Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of Mary “Kelly” Green, M.D., and the reappointment of Devinder S. Bhatia, M.D., Luisa del Rosal, James “JD” Distefano, D.O., Tomeka Herod, Robert David Martinez, M.D., and Jason K. Tibbels, M.D. to the Texas Medical Board. Their terms are set to last until April 13, 2031. The Board plays a critical role in overseeing the practice of medicine within Texas.
Mary “Kelly” Green, M.D., based in Marble Falls, is an eye surgeon and owner of a private ophthalmology practice. She is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Texas Medical Association and American Academy of Ophthalmology. Green is also involved with the Marble Falls Education Foundation Board and previously served in the Peace Corps in West Africa. She was appointed by the Governor to the Texas Medical Board District Four Review Committee in 2024.
Houston-based cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr. Devinder S. Bhatia is the founder and president of Southeast Texas Cardiovascular P.A. He is board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and affiliated with a number of hospitals in Houston. Dr. Bhatia has held leadership roles in hospital surgery departments and served on multiple boards, including those of The Health Museum and the Houston Symphony.
Luisa del Rosal, an entrepreneur from Dallas, owns EverLine Coatings Fort Worth Metroplex. She writes as a columnist for The Dallas Morning News and serves as a teaching fellow at Southern Methodist University. Del Rosal holds leadership positions in several community organizations and has degrees from SMU in Political Science and Higher Education Policy.
In College Station, Dr. James “JD” Distefano is a sports medicine physician at Cornerstone Sports Medicine and a team doctor for Texas A&M University Athletics. He is a member of various medical associations and has served in the United States Air Force.
Tomeka Herod, president of The Wilkins Group, Inc. in Allen, is actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations. She holds a Master of Arts in Electronic Media from SMU and is engaged in various volunteer activities.
Dr. Robert David Martinez from Edinburg serves as a medical director at DHR Health. He is active in several professional organizations related to medicine and healthcare, and he holds degrees in psychology, biology, and medicine.
Dr. Jason K. Tibbels, based in Bridgeport, is a family physician and the chief medical officer at Lantern. He has held multiple leadership roles and is recognized for his work in virtual care quality. Dr. Tibbels has degrees from the University of North Texas and UT Southwestern Medical School.
These appointments are pending confirmation by the Senate.
