practices and expanding patient support networks to revolutionize addiction care further.

An advocate for community involvement and professional development, Trent is a recognized thought leader, contributing to public health discussions and recovery strategies. His leadership and commitment to healing have established him as a pivotal figure in transforming the addiction treatment landscape.

Alejandro J. Lopez is a registered nurse with 10 years of experience in a variety of areas. Alejandro has spent most of his career as a critical care and hospice nurse. He is proudly offering his vast knowledge and expertise through his consulting company- Journey Vitality Consult. His mission is to support and teach other pediatric programs to meet the needs of such a special community. Alejandro himself is determined to educate and grow both geriatric and pediatric hospice programs across the United States to ensure that all ages have access to the special care, love, and compassion that each unique journey deserves. Along with supporting hospice programs- his extensive background in critical care, LTAC, med surg, telemetry, and home health allows him to also offer consulting services in these areas.
Alejandro began his leadership roles as a charge nurse in multiple ICUs moving into a nursing supervisor/AOD role and finally being promoted to director of nursing. Alejandro has the following certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, CHPN AND CHPPN. He is currently attending Purdue University to achieve his dual degrees: Masters in Nursing Administration and Masters in Business Administration. Alejandro plans to pursue his PhD in Hospice and Palliative care.

Dr. Kit Bredimus is the Chief Nursing Officer at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas. Dr. Bredimus is a nationally recognized nurse leader through his various presentations, podcasts, and publications. Dr. Bredimus was named a Texas Nurses Association’s 2020 “Year of the Nurse” Award winner for his advocacy work during the COVID pandemic. Nationally, Kit is a Modern Healthcare Rising Star in Nursing Award winner, an American Organization for Nursing Leadership Early Careerist Award winner, a Becker’s Hospital Review “Rising Star in Healthcare” and “CNO to Know”, Runner-Up for Nursing Management’s Visionary Leader Award, and a University of Texas Medical Branch Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. Dr. Bredimus earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. Dr. Bredimus currently serves on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations, including the Texas Nurses Association, the Texas Nurses Foundation, and the Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership. Dr. Bredimus is a credentialed Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and the National Academies of Practice in Nursing. 

Dr. Bredimus is married to his high school sweetheart, Heather, and they have four children. He is active in his community, volunteering with several local non-profit organizations focusing on helping children, especially in the child welfare system. Dr. Bredimus is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for CASA of West Texas, where he received the 2023 Dedicated and Devoted Volunteer Award for his advocacy work.