Anesthesiologists are increasingly taking on leadership roles that extend well beyond clinical practice.
From guiding state medical associations to pursuing political office, here are five anesthesiologist leadership appointments to know:
1. John Zerwas, MD, an anesthesiologist and seven-term state representative, is set to be the next chancellor of the University of Texas in Austin. Dr. Zerwas also currently serves as the executive vice chancellor for health affairs at UT. The Board of Regents unanimously named him as the sole finalist for the position in late July after former chancellor J.B. Milliken left in May to lead the University of California. Dr. Zerwas has served as interim chancellor since then. Previously, Dr. Zerwas served as chief medical officer of the Memorial Hermann Hospital System in Houston. In 2006, Dr. Zerwas, a Republican, won the 28th District seat in the state House of Representatives, where he went on to serve seven terms.
2. Ray Callas, MD, an anesthesiologist in Beaumont, Texas, has filed to run for Texas House District 21. His campaign platform includes overhauling the property tax system in Texas, securing the Texas border and strengthening the state’s economy. In 2024, Dr. Callas was installed as the 159th president of the Texas Medical Association.
3. Stuart Bertsch, MD, was named chair of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine’s department of anesthesiology. Dr. Bertsch joined the department of anesthesiology in 2013. He also serves as a staff anesthesiologist at UC Medical Center. Dr. Bertsch has been serving as interim chair since April 1, 2024. Under his leadership, the anesthesiology department has experienced a 30% increase in clinical workload as well as the development of eight new operating rooms at UC Medical Center.
4. Caesar Gonzales II, MD, was appointed as Trinity Health Michigan’s next chief clinical officer. Dr. Gonzales is a practicing anesthesiologist and he previously served as chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs of Centra Health. In the role of chief clinical officer, he will oversee patient safety, risk, medical staff services, clinical quality and research, informatics, accreditation and graduate medical education programs.
5. Kurt Jones, MD, was named U.S. Anesthesia Partners’ chief clinical officer. Dr. Jones has been with USAP for nine years, serving in a variety of capacities. In his new role, Dr. Jones will serve as a liaison between the group’s clinical and business operations. He will also partner closely with USAP’s clinical quality committee and advise the business development team.