After eight years guiding physicians, staff, and patients through some of the most challenging moments in the hospital’s recent history, Dr. Joel Hendryx is stepping down from his role as Chief Medical Officer at the University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), closing a chapter defined by resilience, compassion, and steady leadership.
During his time at UMC, Dr. Hendryx helped lead the hospital through several major events that impacted the community, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting on Aug. 3, 2019.
For Dr. Hendryx, the memory of that day remains deeply personal.
“It will always be with us, and everyone has that moment of ‘where were you?’ during that time and ‘how did it affect you?’ Whether it was a loved one, family, Associate, the victims, those that we took care of. Getting to know them and their families was very emotional. Even today, it’s still emotional,” said Dr. Hendryx.
In the days and weeks that followed the tragedy, UMC physicians, nurses, and staff worked tirelessly to care for victims and support families. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hendryx played a key role in guiding clinical teams through those difficult moments.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Hendryx worked closely with physicians, nurses, and hospital leadership to support patient care and clinical operations. In his final months at UMC, he also worked alongside the hospital’s incoming Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Victor Waters, to help ensure a smooth transition.
As he concludes his time at UMC, Dr. Hendryx leaves the hospital during a milestone year. The institution is celebrating its 111th anniversary, marking more than a century of service to the region.
At UMC El Paso, we are grateful for Dr. Hendryx’s dedication over the past eight years and wish him a well-deserved retirement and the very best in the years ahead.
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