Houston Doctor Keeps Fighting Texas Medical Board Attacks

By Addie Hovland | Texas Scorecard | August 26, 2025

Dr. Mary Tally Bowden has announced that she will appeal the case brought against her by the Texas Medical Board after the State Office of Administrative Hearings released its proposed ruling in favor of the board.

Dr. Bowden—a Houston-based ear, nose, and throat specialist—first came under scrutiny by the Texas Medical Board for “unprofessional behavior” when she prescribed and attempted to administer ivermectin to a patient who was hospitalized at Texas Health Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although Bowden procured in advance a court order allowing a licensed nurse from Fort Worth to administer the drug, the nurse was denied entrance by hospital staff.

In the proposed decision, State Office of Administrative Hearings judges noted that Dr. Bowden’s “unprofessional behavior demonstrates an increased potential for harm to the public.”

“SOAH judges have ruled in favor of the Texas Medical Board, stating my actions surrounding my attempt to help Jason Jones demonstrate an increased potential harm to the public,” posted Dr. Bowden on X.

According to the proposed ruling, the administrative judges lacked authority to recommend disciplinary actions, but concluded that grounds for such action existed.

Both Dr. Bowden and the Texas Medical Board have filed exceptions to the proposed decision.

Dr. Bowden and her legal team submitted a document that makes several requests to clarify, amend, or strike portions of the proposed decision.

In her exceptions filing, Dr. Bowden also objected to the decision because it was made by unelected administrative law judges.

“Under the Texas Constitution, executive power may be exercised only by elected officials or their direct appointees,” the filing reads. “The ALJs are not direct appointees of any elected official. Further, their decisions in this case are not reviewable by any elected official or direct employee of an elected official.”

However, if the TMB votes to adopt the proposed ruling, it will become the final board order against Dr. Bowden.

Following the board’s adoption, Dr. Bowden will be able to appeal her case.

“The weaponization of state medical boards against physicians isn’t just bad for physicians; it is devastating for patients,” responded Dr. Kelly Victory to Bowden’s announcement. “It erodes medical freedom, disregards personal autonomy, and undermines the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship.”

Addie Hovland

Addie Hovland is a journalist for Texas Scorecard. She hails from South Dakota and is passionate about spreading truth.