Schulz selected as EMS physician director for the city of Houston
The city of Houston announced today that Kevin Schulz, MD, has been selected as the next EMS physician director, succeeding David Persse, MD, who retired in April after 29 years of service.
“I’m honored and privileged that the city of Houston and Houston Mayor John Whitmire have entrusted me with the opportunity to take on this role and step in the leadership footsteps of Dr. Persse,” said Schulz, associate professor and EMS Fellowship director in the Department of Emergency Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “The only reason I am even remotely qualified to be in this seat is because of what he and many others have taught me over the years.”
Schulz’s career in emergency medical services has come full circle. He began as a volunteer emergency medical technician in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where he completed college and his residency training in emergency medicine. He later moved to Houston to complete a fellowship in emergency medical services at McGovern Medical School. During his fellowship, Schulz was appointed assistant medical director for the Houston Fire Department, a role in which he has served Houston residents since 2012.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Schulz has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing prehospital care and improving outcomes for patients across our region. His selection as Houston’s EMS physician director reflects both his outstanding qualifications and his passion for public service. We congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to the continued impact of his leadership,” said LaTanya J. Love, MD, executive vice president of university affairs at UTHealth Houston and dean and H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences at McGovern Medical School.
Schulz also serves as co-chief of the Section of Prehospital and Disaster Medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine, is a faculty member at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, and helps organize and lead the annual mass casualty event that prepares students for the worst through a staged incident.
“Dr. Schulz exemplifies the leadership, expertise, and commitment to service that define UTHealth Houston. His longstanding dedication to emergency medical services and his deep ties to the Houston community make him exceptionally qualified for this role. We are proud to see him continue his service to the city as EMS physician director and know he will build on the strong foundation established by Dr. Persse,” said Samuel Luber, MD, MPH, chair of emergency medicine and the Nancy, Clive, and Pierce Runnells Distinguished Professor in Emergency Medicine at McGovern Medical School.
Outside of UTHealth Houston, Schulz has played a key role in planning and coordinating medical responses for major events across the Houston area, including Hurricane Harvey, NFL events, the NCAA Final Four, and the FIFA World Cup. Since 2013, he has also served as a tactical physician with the Houston Police Department SWAT team.
Schulz said he is excited to bring this experience to his new role and continue helping the people of Houston.
“We want to keep what is working well, and we’re going to be looking for every opportunity to make changes that are going to improve patient care for the citizens of Houston,” Schulz said. “I can’t help every patient in the city of Houston on my own, but now I get to help lead a team. It’s an opportunity to really extend that reach and find ways to improve a system of care within the city.”