Medical Board
The Board has a variety of duties mandated by state statute, including: regulating the practice of medicine in Texas through registration of physicians; determining a physician’s eligibility for licensure; conducting investigations based on complaints filed against physicians; and exercising authority to cancel, revoke, suspend, or otherwise limit the license of any physician upon proof of violation of the Texas Occupations Code (the Medical Practice Act) and/or the Board's Rules.
Mission
The mission of the Texas Medical Board is to protect and enhance the public’s health, safety and welfare by establishing and maintaining standards of excellence used in regulating the practice of medicine and ensuring quality health care for the citizens of Texas through licensure, discipline, and education.
History
In 1837, the Medical Practice Act was written by Dr. Anson Jones, one of the few formally trained physicians in Texas at that time. The Congress of the Republic of Texas then created the Board of Medical Censors for the purposes of administering examinations and granting medical licenses. The Board was discontinued by legislative act in 1848, but another regulatory law for physicians was enacted in 1873.
The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners was formed in 1907. It consisted of 11 physician members appointed biennially by the governor and confirmed by the senate.
In 1931, the legislature increased the number to 12 physicians appointed for six-year terms. Sunset legislation passed in 1981 provided that nine physician members be a Doctor of Medicine, three be doctors of osteopathy, and that three public members be added.
In 1993, three additional public members were added, bringing the total to 18. In 2003, an additional public member was added, bringing the board to its current total of 19 members.
The 79th Legislature changed the name to the Texas Medical Board, effective September 1, 2005.
A physician is an individual who is licensed to practice medicine. Practicing medicine, as defined in the Occupations Code, means the diagnosis, treatment, or offer to treat a mental or physical disease or disorder or a physical deformity or injury by any system or method, or the attempt to effect cures of those conditions, by a person who publicly professes to be a physician or surgeon or directly or indirectly charges money or other compensation for those services.
Sherif Z. Zaafran, M.D., of Houston, is the President of the Texas Medical Board. He is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist and is the Vice-Chair of the Clinical Governance Board for US Anesthesia Partners for the Gulf Coast region as well as a member of the Clinical Governance Board for US Anesthesia Partners Texas. He serves on the Board of Directors of Lucid Lane and is a member of the FDA Analgesia and Anesthesia Drug Product Advisory Committee. He has also served as subcommittee chair on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pain Management Taskforce. He is also a delegate for the Texas Medical Association (TMA), Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, delegate and Fellow for the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and a member of the TMA delegation to the American Medical Association. Zaafran studied biochemistry at The University of Texas at Austin and finished medical school and residency at The University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston. He is the current chair of the Texas Medical Board.
Sharon J. Barnes, of Rosharon, is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the San José Clinic in Houston as she held various HR and technical roles at Freeport LNG and the Dow Chemical Company, respectively. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the American Chemical Society; and she is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County. Additionally, she is a member and former board secretary for the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. She holds a foundation board seat for CHI St. Luke's - Brazosport and she is a former board member of the United Way of Brazoria County. Barnes is also in her second term as board member for the Baylor University Alumni Association, "The Baylor Line Foundation". A former city council member in Lake Jackson, Barnes received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Baylor University and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix.
Devinder S. Bhatia, M.D., of Houston, is a Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon. He is the founder, CEO, and president of Southeast Texas Cardiovascular P.A., and is certified by the American Board of thoracic surgery and currently serves as chief of cardiovascular surgery at HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Federation of State Medical Boards. He is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Harris County Medical Society. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Houston Symphony and is a former board member of the Health Museum. Bhatia received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Arkansas and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Michael E. Cokinos, of Houston, is founder and President of Cokinos Energy Corporation. He serves on the Board of Directors at South Texas College of Law in Houston and is a Board Director of the Greek Orthodox Legacy Fund and a member of the Houstonian Club. Additionally, Cokinos is the former mayor pro tem and city councilman of Hunter's Creek Village, substitute teacher for Spring Branch I.S.D., past chairman and police commissioner of the Memorial Village Police Department and a member and past chairman of the Texas A&M University at Galveston Board of Visitors. Cokinos received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University and is a graduate of the Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business Executive Management Program.
