Ron KeyserPartner: Cathy19766 Meadowbrook RoadHagerstown, Md. 21742-2525Tel: 301-739-3140 FAX 301-790-0708Email: ronald.keyser@gmail.com
Ron’s interest in medicine began as a child, when the fear of polio grabbed newspaper headlines in the 1940’s. Pictures of children lying in respirators, and a war-time president afflicted by polio made a strong and lasting impression. During Ron’s year as club president, Rotary became involved in the eradication of polio. The end of polio is possible, please join in the final fight against polio with your contribution to PolioPlus.
Ron, a native of Hagerstown, Md., received his degree in chemistry from Lafayette College and medical degree from the Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine. Following internship and pediatric training at Univ. Hospital in Baltimore, he served on active duty with the US Navy 1963 - 1965. He is board certified in pediatrics, and took post-graduate work in medical management at the University of North Carolina. Ron has special professional interest in polio and child abuse/domestic violence.
After the Navy, Ron practiced general pediatrics in Hagerstown for over 34 years. In early 2000, Ron retired from his medical practice and led a Group Study Exchange team to Japan. Ron has studied healthcare in several countries, including Japan, Costa Rica, and Honduras where he participated in a medical mission in 2001. There Ron saw first hand how poverty conditions, lack of public health infrastructure, and safe drinking water adversely affects health. In July 2001, Ron accepted a position in public health working at the Washington County Md. Health Department. In addition to his teaching and clinical duties, he serves as physician liaison and medical consultant for school health, infectious disease control and public health emergency preparedness.
A member of the Rotary Club of Hagerstown, MD since 1970, Ron has served his club in various positions, including Board of Directors, Program Chair, International Service Chair, Vice-President, President, GSE Committee and chairing several special events. Following his year as club president in 1987, Ron served on the Hagerstown Rotary Club Charitable Foundation for six years, the last two years as president.
Ron has served the district as area assistant governor twice, co-chaired the district conference in 1990, and served on the district Group Study Exchange and Foundation Committees. Ron’s home has hosted GSE, student exchange students, and friendship exchanges many times.
Ron and his wife, Cathy, share the joys of their blend family of 10 children and 16 grand-children. Winter and summer holidays are especially joyful when almost all come to visit. Ron, Cathy, and all their children are Paul Harris Fellows and encourage everyone to help MAKE DREAMS REAL by contributing to PolioPlus and the Rotary Foundation Annual Programs Fund.
