American Society of Anesthesiologists honors Chancellor John Zerwas, MD

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has presented The University of Texas System Chancellor John M. Zerwas, MD, with its Distinguished Service Award-the Society's highest honor recognizing members who have made transformative contributions to the field of anesthesiology.

"Dr. Zerwas is deserving of the Distinguished Service Award for his long-time contributions to medicine. He is known for his commitment to education and mentoring," said ASA President Donald E. Arnold, MD, FACHE, FASA. "Many of our members are grateful for his mentorship, which has empowered colleagues throughout the Society to serve and lead."

Presented on Saturday, the award recognizes Dr. Zerwas' contributions to anesthesiology, as well as his public service as an elected official and in higher education leadership. In making the award, ASA cited Dr. Zerwas' work in the legislature, "where he advocated to increase access to higher education and grow opportunities for graduate medical education," as well as his service during the COVID-19 pandemic, including as a member of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Supply Chain Strike Force. Dr. Zerwas has also held numerous leadership positions within ASA, serving as ASA president from 2012-2013 and previously as treasurer, assistant treasurer, and member of multiple ASA committees.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by my fellow anesthesiologists," said Dr. Zerwas. "I'm blessed to have found my calling in healthcare and education-two noble professions that are profoundly intertwined. As chancellor of Texas' largest university system, which graduates more than half of the state's medical doctors each year, I'm grateful that I can continue serving both professions with the shared goal of expanding access to first-class healthcare for all Americans."

A native Texan, Dr. Zerwas graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed his internship in general surgery and residency in anesthesiology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He was certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in 1987. In 1996 he cofounded a Houston-area group practice, which became part of U.S. Anesthesia Partners in 2012. He remained active in the practice and operations of the practice until he joined the UT System in 2019 as executive vice chancellor for Health Affairs. Dr. Zerwas was appointed chancellor of the UT System on August 20, 2025.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually for outstanding clinical, educational, or scientific achievement, contributions to the specialty, and exemplary service to the Society. Dr. Zerwas' leadership has been previously recognized with numerous honors, including the Dr. Chuck Bauer Award from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (2022), the American Cancer Society Action Network's National Distinguished Advocacy Award (2019), the American Medical Association's Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service (2020), and the CPRIT Texans Conquer Cancer Award (2023).

Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research, and scientific society representing more than 59,000 members dedicated to advancing the practice and ensuring the highest standards in patient care before, during, and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units and treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.