Mega Doctor News
Austin – Governor Greg Abbott will appoint Mary “Kelly” Green, Maryland, and train Devinder S. Bhatia, MD, Luisa Del Rosal, James “JD” Distefano, Do, Tomeka Herod, Robert David Martinez, MD, Jason K. Tibbels, MD. In Texas.
Robert David Martinez, MD of Edinburg, is a hospitalist physician and medical director at DHR Health. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, the Hidalgo Starr Medical Association, the Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Association, the board of directors of Texas Workforce Solutions and the former co-chair of the Ryan Gibson Foundation. Martinez received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology from Southern Methodist University and a Doctor of Medicine at the UT Medical Chapter of Galveston, where she also completed her internal medicine residency.
Mary “Kelly” Green, Maryland, Maryland, Marble Falls, is an ophthalmologist and owner of private ophthalmology practices. Green is a member of the Texas Medical Association, the Barnett Lanla Lampasus County Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Marble Falls Education Foundation Committee. Additionally, Green was an oral committee examiner of the American Ophthalmology Committee and a former volunteer with the US Peace Corps in West Africa, where he taught physics and chemistry in French. The governor appointed Green to the Texas Medical Board District 4 Review Board in 2024. Greene earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical science from Trinity University and a MD from the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Devinder S. Bhatia, MD, Houston, is a Houston area-based cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in this field. He is the founder and president of the Cardiovascular System in Southeast Texas, board accredited by the US Thoracic Surgery Committee and has partnered with several hospitals, including HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor St. Luke Medical Center. He also chaired several hospital surgery departments and qualification committees. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the Health Museum, Hermann Park Conservancy, the Harris County Sheriff’s Foundation and the Houston Symphony Orchestra. Batia received her PhD in Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas, completed her residency in general surgery at Baylor’s affiliated hospitals, and pursued fellowship in cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery at Carolinas Medical Center.
Luisa Del Rosal of Dallas is an entrepreneur at Everline Coating Fort Worth Metrolex, a contribution columnist for Dallas Morning News, and is a special advisor to public policy and international affairs at Colin Powell Education Fellow and Southern Methodist University (SMU) John Goodwin Tower Center. She is the school’s community chair, the school’s chair, and a founding member of the Texas Council of Latin Jewish Leaders. Del Rosal received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Science in Higher Education Policy and Leadership from SMU.
James “JD” Distefano, Do of College Station, is a board-certified physician for Cornerstone Sports Medicine and is a team physician for athletics at Texas A&M University. He is a member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Emergency Physician, the American School of Medicine Sports Medicine Society, the University of Texas School of Sports Medicine, the University of Texas School of Sports Medicine, the University Interfaculty League, a member of the Special Olympics, the Overdiagnosis Team, and the Disaster Medical Assistance Team. He served honorably in the US Air Force and Air Force reserves. Distefano received his Bachelor of Science in Radiation Technology from Northeast Louisiana University and a Doctor of Osteopathy from the Oklahoma State University School of Osteopathy Medicine.
Allen’s Tomecha Herod is the chairman of the Wilkins Group. She is a member of the Young Presents Organization (YPO), the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, the Association of Cable Communication Engineers, the Women of Cable Communications, and the American Association. Additionally, she is Vice President of the Membership of the Northeast Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., a board member of the Parent Teachers Association, Chair of the DFW Area University Ambassador for Houston Coogue Mama, and an active volunteer in the Ministry of Children in One Community Church. Herod received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Arts in Electronic Media from SMU, and previously served on the Alumni Committee.
Jason K. Tibel, Maryland, Bridgeport, is a practical family physician who serves as chief medical officer for Dallas-based Lanterns, which provides specialized care nationwide, and is executive medical director of Solaris Hospice. Previously, he was Chief Quality Officer at Teladoc Health, a Virtual Care Quality Expert, and president and co-founder of the Patient Safety and Quality Institute for Virtual Care Patient Safety Organization. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. Tibbels received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Texas and a PhD in Medicine from UT Southwestern Medical School.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.
