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News Releases

Official news releases from the Medical Board of California

New Executive Director Appointed to Lead Medical Board of California

Published: Monday, June 26, 2023

(Sacramento) – On Friday, June 23, 2023, Mr. Reji Varghese (pronounced Var-Geese) was sworn in as the executive director of the Medical Board of California (Board). Mr. Varghese has more than thirty years of medical regulatory experience and first joined the Board as deputy director in August 2020. He was appointed by the Board as interim executive director in February 2023.

Reji Varghese getting sworn in by Board President Kristina D. Lawson
Reji Varghese shaking hands with Board President Kristina D. Lawson
MBC Board President Kristina Lawson (L) administers Oath of Office to newly appointed Executive Director Reji Varghese (R).

"For nearly the last three years, Mr. Varghese has been dedicated to serving the Board and California's healthcare consumers,” said Board President Kristina D. Lawson. "I look forward to continued collaboration with him to further our investments into the Board's vital public protection work.”

Prior to joining the Board, Mr. Varghese worked for the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision as their financial manager/comptroller from 1989-2008, and as deputy director from 2009 to 2020. Mr. Varghese received his bachelor's degree in commerce and accounting from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil.

"Mr. Varghese brings vast knowledge and experience in the medical regulatory field and a key understanding of the Board to his new position as executive director,” said Board Vice President Randy Hawkins, M.D. "I believe the Board's future is in good hands.”

"I am incredibly grateful for the Board's confidence in my leadership and look forward to continuing my service, now as the executive director,” said Varghese. "I'm excited to continue to build upon my recent work at the Board to uphold and further our mission of consumer protection on behalf of the great State of California.”

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The mission of the Medical Board of California is to protect health care consumers and prevent harm through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied health care professionals and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act, and to promote access to quality medical care through the Board's licensing, policy, and regulatory functions.