Stephanie McDonald
Chief Infrastructure OfficerCentral HealthMcDonald joined Central Health in 2015 as the Chief of Staff reporting to the CEO. Prior to that, she was the vice president of public policy for the Austin Chamber of Commerce. She also served as executive director of the nonprofit Waller Creek Conservancy and as an aide to former Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole.
A strategic communication and public policy professional with experience in both the private and public sectors clients, Stephanie is a graduate of Austin College in Sherman Texas and completed graduate coursework at The University of Texas Moody College of Communication.
In 2011, she was the recipient of the Heywood C. Clemons Award for service to Austin College.
E20 – Research‑Informed Design for Equitable, High‑Performance Clinics
As outpatient and ambulatory care continues to expand, public and safety-net clinics face growing pressure to deliver efficient, dignified, and equita…As outpatient and ambulatory care continues to expand, public and safety-net clinics face growing pressure to deliver efficient, dignified, and equitable care within constrained footprints and evolving service models. These challenges are particularl…As outpatient and ambulatory care continues to expand, public and safety-net clinics face growing pressure to deliver efficient, dignified, and equitable care within constrained footprints and evolving service models. These challenges are particularly acute in regions such as Central Texas, where rapid population growth and persistent healthcare disparities place significant demands on federally qualified public health facilities. Yet many outpat…As outpatient and ambulatory care continues to expand, public and safety-net clinics face growing pressure to deliver efficient, dignified, and equitable care within constrained footprints and evolving service models. These challenges are particularly acute in regions such as Central Texas, where rapid population growth and persistent healthcare disparities place significant demands on federally qualified public health facilities. Yet many outpatient environments remain designed around assumptions of use rather than evidence of actual behavior. This session presents a research-informed approach to outpatient clinic design and illustrates how empirical findings informed the Hancock project, a large federally qualified public health facility addressing critical access gaps in Central Texas. The underlying study evaluated the real-world performance of outpatient clinic environments across four facilities within a single healthcare system using a mixed-methods approach. Observational studies, staff and patient feedback, and targeted statistical analysis were used to examine patient movement, waiting behavior, staff workflow, and perceptions of privacy, comfort, and efficiency. Findings were synthesized to identify recurring spatial and operational challenges common to high-volume outpatient settings. Results revealed consistent misalignment between design intent and use. Corridors frequently functioned as waiting areas, activity clustered near check-in and laboratory zones, and patients experienced repeated movement between exam rooms, scales, and waiting spaces—contributing to congestion, privacy risks, and inefficiencies. Key predictors of improved patient and companion experience included noninstitutional character, acoustic quality, and appropriately sized waiting areas. Reduced staff travel distances, privacy at workstations, and adequate staff workspace were strongly associated with perceived care efficiency.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
