Governor Abbott Appoints New Members to Texas Medical Board District Two Review Committee
In a significant move to enhance healthcare governance in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has appointed and reappointed several esteemed medical professionals to the Texas Medical Board District Two Review Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing medical practices and ensuring the highest standards of care across the state. The appointments include Penelope Duke, M.D., Tejas Ozarkar, M.D., Kristen Cox, and Robert Simonson, D.O., each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
Penelope Duke, M.D. – A Leader in Anesthesiology
Dr. Penelope Duke, hailing from The Woodlands, is a distinguished anesthesiologist with a robust background in both clinical practice and medical governance. As a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, she has demonstrated her commitment to excellence in her field. Dr. Duke is not only a member of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) but also actively participates in the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Her leadership extends to her role as chair of the Committee for Office-Based Anesthesiology for the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists and her involvement in the Committee for Professional Development. Dr. Duke earned her Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, followed by a residency and fellowship at The University of Texas (UT) Southwestern. Her extensive training and experience position her as a vital asset to the Review Committee, where she will contribute to shaping policies that affect anesthesiology practices statewide.
Tejas Ozarkar, M.D. – Innovator in Pain Management
Dr. Tejas Ozarkar, based in Denton County, serves as the medical director at Riordan Medical Institute and is an interventional pain physician at Tarpon Interventional Pain and Spine Care. His expertise in pain management is complemented by his active involvement as a board member of the American Academy/Association of Orthopedic Medicine and memberships in the TMA, Collin-Fannin County Medical Society, and Texas Pain Society.
Dr. Ozarkar’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Texas Tech University (TTU), followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the TTU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship at TTU Health Sciences Center. His dual background in medicine and business equips him with a unique perspective on healthcare delivery, making him a valuable contributor to the committee’s discussions on pain management policies and practices.
Kristen Cox – Advocate for Developmental Disabilities
Kristen Cox, a prominent figure from College Station, serves as the president and chief executive officer of Checkpoint Services, Inc., and 12th Man Technology. Her extensive experience in healthcare advocacy is highlighted by her 12-year tenure as a gubernatorial appointee on the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. Additionally, she is a founding board member of El Paso Children’s Hospital and has held various leadership roles in organizations such as Make-A-Wish of El Paso and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Cox holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from UT Dallas. Her diverse background in engineering and business, combined with her passion for improving healthcare access for individuals with developmental disabilities, positions her as a strong advocate for inclusive healthcare policies within the Review Committee.
Robert Simonson, D.O. – Expert in Emergency Medicine
Dr. Robert Simonson, based in Duncanville, is a prominent figure in emergency medicine, serving as the chair of emergency medicine at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and an associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His leadership extends to his role as chair of CareFlite and as a Pre-Hospital Committee member for the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Simonson has previously served on the Texas Medical Board and has been a gubernatorial appointee on the Review Committee for four years.
He earned a Bachelor of Science from Texas Wesleyan University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, completing his residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine. His extensive experience in emergency medicine and commitment to healthcare excellence make him an invaluable member of the committee, where he will address critical issues affecting emergency care in Texas.
A Commitment to Excellence in Healthcare
The appointments of Dr. Duke, Dr. Ozarkar, Dr. Cox, and Dr. Simonson reflect Governor Abbott’s commitment to ensuring that Texas maintains high standards in medical practice and patient care. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences that will contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare delivery across the state. As they embark on their terms, their collective expertise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Texas.