Nancy Mueller, MD, did not initially set out to serve on the AMA Foundation Board of Directors. In fact, her first connection to the Foundation came not through governance, but through giving.

She was approached about becoming a donor at a time when she knew little about the organization. As she learned more about the Foundation’s scholarships, awards, and leadership initiatives, her curiosity grew. The mission resonated. The work felt practical and lasting.

Board service was not part of her original plan.

“I was accustomed to supporting causes financially rather than participating in governance or fundraising initiatives,” she recalls. “The responsibilities associated with budgeting and fiduciary oversight seemed daunting.”

It was her late husband, Kenneth D. Lancin, who encouraged her to reconsider. He believed she had more to offer than she realized. That encouragement became a turning point.

Over the next ten years, Dr. Mueller would become one of only two individuals to serve a full decade on the AMA Foundation Board of Directors. She contributed years on the Executive Committee and ultimately served as Board President from 2023 to 2024. What began with hesitation evolved into deep commitment.

“I came to appreciate how board service encompassed much more than soliciting donations”

— Nancy Mueller, MD

Leadership Rooted in Connection

Dr. Mueller’s experience on the Board reshaped her understanding of service.

“I came to appreciate how board service encompassed much more than soliciting donations,” she says. “It enabled me to form meaningful connections with both board members and staff.”

She remembers small moments that revealed the character of the organization. After one meeting, the Chairman insisted on driving her to O’Hare Airport. It was not a grand gesture, but it reflected something lasting: camaraderie, generosity, and shared purpose.

As a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at NYU Langone Health, Dr. Mueller has long understood the power of physician-led teams. During her years of service with the AMA Foundation, she saw that same collaborative spirit at work beyond the clinic, bringing physicians together to invest in scholarships, recognize excellence, and strengthen the profession across every stage of training. The Foundation’s programs reflected a shared commitment to supporting students, honoring achievement, and advancing medicine in meaningful, lasting ways.

“Serving as part of physician-led teams dedicated to patient care and broader health care goals reinforces the limitless potential achievable through collaborative effort,” she reflects.

Over time, the Foundation became central to her professional identity. She may not describe herself as a fundraiser, but she embraces the role of advocate. She believes in strengthening medicine through education, recognition, and investment in the next generation.

A Legacy of Quiet Generosity

Dr. Mueller’s connection to the Foundation is deeply intertwined with Ken’s memory. It was Ken who encouraged her to join the Board. It was Ken who created small cards encouraging friends and colleagues to donate to the AMA Foundation before his passing.

Today, the Kenneth D. Lancin Memorial Fund supports all of the Foundation’s programs, extending that spirit of generosity into scholarships, leadership development, and physician recognition.

Each year, the Forever in Our Hearts Kenneth D. Lancin Memorial event brings together family, friends, physicians, and community members to honor Ken’s legacy and support the work of the AMA Foundation. The ninth annual gathering, held on February 17, 2026, marked ten years since his passing and served as a powerful reminder of the generosity and dedication that continue to guide the Foundation’s work.

“It is an honor and a privilege to celebrate both Ken and Nancy each year,” said Sandi Smith, Deputy Director of the AMA Foundation. “Nancy has demonstrated over and over her dedication to the Foundation and the people it serves. Never one to seek the spotlight, she is the first to encourage others to give back while quietly going above and beyond.”

Photos from the 2026 Forever in Our Hearts Kenneth D. Lancin Memorial event.

Looking Ahead

At its 75-year milestone, the AMA Foundation stands as a testament to sustained investment in education and leadership. Those priorities remain at the heart of Dr. Mueller’s work.

“As a physician, I am most proud of the enduring commitment to education,” she says. “Lifelong learning remains essential.” It is a belief that has guided her career, her leadership, and her decade of service to the AMA Foundation.