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Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Dr. Kevin Schulz as the new Houston Fire Department EMS Physician Director. Schulz brings more than 25 years of emergency medical service experience and more than a decade of service to Houston.
Schulz succeeds Dr. David Persse, who retired earlier this year after nearly three decades serving the city. The appointment places Schulz in the top physician leadership role for one of the nation’s busiest EMS systems.
Houston Fire Department EMS Physician Director Role
As EMS Physician Director, Schulz oversees the medical side of emergency care delivered by Houston Fire Department paramedics and EMTs. His duties include clinical protocols, quality improvement, continuing education and patient care standards.
The role carries major responsibility in a city with high emergency call volume and complex public safety needs. Houston’s EMS system serves residents across a large and diverse region.
Schulz has served as an Assistant Medical Director with the Houston Fire Department since 2012. In that role, he helped shape the department’s nationally recognized EMS system.
Mayor Whitmire Praises Schulz’s Experience
Mayor Whitmire said Schulz’s knowledge of Houston and medical background make him well suited for the position.
“Dr. Kevin Schulz knows Houston because he has dedicated part of his career to serving our community,” Whitmire said. “Dr. Schulz brings the experience and vision needed to continue strengthening our emergency medical services.”
Whitmire also said Schulz will work to make the Houston Fire Department a national leader in emergency response and prehospital care. The mayor said public safety remains his highest priority.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz Supports Appointment
Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz also praised Schulz’s leadership and long record of service.
“Dr. Schulz has dedicated his career to advancing emergency medical care and improving outcomes for the people of Houston,” Muñoz said. “He understands our city, he understands our firefighters and paramedics, and he has helped shape our EMS system for more than a decade.”
Muñoz said he has complete confidence in Schulz as the department continues building one of the nation’s premier emergency medical services systems.
Schulz Brings Decades of EMS Work
Schulz began his career as a volunteer EMT in New Jersey and Pennsylvania more than two decades ago. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Villanova University.
He received his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. Schulz completed his emergency medicine residency at Morristown Medical Center before moving to Houston for an EMS fellowship at UTHealth Houston.
Since joining the Houston Fire Department, Schulz has supported medical response planning for major events. Those include Hurricane Harvey, Super Bowl LI, the NCAA Final Four and the FIFA World Cup.
He has also served as a tactical physician with the Houston Police Department’s Tactical Operations Division, also known as SWAT, since 2013.
Academic and National Leadership
Beyond his work with the City of Houston, Schulz serves as Associate Clinical Professor and EMS Fellowship Director in the Department of Emergency Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
He is also Co-Chief of the Section of Disaster and Prehospital Medicine. His work connects emergency medicine, disaster response and prehospital care.
Schulz chairs the National Association of EMS Physicians’ Council of EMS Fellowship Directors. He is also a past president of the organization’s Texas Chapter.
In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. Schulz is board certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services.
He is a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services and the American College of Emergency Physicians. He has authored or co-authored more than 40 publications and abstracts related to prehospital and event medicine.
Focus on Patient Care
Schulz said he is honored to serve Houston and the Houston Fire Department in the new role.
“Our paramedics and EMTs provide exceptional care every day,” Schulz said. “I look forward to working alongside them as we continue advancing our EMS system and delivering the highest level of care to the people of Houston.”
For Houston residents, the appointment marks a continued focus on emergency response, medical leadership and patient care across the city.