AMSA75 | Ryan Van Ramshorst
As AMSA celebrates its 75th anniversary, we take a moment to reflect on the journeys of the countless changemakers who have walked alongside us. Among them is Ryan Van Ramshorst — AMSA member 2006-2010 — who now serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the Texas Medicaid Program.
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Ryan’s story began with something as simple as a free anatomy textbook in 2006, as a first-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine. But what he discovered was a movement—a community dedicated to advocacy, primary care, and health equity. For Ryan, this was just the beginning.
AMSA Highlights | Ryan’s Reflections
Ryan recalls some of his proudest AMSA moments as Chair of the Community and Public Health Action Committee (which later became the Community and Environmental Health Action Committee). He spearheaded initiatives like National Primary Care Week, aiming to elevate awareness of primary care’s crucial role and inspire more medical students to consider this path. A standout achievement? Ryan and his team secured a transformative $50,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, propelling their mission forward to prioritize primary care in underserved communities.
“I hadn’t really been involved in policy work before AMSA,” Ryan recalls. “But I fell in love with it — the legislative advocacy, the chance to make a difference. AMSA opened doors that I never imagined.”
AMSA Snapshot
At one point, he found himself in Washington, D.C., meeting with legislative offices, including that of Senator Dick Durbin. Ryan recalls those early days of advocacy, working to promote the Healthy Places Act, a bill introduced by then-Senator Barack Obama. The initiative focused on the built environment, making neighborhoods more accessible, healthier, and safer. For Ryan, this was a moment that solidified his belief in the power of advocacy.
“AMSA helped me see how, as physicians, we can influence policy and make real, systemic change. That’s been a guiding principle in my work with Texas Medicaid.”
– Ryan Van Ramhorst
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Every story is a thread in the rich tapestry of AMSA’s legacy. We want to hear yours. How did AMSA shape your path in medicine? What change did you ignite? Join fellow alumni in sharing your journey, your impact, and your vision for the future. Together, let’s inspire the next generation.
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