Dr. Surendra Varma, a distinguished Indian American pediatric endocrinologist from the South Plains, has been reappointed to the Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee that regulates the state’s medical practices. Gov. Greg Abbott announced the reappointment of Varma of Lubbock on the panel for a new term ending Jan. 15, 2032.
Varma, who has been a cornerstone of the West Texas medical community for over half a century, serves as the associate dean for graduate medical education and resident affairs at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
He also holds the Grover E. Murray Professorship, the Ted Hartman Endowed Chair in Medical Education, and is a University Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics.
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Born in Lucknow, India, Varma laid his scientific and academic foundations in his home country before moving to the United States. After earning a BSc degree from the University of Lucknow, Varma pursued formal medical training at King George’s Medical University in Lucknow.
From this historic institution, he earned an MBBS and and an MD in pediatrics. Decades later, his alma mater recognized his lifelong contributions to global health by awarding him an honorary Doctorate of Science.
After relocating to the United States, Varma briefly worked as an instructor at Harvard Medical School and as a research associate with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined the Texas Tech faculty in 1974, establishing the university’s Pediatric Endocrinology Division. Beyond his academic work, Varma served as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army between 1990 and 1991.
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Throughout his career, Varma has been a prominent figure in organized medicine. He is a member and former national president of the American Diabetes Association and a former Texas affiliate chair of endocrinology for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
His active professional ties include memberships in the American Pediatric Society, the Society for Pediatric Research, and the Endocrine Society.
Varma previously served as a gubernatorial appointee on the central Texas Medical Board, the District Three Review Committee, and the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response.
The review committees assist the main medical board by reviewing complaints, helping enforce expertise standards, and conducting informal show-cause hearings.