Healthcare Safety Leadership: Kristin Duncan’s Impact at Texas Health Resources

At Texas Health Resources (THR), healthcare safety is not just a mission—it’s a daily commitment. This dedication is exemplified by leaders like Kristin Duncan, whose passion for improving patient outcomes and fostering collaboration drives meaningful change across the organization. Kristin is the Sr. Director of Patient Safety and Risk Management at Texas Health Resources, and a member of the Beterra Advisory Council.

Kristin’s journey into healthcare safety began during her time as a Trauma ICU nurse, where she facilitated her department’s Performance Improvement (PI) council. “I was introduced to the opportunity to improve patient outcomes and provide care that is safe and effective,” she shares. This experience inspired her to pursue a career focused on advancing safety and quality in healthcare.

Driving Healthcare Safety Through Strategy and Innovation

Healthcare today is more complex than ever, presenting challenges like systemic disparities, care access issues, and the fast-paced nature of clinical environments. Kristin recognizes these hurdles and is committed to addressing them head-on. “Creating a culture of safety requires fostering psychological safety and encouraging the reporting of safety events,” she explains.

At THR, Kristin has been instrumental in embedding High-Reliability Organization (HRO) principles to reduce serious safety events. By engaging care teams, identifying actionable opportunities, and consistently measuring performance, THR continues to make significant strides toward achieving zero preventable harm.

Kristin is also excited about how innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and natural language processing tools are transforming patient care, helping providers make data-driven decisions and improve outcomes.

Leadership in Healthcare Safety: Combining Heart and Vision

Kristin’s approach to leadership combines technical expertise with interpersonal skills. “Strong communication, empathy, attention to detail, and collaborative leadership are essential,” she says. These qualities not only help her build trust but also foster a culture where care teams feel empowered to voice concerns and contribute to safety improvements.

For those new to the field, Kristin emphasizes the importance of mentorship, shared learning, and systems thinking. “Celebrate the wins and let the data do the talking,” she advises. By staying focused on collaboration and continuous improvement, Kristin believes anyone can make a meaningful impact in healthcare safety and quality.

Kristin’s Scientific Passion Beyond Work

When she’s not driving change at THR, Kristin enjoys baking—a hobby that reflects her fascination with science. “I love to bake because it combines chemistry, biology, and physics,” she explains. “It’s a metaphor for life: learn from the process and adjust along the way.” This curiosity and precision are traits she brings to both her professional and personal life.

Leadership that Inspires Change

Kristin Duncan’s work at Texas Health Resources underscores the importance of visionary leadership in healthcare safety and quality. Her ability to combine strategic thinking with empathy has helped THR achieve tangible improvements in patient outcomes. As healthcare evolves, Kristin’s commitment to innovation and collaboration will undoubtedly continue to make an impact.

This post is the first of Beterra’s ongoing series highlighting exceptional leaders in healthcare safety and quality. Stay tuned for our next story!