The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has awarded John M. Zerwas, MD, Chancellor of The University of Texas System, its Distinguished Service Award. This is the highest honor given by the ASA to members who have made significant contributions to anesthesiology.
ASA President Donald E. Arnold, MD, FACHE, FASA, stated, “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. Many of our members are grateful for his mentorship, which has empowered colleagues throughout the Society to serve and lead.”
The award was presented on Saturday and acknowledges Dr. Zerwas’ work in anesthesiology, his public service as an elected official, and his leadership in higher education. The ASA highlighted Dr. Zerwas’ efforts in the legislature, particularly his advocacy for increased access to higher education and expanded opportunities for graduate medical education. His service during the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Supply Chain Strike Force was also recognized. Dr. Zerwas has held several leadership roles within ASA, including serving as president from 2012-2013, treasurer, assistant treasurer, and as a member of various committees.
Dr. Zerwas responded to the recognition by saying, “It’s a great honor to be recognized by my fellow anesthesiologists. 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.”
Dr. Zerwas is originally from Texas and completed his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He finished his internship in general surgery and residency in anesthesiology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and became board certified in 1987. In 1996, he co-founded a group practice in Houston that later became part of U.S. Anesthesia Partners in 2012. He remained involved with the practice until joining the UT System in 2019 as executive vice chancellor for Health Affairs and was appointed chancellor on August 20, 2025.
The Distinguished Service Award is given annually for exceptional clinical, educational, or scientific achievement, contributions to anesthesiology, and service to the ASA. Dr. Zerwas has previously received other honors such as 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).
The ASA was established in 1905 and represents over 59,000 members who work to advance anesthesiology and uphold high standards in patient care before, during, and after surgery. Members also provide care for critically ill patients in intensive care units and manage pain treatment.
