Laredo Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Norma Villarreal as Chief Medical Officer
8/20/2025
Laredo Medical Center is proud to announce the appointment of Norma A. Villarreal, M.D., MPH, as its new chief medical officer (CMO), effective August 18. A Laredo native with a distinguished career in clinical care, medical leadership, military service, and public health, Dr. Villarreal brings a deep commitment to equity, excellence, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Villarreal steps into the role with extensive experience in both civilian and military healthcare systems. Most recently, she served as chief of medicine for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), where she led high-performing clinical teams and championed a culture of compassion, safety, and innovation.
"Dr. Villarreal’s leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy and collaboration, with a clear focus on advancing quality and outcomes," said Jorge Leal, FACHE, CEO of Laredo Medical Center. "Her strong ties to the community and her proven track record in both policy and practice make her an exceptional fit for this important role."
A graduate of Raymond & Tirza Martin High School and Texas A&M International University, Dr. Villarreal earned her medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health from New York Medical College, with a focus in health policy and management. She completed her residency in family medicine at Ventura County Medical Center and has received training in aerospace and occupational medicine, faculty development, and military readiness.
Her service as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force reflects her dedication to duty and her ability to provide care in high-demand, mission-critical environments. Throughout her career, Dr. Villarreal has also mentored future physicians from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, and Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.
“I am deeply honored to return to my hometown in this role,” said Dr. Villarreal. “Laredo is where my story began, and I am committed to giving back to the community that gave me so much. My mission is to support our care teams, strengthen our systems, and ensure that every patient receives not only quality medical care, but is treated with dignity and respect.”
Dr. Villarreal’s appointment reflects Laredo Medical Center’s ongoing investment in clinical leadership that mirrors the values and needs of the community. As CMO, she will lead efforts to enhance care coordination, enhance safety standards, and drive continuous improvement across the hospital’s clinical departments.
“We are excited about the future with Dr. Villarreal as part of our executive team,” said Leal. “Her vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to serving Laredo with compassion, integrity, and medical excellence.”
For more information, contact the Laredo Medical Center marketing office at (956) 796-3223.
Back