Garry Crain of San Marcos is a retired health care administrator with over three decades of experience. He is the former vice chair of the Texas State University System Board of Regents and former member of the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, Murray State University School of Nursing and Health Professions Advisory Committee, and the Johnson County Memorial Hospital Board. He was named the first distinguished alumnus of the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health. Crain received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas State University and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
George L. De Loach, D.O., of Livingston, is a physician and chief of surgery at CHI St. Luke’s Livingston, and owner of Big Thicket Orthopedics. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, Texas Orthopedics Association, and the American Osteopathic Association. De Loach received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
James “JD” S. Distefano, D.O., of College Station, is a board certified physician at Cornerstone Sports Medicine. He also serves as a team physician for Texas A&M Athletics. Distefano honorably served in the United State Air Force. He is a member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, and the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine. In addition, he is a volunteer physician for the Special Olympics. Distefano received a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology from Northeast Louisiana University, and a Doctor of Osteopathy from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Kandace B. Farmer, D.O., of Highland Village, is a radiologist and breast imaging specialist in diagnostic radiology at Rose Imaging Specialists. She is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Society of Breast Imaging, American College of Osteopathic Medicine and the American Osteopathic College of Radiology Mammography Committee. Additionally, she is a member of The Links Incorporated, past member of the North Texas Women Business League and past volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club. Farmer received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and she completed her breast fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University.
Tomeka Moses Herod, of Allen, is the president of The Wilkins Group, Inc. She is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, who honored her with a Quest for Success Award and she is also a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Business Council, Black Contractors Association and the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association. In addition, she is a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a board member of the Parent Teacher Association, and an active volunteer with the Children’s Ministry at One Community Church as well as a former Board Member of the Community Council of Greater Dallas. Herod received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Sam Houston State University, where she is a life alumni member, and a Master of Arts in Electronic Media from Southern Methodist University, where she previously served as chair of the African American Alumni Associates.
Zach Jones, M.D. of Frisco is a board-certified anesthesiologist with Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. Jones received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from The University of Texas (UT) at Austin and a Doctor of Medicine from UT Health Science Center in Houston.
Robert D. Martinez, M.D., of Mission, is the chief medical officer and chief physician executive at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg and senior executive vice president of DHR Health. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, and multiple community organizations. He has served as co-chair of the Ryan Gibson Leukemia Advocate and Research Group, member of the Texas Alzheimer’s Association and the Texas Workforce Solutions Board of Directors. Martinez received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and biology from the Southern Methodist University and a Doctor of Medicine from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he also completed his internal medicine residency.
LuAnn Morgan, of Midland, is retired after over 40 years of service in the electric utility industry and volunteering for nonprofits. She began her career with TXU Electric, eventually becoming District Manager serving 11 West Texas Counties. Upon early retirement, she became an adjunct instructor at The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) in Statistics and Marketing, served three terms on Midland City Council, and served as a past gubernatorial appointee of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. She has served as president and campaign chair of United Way of Midland, Chair of Economic Development for the Midland Chamber of Commerce, Finance for Boy Scouts of America, Senior Services Chair and Rotary International Exchange Program Chair. She is a Leadership Texas graduate and co-founding member of two nonprofits, Midland Humane Coalition and Communities in Schools of the Permian Basin. Morgan received a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from UTPB.
Jayaram B. Naidu, M.D., of Odessa, is a physician and president of Naidu Clinic and an assistant clinical professor for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He has been in private practice as an internist for over 40 years. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Ector County Medical Society and the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Advisory Board and a past board member of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he is a former gubernatorial appointee of the Chronic Kidney Disease Task force. Naidu received a medical degree from the Guntur Medical College in Andhra, India in 1966, and completed his residency Internal medicine at the A.C. Logan Memorial Hospital in New York.
