Krystha Y. Cantu, MD

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Bringing Expertise and Compassion to Trauma Centers, Dr. Cantu is Committed to Optimizing Patient Outcomes in High-Pressure Environments

Krystha Y. Cantu, MD, a board-eligible general surgeon, has emerged as a pivotal healthcare provider in Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers across Texas and Colorado. With a robust foundation in surgical practice honed through her residency at high-volume trauma centers in the Dallas- Fort Worth metroplex, Dr. Cantu excels in managing complex surgical and trauma cases with both precision and composure.

Dr. Cantu’s extensive training has equipped her to handle acute surgical emergencies efficiently, ranging from trauma laparotomies to emergency hernia repairs and complex laparoscopic surgeries. Her collaborative approach with multidisciplinary trauma teams ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, Dr. Cantu upholds compliance with trauma care protocols while actively contributing to quality improvement initiatives within the facilities she serves.

“Every day in the trauma bay presents unique challenges, and I am dedicated to providing the best possible care for my patients,” Dr. Cantu said. “Working alongside talented teams in various medical centers allows me to adapt to different operational dynamics while striving for excellence in patient outcomes.”

Dr. Cantu began her journey in the medical field at Rice University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in 2013. She continued her education at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, graduating with her Doctor of Medicine in 2017. Her commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her numerous awards, including being named Valedictorian of Oratory Athenaeum High School, a National Merit Scholar, and a National Hispanic Scholar.

As a Locum Physician with Weatherby Healthcare, Dr. Cantu has provided surgical expertise to several medical centers, including Prowers Medical Center in Lamar, Colorado, in 2023-2024, and South Texas Health System in McAllen, Texas, as well as AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen, Texas, in 2024. Her certifications in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), and Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery further attest to her dedication to patient safety and advanced surgical techniques.

Dr. Cantu’s commitment to service extends beyond the operating room. While studying at Rice University, she contributed to Engineers Without Borders, working on projects in El Salvador and Honduras to improve infrastructure and healthcare access in underserved communities. As a medical student at Texas A&M, she participated in a medical mission trip to Peru, providing care to those in need.

In her role as a volunteer at the Health For All Clinic from 2014 to 2015, Dr. Cantu provided essential healthcare services to uninsured patients, demonstrating her dedication to bridging healthcare gaps. Additionally, her involvement in the “Surgeon for a Day” initiative from 2021 to 2023 allowed her to mentor aspiring medical professionals, fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Dr. Cantu is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, a skill that significantly enhances her ability to communicate with patients and their families, particularly in diverse communities. Her cultural competence and linguistic fluency not only foster trust but also improve communication during critical moments, allowing her to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.

As Dr. Krystha Y. Cantu continues her locum work across Texas and Colorado, she remains steadfast in her commitment to excellence in surgical care. Her dedication to her patients, impressive qualifications, and passion for service make her an invaluable asset to critical care settings and the medical community at large. 

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