Professional Practice Leader
Houston Methodist Hospital
Laura Ortiz Carter, DNP, MSN, BBA, RN, CCRN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Professional Practice Leader, System Maternal Professional Development
Houston Methodist Hospital – Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Dr. Laura Ortiz Carter is an accomplished nurse leader with over 19 years of experience spanning obstetrics, critical care, perioperative nursing, and professional development. As the Professional Practice Leader at Houston Methodist Hospital, she leads interdisciplinary initiatives focused on advancing quality, safety, and evidence-based care across specialty teams.
Laura is known for her innovative work in bridging practice gaps between critical care, perioperative, and maternal care, including the development of educational programs to the care of perinatal patients in procedural and perioperative settings. Her efforts have led to improved patient outcomes, elevated staff competence, and system-wide adoption of best practices.
A dedicated educator, Laura also serves as an Instructor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cizik School of Nursing. She presents nationally on topics including maternal safety, perioperative care for special populations, and interprofessional collaboration. Her scholarship has earned national recognition, including top honors at ASPAN, AORN, and AWHONN.