Yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a strategic move to strengthen the state's medical governance by naming four appointees to the Texas Medical Board District One Review Committee. Among the freshly appointed is Laurel Simmons, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Houston Law Center, with a resume that boasts of her tenure as a Special United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas and a former clerk for the Chief Judge on the Northern District of Georgia. Her term is set until January 15, 2028, according to a release on the Governor's official website.
Joining her are Rajesh Shenava, M.D., a nephrologist practicing in Houston since 2010; Mark Hobson, a retired veteran with 46 years in the furniture industry; and David Davila, D.O., a cosmetic surgeon who has held his place on the Review Committee for over a twelve-year period. While having served on multiple nonprofit boards, Simmons received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford Law School following her earlier education at Wake Forest University. And with a history of dedication to the medicine rooted in her past work experience, the Governor's office singled Simmons out for her unique blend of legal expertise and commitment to public service.
The appointments reflect a diverse array of backgrounds and expertise. Shenava, coming off as a member of the American Society of Nephrology, brings forth his wealth of knowledge in the medical field, complemented by his former academic role at the Louisiana State School of Medicine. Alongside his medical accolades, Shenava is also intimately connected to his roots in India, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, as well as a Doctor of Medicine. Running through January 15, 2030, the terms of both Shenava and Hobson were announced, the latter being plucked from Houston, recognized for his long-standing service and contributions to local education and community service efforts.
Hobson, having lent his voice at the Neuhaus Education Center’s advisory board and the Royden Oaks Association Of Property Owners' former presidency, will continue lending his expertise until his term expires in 2030. Also joining the team is Davila, who, apart from his medical practice, boasts affiliations with multiple medical organizations both at the state and national levels. With Baylor University's foundation and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center fortifying his educational background, Davila's reappointment underscores the committee's preference for experienced governance in the realm of Texas healthcare.
