[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. RONALD M. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Dr. Ronald M. Davis, who sadly passed away on November 6 after a 
courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. A resident of Michigan's 
Eighth District in East Lansing, Dr. Davis will be sorely missed. Yet 
his legacy of service and compassion will never be forgotten.
  First and foremost, Dr. Davis was a committed father and loving 
husband. He will also be remembered as a distinguished public health 
advocate throughout his entire career, most notably during his time as 
president of the American Medical Association. During his tenure at the 
American Medical Association, he worked tirelessly to promote public 
awareness of healthy lifestyles, encourage health insurance reform, and 
push doctors to reduce medical errors and improve patient care.
  Even while suffering from a terminal illness, Dr. Davis fought to 
advance critical public health initiatives. A staunch opponent of 
smoking, Dr. Davis worked every day to save lives by promoting tobacco 
control. Over the years, Dr. Davis served the tobacco control community 
in numerous ways, including as Director of the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention's Office on Smoking and Health and as chief 
medical officer of the Michigan Department of Public Health. He was an 
expert witness in litigation against the tobacco industry and a 
National Cancer Institute-funded researcher. Dr. Davis was also the 
founding editor of the world's very first scientific journal dedicated 
to the field of tobacco control.
  Through his cancer treatment, Dr. Davis continued to work diligently 
as a leader in the health care community. His remarks to the American 
Medical Association last year were particularly memorable and moving as 
he discussed his terminal illness, even joking about the baldness 
caused by his chemotherapy. In spite of the odds against someone with a 
diagnosis that included such a slim chance of long-term survival, Dr. 
Davis told his fellow physicians to ``never take away someone's hope.'' 
They agreed and cheered his courage.
  As a cancer survivor myself, I understand the challenges Dr. Davis 
faced every day, and I deeply admire his indomitable spirit throughout 
such a difficult battle. He will be remembered as a remarkable leader 
and a determined public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his 
wife Nadine, their sons and entire family during this difficult time.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Dr. Ronald M. Davis. He is truly deserving of our respect and 
admiration for his tremendous contributions to our Nation.

                          ____________________