The AMA "Members Move Medicine" series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Ann R. Stroink, MD, who is a neurosurgeon at Central Illinois Neural Health Sciences in Bloomington, Illinois.
AMA member since: 1979.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: My father was a pathologist and because of that I had early exposure to medicine. I worked at a regional laboratory and hospital from junior high through medical school. What intrigued me about medicine was using scientific evidence and experience to treat and improve the quality of life and health of patients.
How I move medicine: In a grassroots fashion. Advocating for physicians and the patients they serve requires a strong voice among policymakers and our state and national legislators. As a physician who actively sees and treats patients on a daily basis, I have a deep understanding of the issues that affect health care, seeing the impact on an individual, family and the broader population. Finally, I value the opportunity to put patients first and empower patients’ choice in health care decisions while breaking down barriers to efficient and effective care.
Career highlights: I am co-founder of the Central Illinois Neuroscience Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing neurological health care through education and research. I serve the foundation as director of continuing medical education. Our educational program has widely influenced the care and treatment of patients in our community. In addition, I take great pride in training and mentoring medical students and residents in the neurosciences.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Look deep inside and consider what really motivates you. If serving others by improving their health care makes you happy, then a career in this field makes sense.
Learn more about AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
