Physician Anesthesiologist Wins Primary for Oklahoma State Senate

On August 26, ASA member Ervin Yen, M.D., won the Republican primary runoff election for the Oklahoma District 40 Senate seat. District 40 covers Oklahoma City and is currently represented by Senator Cliff Branan (R), who is term limited from seeking re-election. 

Dr. Yen’s runoff opponent was Steve Kern, the husband of Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern (R-84). Dr. Yen will now face John Handy Edwards in the general election on November 4.

Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Dr. Yen has lived in Oklahoma since his family immigrated to the United States when he was four years old. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Yen attended the College of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma. He completed his residency in anesthesiology in Oklahoma City, where he has practiced medicine for almost 30 years. His primary hospital of practice for the last 20 years is Integris Baptist Medical Center, where Dr. Yen has focused on cardiac anesthesiology, taking care of patients for vascular surgery, chest surgery and heart surgery, including heart transplants, lung transplants and left ventricular assist devices.

This summer, another physician anesthesiologist, ASA member Bryan Terry, M.D., also won his primary election. On August 7, Dr. Terry, won the Republican primary for District 48 of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Dr. Terry will face his Democratic opponent, Bill Campbell, in the general election on November 4.  Additionally, Dr. Tim Melson from Alabama is the Republican candidate for the Alabama State Senate District 1 seat and Dr. Tim Robinson, past President of the Maryland Society of Anesthesiologists, is running as the Republican candidate for Maryland State Senate District 42.  A full listing of ASA members running for office will be posted online soon.

Two physician anesthesiologists are currently serving as state legislators in Tennessee and Texas. Former ASA President John Zerwas, M.D., is currently serving his fourth term as state representative for the 28th District of Texas. Steve Dickerson, M.D.,  former president of the Tennessee Society of Anesthesiologists, was elected to the Tennessee Senate in 2012 and serves Tennessee’s 20th District.