The American Medical Association Foundation is pleased to recognize Albert Ray, MD, FAAFP, as its newest president of the board of directors. With an illustrious career in family medicine spanning over four decades, Dr. Ray brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a commitment to improving the nation’s health.
Virginia Spitzer, the executive director of the AMA Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Ray’s presidency.
“I am delighted to have Dr. Ray as our board president. His dedication to medical education and leadership, health care equity, and the physician community aligns seamlessly with our core values,” said Spitzer.
“As the AMA Foundation continues its work as a grant-maker and program provider, Dr. Ray’s leadership will help us to make lasting change by creating collaborations with more institutions, philanthropic partners, community organizations, and more.”
Dr. Ray joined the AMA Foundation Board of Directors in 2020. He is also the chair of the AMA House of Delegates California Delegation and AMA PacWest Conference.
“I am honored to serve as president of the board of directors and to be part of the AMA Foundation community,” stated Dr. Ray. “Together, with our dedicated team and investors, we will make significant strides in creating a more equitable health care system that meets the needs of our patients and communities.”
Dr. Ray succeeds Nancy L. Mueller, MD, FAAN, who is now the immediate past president of the board.
About Dr. Ray
Dr. Ray is board-certified in family medicine in the United States and Canada. Born in New York City, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and MD from the Faculty of Medicine at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.
Dr. Ray began his medical career with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group at Kaiser Permanente (KP) in San Diego, California, where he has held numerous leadership roles. He is a partner emeritus at the KP Positive Choice Integrative Wellness Center in San Diego. Dr. Ray is also the medical director for KP California Member Relations and KP Insurance Company.
His extensive leadership experience includes serving as past president of Kaiser Foundation Hospital and as an elected member of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group Board of Directors from 1997 to 2008. Dr. Ray is also a clinical professor in the family medicine and preventive medicine departments at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.
In addition to his professional practice, Dr. Ray has held numerous prestigious positions in various medical organizations. He has been president of the San Diego Academy of Family Physicians and the San Diego County Medical Society and a trustee of the California Medical Association.
Dr. Ray is a prolific author with numerous publications on health promotion, patient education, obesity and tobacco cessation. His contributions to the field have been recognized with multiple accolades, including being named California Family Physician of the Year in 2002 and being voted Top Doctor in Family Medicine in San Diego by San Diego Magazine.
