By
Erin Coulehan
Photography courtesy
Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare
Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare is once again setting the standard for excellence in patient care. The healthcare system, which includes Las Palmas Medical Center and Del Sol Medical Center, has been named among America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2025 by Healthgrades – a distinction that places them in the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for clinical excellence.
The prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare’s physicians, nurses, and staff, who consistently go above and beyond to provide top-tier medical care. The two hospitals have not only earned a spot among the nation’s best but have also been ranked No. 1 in Texas for critical care, gastrointestinal care, gastrointestinal medical treatment, and pulmonary care.
Additionally, both facilities were named among America’s 50 Best Hospitals for surgical care, reinforcing their commitment to exceptional patient outcomes.
“At Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients every day,” said Art Garza, chief executive officer of Del Sol Medical Center. “These distinctions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our nurses, physicians, and staff, and we could not be prouder of them.”
Leadership plays a vital role in maintaining these high standards, and recent executive appointments are poised to further strengthen the hospitals’ impact.
Del Sol Medical Center has welcomed Glenda Villatoro as its new chief operating officer and John Duran as its new chief nursing officer. Both leaders bring years of experience and a deep understanding of the El Paso community’s healthcare needs.
Villatoro, who has been with Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare for over two decades, has played an instrumental role in the hospital’s operations, including leading major facility projects and emergency management efforts. “It is an honor to be chosen as the chief operating officer of Del Sol Medical Center,” Villatoro said. “Our nurses, staff, and physicians adhere to the highest standards in patient care, and I look forward to continuing to build upon our successes in this new role.”
Duran, an El Paso native, has been with Del Sol Medical Center for over a decade and has already made significant contributions, including his leadership in the aftermath of the 2019 Walmart shooting.
“As a native El Pasoan, I could not be more thrilled to have the opportunity to lead and continue working alongside our talented team at Del Sol Medical Center,” Duran said. “This hospital has played an integral role in my professional career, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our nurses, staff, and physicians to care for the El Paso community for many years to come.”
Las Palmas Medical Center has also ushered in new leadership with the appointment of Alejandro Romero as chief executive officer. Romero, an El Paso native, brings extensive experience from his previous roles in Florida and San Antonio, where he spearheaded major hospital expansions and clinical advancements.
“I am deeply honored to lead Las Palmas Medical Center and to continue to serve my hometown community,” Romero said. “I look forward to working alongside this talented team as we continue to provide the highest level of care to the community I love so dearly.”
In addition to national recognition, Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare has also been honored for excellence in stroke care.
Both hospitals received the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award, reflecting their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the highest standard of care. The hospitals also earned the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award, which recognizes efforts to provide the best possible care for stroke patients with diabetes.
“Our teams continue to demonstrate unparalleled dedication to patient care and outcomes,” Romero said. “We are dedicated to improving the quality of stroke care, and the Get With The Guidelines program helps us achieve that goal.”
