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: Richard Allen, MD, a retired OB-GYN from the Portland, Oregon, area and past president of the Oregon Medical Association and Colorado Medical Society.
AMA member since: 1969.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: I was a biology and science major and the idea of having a professional career in medicine was appealing.
How I move medicine: I have always been an active participant with my colleagues in organized medicine. I am currently serving as Chair of the AMA Senior Physicians Section, which has helped me to keep in touch with the career I love. The Section has 58,000 members, the majority of whom are still seeing patients.
Career highlights: Being named the state’s Doctor-Citizen of the Year by the Oregon Medical Association in 1992; serving as chair of the AMA Council on Medical Education in 1997 and as chair of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in 1998; and receiving the AMA Distinguished Service Award in 2007 and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Distinguished Service Award in 2009.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Study hard and go for it.
Aspect of my work that means the most: I enjoy the interaction with patients and teaching young physicians and students.
How I advocate for physicians and patients: I have always been a local and state advocate for physicians with legislators and relevant ballot measures.
My hope for the future of medicine: That the best and the brightest students pursue a medical career, and continue the legacy of our profession.
Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
