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Cynthia Linkes

Contact

210-567-5885

linkes@uthscsa.edu

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

Assistant Professor/Clinical

Versatile health care senior leader and experienced clinician 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. A diplomatic professional who improves systems and is committed to student and employee welfare. Displays strong interpersonal skills and successfully collaborates with people from diverse backgrounds. Displays a 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 
    • Case Management Society of America

    Honors and Awards

    • 2022, 2021, Best 25 Nurses of South-Central Texas (nomination) 
    • 2021, San Antonio Psychiatric Nurses Association Impact Award: Leadership and Management 
    • 2021, Quality Matters: Awarded QM Rubric Badge 
    • 2021, Apple Teacher: Awarded Apple Teacher Badge 

     

    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

    • 2022, NURS 7307 DNP Dissemination, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
    • 2019 - 2022, NURS 7302 Theoretical Foundations for Leadership in Complex Adaptive Systems, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
    • 2021, NURS 7313 DNP Project Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
    • 2021, NURS 7306 DNP Project, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
    • 2021, NURS 7305 DNP Project: Seminar , UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
    • 2021, NURS 7312 DNP Project: Seminar , UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
    • 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

    • 2021 – 2022 Annette Dozal, DNP student, Committee Chair 
    • 2021 Sylvia Vargas, DNP Student, Committee Chair 
    • 2021 Yu-Ting Wang, DNP Student, Committee Chair 
    • 2020-2021, Theresa Fanasch, MSN-GNP candidate, psychiatric mental health assessments and care planning  

     

     

    Institutional

    • 2022-2024, UT Health SA, School of Nursing Holistic Admissions Committee / Chair  
    • 2022, UT Health SA Online facilitator (15th Annual Community Service-Learning Conference "Unseen and Unheard: Meeting the Needs of Displaced Youth")  
    • 2021-2023, UT Health SA, School of Nursing Bylaws Committee / Member 
    • 2021, UT Health SA, School of Nursing Poverty Simulation Volunteer 
    • 2021-2022, UT Health SA, School of Nursing BSN Applicant Reviewer  
    • 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) 

    • 2021 – present, San Antonio Psychiatric Nurses Association 
    • 2019 – present, Sigma Theta Tau International-Delta Alpha Chapter (2021-2023 Officer – Leadership Succession Committee) 
    • 2017 – present,  American Nurses Association/Texas Nurses Association  
    • 2010 – present, Case Management Society of America 
    • 1994-present, National Association for Healthcare Quality 
    • 1988 – present, Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses 
    • 1986 – present, TEXAS EXES (University of Texas Alumni Association) 
    • 1985 - present, Reserve Officer Association 

     

    National

    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

    • 2022, Grief Share Leader Concordia (leading community mental health groups) 
    • 2020-present, Mentor, American Corporate Partners Veteran Mentoring   
    • 2015-present Stephen Leader Concordia Church and School (provide leadership services for San Antonio community) 
    • 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 - 2022, UT Health Wellness 360, Collaborate in the provision of administrative services.