Manuel “Manny” Quiñones, Jr., M.D., of San Antonio, is a family physician with Health Texas Medical Group of San Antonio. He is a member and former president of Bexar County Medical Society and is currently on their Board of Directors and Board of Ethics. Additionally, he is a member of the Texas Medical Association and the Clinical Faculty at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Medicine and has served on multiple local community boards including, The Witte Museum and the American Red Cross. Quinones received a Bachelor of Arts in biology from St. Mary’s University and a Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine.
Luisa del Rosal of Dallas is an entrepreneur and owner of EverLine Coatings Fort Worth Metroplex. Additionally, she is a contributing columnist for The Dallas Morning News and is the Colin Powell teaching fellow and special advisor for the Southern Methodist University (SMU) John Goodwin Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs. She is chair of the Communities in Schools Dallas and founding member of the Texas Latino-Jewish Leadership Council. Del Rosal received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Higher Education Policy and Leadership from SMU.
Jason K. Tibbels, M.D., of Bridgeport, is a practicing family physician who serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Lantern - a Dallas based company delivering specialty care across the country. Additionally, he serves as the Executive Medical Director for Solaris Hospice. Previously, he was the Chief Quality Officer at Teladoc Health and is a recognized expert in quality in virtual care. He was also the president and co-founder for the Institute of Patient Safety and Quality of Virtual Care PSO. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. Tibbels received a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from the University of North Texas and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.
Linda Troncoso of El Paso is the president of TRE and Associates, LLC. She is a member of the El Paso Association of Builders and Paso del Norte Community Foundation and former member of the City of El Paso Zoning Board of Adjustments. Troncoso received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from UT El Paso.
David G. Vanderweide, M.D., of League City, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Webster, Texas. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, a member of the AMA, TMA and Harris County Medical Association. He received his bachelor's degree with high honors from Texas A&M University, his doctorate with honors from Baylor College of Medicine and completed his orthopedic residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He is the Chief of Staff at Houston Physicians' Hospital and is a solo practitioner in general orthopedics.
Many of the Board's duties are carried out in committee; recommendations made in committee are then accepted, modified or rejected by the full Board. The Board's standing committees consist of the following:
Executive Committee
Duties consist of the following: review Board meeting agendas; ensure records are maintained of all committee actions; delegate tasks to other committees; take action on urgent matters that may arise between Board meetings; review contract negotiations; review staff reports regarding finances and the budget.
Finance Committee
This committee reviews staff reports regarding finances and the budget; presents budget needs to the Legislature and other state officials; recommends proper fees for the agency to charge; and considers and makes recommendations to the Board regarding any aspect of Board finances.
Disciplinary Process Review Committee
The DPRC committee gives direction to the Board's enforcement program. It makes recommendations regarding resolution and disposition of specific cases and can approve, adopt, modify, or reject recommendations from Board staff or Board representatives regarding actions to be taken on pending cases. It also gives final approval for dismissals of complaints.
Licensure Committee
The Licensure Committee receives and reviews applications for licensure, determines eligibility, and reports its recommendations to the Board for consideration. It also reviews Board rules regarding licensure and makes recommendations to the Board regarding changes or implementation of such rules.
The Medical Board's four District Review Committees evaluate medical practice and professional competencies and make recommendations on investigations conducted by the Board. Districts are comprised of counties in four geographic regions of the state as further defined in Chapter 160.6 of Board Rules.
Each committee consists of seven members: three physician members who are Doctors of Medicine (M.D.), one physician member who is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), and three public members. They are appointed to seven-year terms by the Governor.
Imran A. Dar, M.D., of Houston is an Associate Professor and Interventional Cardiologist at UT Health – Center
for Advanced Cardiology. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Cardiology
and the American Heart Association. Dar received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from West Virginia University
and a Doctor of Medicine from the West Virginia School of Medicine.
Dr. David D. Davila, D.O., of Cypress is a board certified cosmetic and general surgeon in Houston and has been medical director for Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center for the last ten years. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Baylor University at Waco and earned his medical degree from University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Dr. Davila is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery; he is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Breast Surgery, American Osteopathic Association, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association.
