AMA Immediate Past President and EIM co-founder Ronald Davis

loses battle with cancer

Ronald Davis, M.D., American Medical Association (AMA) Immediate Past President and Exercise is Medicine™ co-founder, passed away on Nov. 6, 2008, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February.

“We were deeply saddened to learn of Ron's passing, profoundly honored to have known him and unwaveringly convinced his legacy will live forever in the multitude of people, organizations and causes he influenced,” said Jim Whitehead, Executive Vice President of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Davis, who developed the Exercise is Medicine™ concept in conjunction with ACSM Past President Robert Sallis, M.D., FACSM, most recently served as the director for the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Henry Ford Health System. In tandem with his dedication to public health, Davis was also an author, educator, expert witness to Congress and leader of numerous public health initiatives.

Throughout his years of service to the medical community, Davis was awarded the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal and the Surgeon General’s Medallion, The American College of Preventive Medicine’s Distinguished Service Award, and the American Thoracic Society’s Distinguished Service Award, among many other accolades.

“Shortly after his cancer diagnosis, Ron gave a talk to a medical society conference while walking on a treadmill on stage,” Whitehead said. “This is just one of many examples of Ron's commitment and innovative style with health promotion.”

ACSM plans to create memorial funds in Davis' honor. Please check back soon for more information on how to contribute to Davis' legacy.

Click here to watch AMA’s tribute to Ron Davis.