The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has awarded its Distinguished Service Award to John M. Zerwas, MD, Chancellor of The University of Texas System. The award, presented on Saturday, is the ASA’s highest honor and recognizes individuals who have made significant 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.”
The ASA highlighted Dr. Zerwas’ legislative work advocating for expanded access to higher education and more opportunities in graduate medical education. The organization also noted his public service during the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Supply Chain Strike Force. Dr. Zerwas has held several leadership roles within the ASA, including serving as president from 2012-2013, treasurer, assistant treasurer, and as a member of multiple 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 internship and residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He was certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in 1987 and cofounded a Houston-area group practice in 1996, which later became part of U.S. Anesthesia Partners in 2012. He remained involved in the practice until joining the UT System in 2019 as executive vice chancellor for Health Affairs, before being appointed chancellor on August 20, 2025.
The Distinguished Service Award is given annually for outstanding clinical, educational, or scientific achievement, contributions to anesthesiology, and service to the ASA. Dr. Zerwas has previously received several honors, including the Dr. Chuck Bauer Award from the Texas Division of Emergency Management in 2022, the American Cancer Society Action Network’s National Distinguished Advocacy Award in 2019, the American Medical Association’s Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service in 2020, and the CPRIT Texans Conquer Cancer Award in 2023.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists was founded in 1905 and represents over 59,000 members focused on advancing anesthesiology and maintaining high standards in patient care before, during, and after surgery.
