Howard R. Krauss, MD, elected Vice President of the Medical Board of California

Howard R. Krauss, MD, has been elected Vice President of the Medical Board of California, reported in an official state announcement released November 13, 2020. In his role, he will, in collaboration with the President, and as a member of the Executive Committee, oversee various administrative functions of the Board, such as budgets and personnel, the strategic plan, and the review of legislation. He will also provide recommendations to the full Board and, in conjunction with the President, act for the Board in emergency circumstances when the full Board cannot be convened.

“It has been an honor to serve on the Board, in service to all Californians, working actively to protect and improve their access to high-quality health care.  As an individual physician, in a lifetime, one may have the opportunity to aid tens of thousands of patients; as a member and officer of the Medical Board, the mission of service is similar, but offers the opportunity and responsibility to aid tens of millions of people.”

Dr. Howard R. Krauss

Dr. Daniel Kelly, a founder of Pacific Neuroscience institute said, “Dr. Krauss has led an exemplary career as a physician, researcher and educator for over 35 years. Our PNI team is extremely honored to have him as a close colleague and collaborator and can think of no one better to serve in such a position of leadership for our California Medical Board.”

About Dr. Howard R. Krauss

Dr. Krauss, a surgical neuro-ophthalmologist and one of the founders of Pacific Neuroscience Institute, was first appointed to the Medical Board of California in 2013 by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. 

He has been in practice in Santa Monica since 1984 and is also Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. As one of only a few neurosurgical ophthalmologists, Dr. Krauss serves as a Mentor Examiner, training Examiners for the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a founding member and past Member of the Board of the North American Skull Base Society and is on the Board of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation. He is also a Fellow of the Federation of State Medical Boards, past President of the California Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, past President of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, past Trustee of the California Medical Association, past Member of the Board of the California Ambulatory Surgery Association and past President of the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology Association.

Prior to becoming a doctor and entering medical school, Dr. Krauss was a systems engineer with the Hughes Aircraft Space & Communications Group in El Segundo. He holds degrees in Electrical Engineering from The Cooper Union and Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT.

He completed Residency at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and Fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology and Orbital Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Krauss earned his medical degree from New York Medical College.  

In 2002, Drs. Krauss, Griffiths and Frazer founded Pacific Eye & Ear Specialists, which merged into the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, which had been founded by Drs. Kelly, Griffiths, Krauss and Kesari, in 2017 at the time of its affiliation with Providence St Joseph Health.

About the Medical Board of California

Beginning more than a century ago with the establishment of the Board of Medical Examiners in 1876, the organization brought structure, quality and accountability to the medical community and confidence to patients.

Now, the mission of the Medical Board of California is to protect health care consumers. Its members work to ensure the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons as well as certain allied health care professionals. In addition, through the Board’s licensing and regulatory functions, members conduct vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act, to promote access to quality medical care.

Members of the Medical Board and Executive Staff

The current membership of the state’s medical board is 15, comprising 8 physicians and 5 public members appointed by the Governor; 1 public member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly; and 1 public member appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.

Congratulations Dr. Krauss!