Mark Hobson of Houston is retired and has more than 46 years of experience in the furniture industry. He is an advisory board member of the Neuhaus Education Center and a volunteer for the Christian Community Service Center. Additionally, he is the former president of the Royden Oaks Association of Property Owners and a former member of the board of directors for the Briar Club. Hobson received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Sheela L. Lahoti, M.D., of Houston is the Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs at the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where she also serves as a Professor of pediatrics. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Lahoti received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Miami and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Kimberly R. Phillips, J.D., of Houston is the General Counsel for Global Litigation at Shell Oil Company. She is a member of the National Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and the Institute for Energy Law and a former director and alumni for the Texas Lyceum Association. Phillips received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Central Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.
Rajesh G. Shenava, M.D. of Houston is a nephrologist, who has been in private practice since 2010, and is a member of the American Society of Nephrology. Following his training at Tulane University, Shenava previously served as a faculty member at the Louisiana State School of Medicine. Shenava received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Mangalore University Kasturba Medical College, and a Doctor of Medicine from Kuvempu University J.J.M. Medical College.
Laurel E.P. Simmons of Houston is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Houston Law Center. Simmons previously worked as an attorney with WimerHale, clerked for the Chief Judge on the Northern District of Georgia, and served as a Special United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. Additionally, she served on multiple nonprofit boards. Simmons received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wake Forest University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford Law School.
Angela A. Downes, J.D., of Irving is a Law Professor at The University of Texas – Dallas College of Law. She is a Texas Bar Fellow and a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, Texas Mediation Credentialing Association, and the Association of Attorney Mediators. Downes received a Bachelor of Arts from Mercer University and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas A&M University School of Law, formerly Texas Wesleyan University School of Law.
Lewis J. Benavides, SPHR, of Crossroads recently retired as the Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer at Texas Woman’s University. He previously served six years as a Commissioner of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, before being appointed to the Texas Medical Board in 2012. He is a member of the National Museum of the Pacific War, and the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. Benavides received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Southwest Texas State University
Kristen Cox, of College Station, is president and chief executive officer of Checkpoint Services, Inc., and 12th Man Technology. She served for 12 years as a gubernatorial appointee on the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. She was a founding board member of El Paso Children’s Hospital and served on the El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation board. Previously, she served on the boards of Make-A-Wish of El Paso, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Alzheimer’s Association, and Rotary Clubs of College Station and El Paso. Cox received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Dallas.
Angela A. Downes, J.D., of Irving is a Law Professor at The University of Texas – Dallas College of Law. She is a Texas Bar Fellow and a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, Texas Mediation Credentialing Association, and the Association of Attorney Mediators. Downes received a Bachelor of Arts from Mercer University and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas A&M University School of Law, formerly Texas Wesleyan University School of Law.
Penelope Duke Miggins, M.D. of the Woodlands is a private practicing anesthesiologist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and a member of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and The American Society of Anesthesiologists. Additionally, she is a member of the Committee for Professional Development and chair of the Committee for Office-Based Anesthesiology for the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. Duke received a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She completed her residency and fellowship at The University of Texas (UT) Southwestern.
Tejas V. Ozarkar, M.D. of Denton County is the medical director at Riordan Medical Institute and an interventional pain physician at Tarpon Interventional Pain and Spine Care. He is a board member of the American Academy/Association of Orthopedic Medicine and a member of the TMA, Collin-Fannin County Medical Society, and Texas Pain Society. Ozarkar received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Texas Tech University (TTU) and a Doctor of Medicine from the TTU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania and fellowship at TTU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine.
Ivan D. Rovner, M.D., of Plano is the President and Managing Partner of North Texas Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates. He is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Medical Association, and the Collin-Fannin County Medical Society. Rovner received a Bachelor of Science in General Sciences and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Iowa.
Robert B. Simonson, D.O., of Duncanville is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians, Texas Medical Association, and the Southern Medical Association. Simonson received a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center
Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D., of El Paso is an independent infectious diseases physician in El Paso Texas. He is a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Texas Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and the El Paso County Medical Society, and is board certified in Clinical Informatics. Additionally, he serves as a gubernatorial appointee on the Task Force on Infectious Disease and Preparedness and Response Task Force. Alozie received a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Benin Medical School
Michael Burley of Southlake is currently the Regional Administrator for Region VI at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to his current appointment, he served in the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel. Burley received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clemson University.
