The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has awarded its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to John M. Zerwas, MD, chancellor of The University of Texas System. The award was presented on Saturday and recognizes Dr. Zerwas’ contributions to anesthesiology, public service, and higher education leadership.
“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.”
The ASA highlighted Dr. Zerwas’ advocacy in the legislature to expand access to higher education and increase opportunities for graduate medical education. His service during the COVID-19 pandemic included participation in Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Supply Chain Strike Force. Within ASA, Dr. Zerwas has held several leadership roles such as president from 2012-2013, treasurer, assistant treasurer, and membership on various 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.”
Dr. Zerwas is a native Texan who graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed his training at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He became board certified in anesthesiology in 1987 and co-founded a Houston-area group practice in 1996 that later became part of U.S. Anesthesia Partners in 2012. He remained involved with this practice until joining the UT System as executive vice chancellor for Health Affairs in 2019 and was appointed chancellor on August 20, 2025.
The Distinguished Service Award is given annually for outstanding clinical, educational or scientific achievement and service to the specialty and society. Dr. Zerwas has previously received other recognitions including awards from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (2022), American Cancer Society Action Network (2019), American Medical Association (2020), and CPRIT Texans Conquer Cancer Award (2023).
The ASA represents over 59,000 members focused on advancing anesthesiology practice and ensuring high standards in patient care before, during, and after surgery.
