General Info

The Richmond Academy of Medicine was founded in 1821. Dr. James McClurg was elected as the Academy's first President. Dr. McClurg's notable achievements included serving as William and Mary's only Professor of Anatomy and Medicine, as a surgeon in the Revolutionary Army, and as President of Richmond's Common Council. In 1787, he participated in the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Later presidents include many prominent figures in Richmond history. Dr. William Tell Oppenhimer served for many years as Chief-Surgeon or C. & O. Railway and was the most important individual in the development of the hospital system of the C. & O. Dr. Stuart McGuire was president in 1901. He also served as President and Professor of Surgery of the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. George Ben Johnson was a distinguished surgeon who, along with his associate Dr. Murat Willis, established Johnston-Willis hospital. Dr. J. Shelton Horsley founded St. Elizabeth's hospital and was a pioneer research surgeon. Dr. Isaac Bigger was one of the pioneers in the development of Thoracic Surgery. These are just a few in the long list of individuals who have shaped the history of the Academy. The Academy was incorporated in 1824. It has steadily increased its membership. At the time of incorporation, it had a membership of 24 physicians. By 1900, it had grown to 100 members and by 1960 there were about 650 physicians. Currently, our membership consists of 1, 600 members and includes practicing physicians, retired physicians, residents, interns, fellows and medical students. Today, the Richmond Academy of Medicine strives to be the Patient's Advocate, the Physician's Ally and the Community's Supporter. Our resources are dedicated to these three objectives. We focus on managed care, patient safety, medical errors, patient advocacy, physician advocacy, medical staff bylaws, physician data collection, community partnerships, helping the uninsured and more. The list goes on. Yet these are just a few of the issues RAM addresses with its members in a variety of different ways. Our Board of Trustees meets monthly to discuss progress towards agreed upon objectives, to review current issues with doctors, hospitals and managed care organizations, and to oversee the financial management of the Academy.