(a) The board consists of 19 members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows:
(1) twelve members who are learned and eminent physicians licensed in this state for at least three years before the appointment, nine of whom must be graduates of a reputable medical school or college with a degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.) and three of whom must be graduates of a reputable medical school or college with a degree of doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.); and
(2) seven members who represent the public.
(b) Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointee.