Governor Greg Abbott appointed Shane Bailey, M.D. of Austin and Jennifer Wegenhoft of Columbus to the Texas Physician Assistant Board for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029, according to a Mar. 18 announcement. The board is responsible for issuing physician assistant licenses to qualified individuals in Texas.
The appointments are significant as the board plays a key role in ensuring that physician assistants meet professional standards before practicing in the state. This oversight helps maintain quality healthcare services for Texans.
Bailey is a cardiac electrophysiologist at Lonestar Heart and Vascular. He is affiliated with the Heart Rhythm Society, the American College of Cardiology, and the Travis County Medical Society. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and earned his Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
Wegenhoft works as a physician assistant at Rice Medical Center. She is involved with several professional organizations including the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Texas Association of Physician Assistants, and American Academy of Physician Assistants. Her community involvement includes volunteering with local organizations such as the Colorado County Fair and Columbus Little League. Wegenhoft received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Texas Tech University Health Science Center.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth and record employment levels across Texas. The office maintains its primary location at the State Insurance Building in Austin according to official information. Governor Abbott was also recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to official sources.
The governor’s office focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to its official website. Since his election in 2014, Abbott has led statewide efforts through his office according to official records, delivering services throughout Texas.
