Gov. Abbott Reappoints Varma to Texas Medical Board

Lubbock Pediatrician Received TMA’s Highest Honor in 2018

• By Melissa Whitfield
• June 23, 2026
• Health

Gov. Greg Abbott recently reappointed Surendra Varma, M.D., to the Texas Medical Board (TMB) District Three Review Committee. The board protects and enhances the public’s health, safety and welfare by establishing and maintaining standards of excellence used in regulating the practice of medicine and ensuring quality healthcare for Texans. 

“We have been fortunate to have Dr. Varma and his dedication to academic medicine for over 50 years at our university, not only in this leadership role at the School of Medicine but as an excellent physician for our patients,” John C. DeToledo, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) executive vice president for clinical affairs and School of Medicine dean, said. “He has a great commitment to medicine, and he will continue to bring a wealth of expertise to the Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Varma has played a pivotal role in training physicians and advancing graduate medical education programs at TTUHSC. He is a University Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine at TTUHSC, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and Resident Affairs, a Grover E. Murray Professor, the Ted Hartman Endowed Chair in Medical Education and vice-chair of the Department of Pediatrics. In addition, he oversees all residency and fellowship programs across all three campuses and was vice chair of the Residency Review Committee for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Varma has been a cornerstone of the TTUHSC faculty since 1974, when he established the university's Pediatric Endocrinology Division.

“It has been my privilege to serve the people of Texas,” Varma said. “I am grateful to Governor Abbott for continued confidence in me. I am grateful also to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center leadership in allowing me to serve in organized medicine associations.”

Throughout his career, Varma has been a staunch advocate for public health and patient care. His work in the 1970s helped establish newborn thyroid screening in Texas, a milestone that has prevented intellectual and developmental disabilities in countless children across the state. In 2018, his lifetime of contributions to academic medicine and community service were recognized when he received the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA) Distinguished Service Award, the organization's highest honor. He is the author of 136 papers and abstracts and has made close to 200 scientific presentations to international, national and regional medical organizations.

Varma is a member of the American Pediatric Society, Society for Pediatric Research and Endocrine Society, as well as a member and former president of the American Diabetes Association and a member and former Texas affiliate chair of endocrinology for the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Previously, he served on the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. Varma also has held several leadership positions at TMA, including serving as a member of the TMA Council on Medical Education, Council on Scientific Affairs, Council on Health Promotion, Subcommittee on Child and Adolescent Health, Committee on Access to Care, Committee on Academic Physicians and the editorial board of Texas Medicine magazine. He chaired the TMA Section on Pediatrics and served as a delegate to TMA’s House of Delegates.

Varma served in the United States Army between 1990 and 1991, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Varma received a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English from the University of Lucknow and a Bachelor of Medicine, a Bachelor of Surgery and a Doctor of Medicine in Pediatrics from King George Medical University. He has received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from King George Medical University and an Honorary Fellowship from Royal College of Physicians, London. He is a recipient of the 2026 Texas Tech University System Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching Award.

Recently he has published his medical memoir “My Romance with Medicine, an Ongoing Pursuit of Advocacy.”

His new term will expire Jan. 15, 2032.