Taylor Gillig of Arlington is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of The Cookery. He is a United States Marine combat veteran and served as an Infantry Officer in Afghanistan. He is a member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Professional Chapter of the Adam Smith Society, American Legion, and The Elks. Gillig received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California – Santa Barbara and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Strategy from Southern Methodist University.
Mindi McLain of Amarillo is a partner and attorney with Wright Law TX, PLLC. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Amarillo Area Bar Association, and Texas Panhandle Women. Additionally, she serves on the West Texas A&M University Enterprise Center Executive Council and is vice president of the Board of Directors of the Texas Panhandle Regional Development Corporation. McLain received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.
Gabrielle Rich, D.O., of Big Spring is an obstetrician and gynecologist with the Scenic Mountain Medical Group. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Medical Association, and the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center. Rich received a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Tulane University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University.
Surendra Varma, M.D. of Lubbock is the executive associate dean for graduate medical education at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and is a Grover E. Murray Professor and Ted Hartman Endowed Chair in Medical Education at TTUHSC. He is an associate editor for Advances in Pediatrics, editorial board member for the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, and a member of the American Pediatric Society, Society for Pediatric Research, Endocrine Society, and the Council on Graduate Medical Education for the Health Resources & Services Administration. He is a member and former president of the American Diabetes Association and a member and former Texas affiliate chair of endocrinology for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Previously, he served as a gubernatorial appointee on the TMB District Three Review Committee for six years, TMB for five years, and the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response for four years. Varma received a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English from the University of Lucknow, and a Bachelor of Medicine, a Bachelor of Surgery, and a Doctor of Medicine in Pediatrics from King George Medical University (KGMU). He has received honorary Doctorate (DSc) from KGMU and Honorary Fellowship (FRCP) from Royal College of Physicians.
Mary “Kelly” Green, M.D. of Marble Falls is an eye surgeon and owner of a private ophthalmology practice. Green is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Burnet Llano Lampasas County Medical Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Marble Falls Education Foundation Board. Additionally, Green is an oral board examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a former volunteer with the United States Peace Corps in West Africa, where she taught physics and chemistry in French. The Governor appointed Green to the Texas Medical Board District Four Review Committee in 2024. Green received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Trinity University and a Doctor of Medicine from The University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Bobby W. Marek, M.D. of Brenham is an Internist at Baylor Scott & White – the Brenham Clinic. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the Texas Medical Association. Additionally, he is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Washington-Burleson County Medical Society. Marek received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch
Chris Putnam, Ph.D. of Spicewood is a licensed marriage and family therapist associate at HiveZen Family Therapy. He is a member of the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Alliance for Children’s Grief, Texas Funeral Directors Association, and Association for Death Education and Counseling. Putnam received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from Ottawa University, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Northcentral University.
Shirlene J. Samuel, D.O. of Austin is a board-certified pediatrician at Austin Regional Clinic. She is a member of the American Association of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association. Additionally, she serves in the children’s ministry at Red Rocks Church Austin and has served as a gubernatorial appointee on the Review Committee for two years. Samuel received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University. She completed her residency at Oklahoma State University.
Ruth Villarreal of Mission is the owner of Ruth Villarreal Insurance Agency. She is a board member of the South Texas Independent School District, and has participated as a sponsor for many Hidalgo County charitable and community organizations including the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, the Diabetes Awareness Fair, as well as various school and community food drives. Villarreal received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston.
Andrew “Jimmy” Widmer, M.D., of Belton is a General Internist for Baylor Scott and White Health. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, Texas Medical Association, and the Bell County Medical Society. Widmer received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University, Master of Medical Sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Master of Public Health and Doctor of Medicine from the Texas A&M Health Science Center.
Glena Yates of Horseshoe Bay is the former president of the Central Texas Land Titles, Inc. She is a board member of the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center and the former president of the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association. Yates received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Texas (UT) at Austin.