VCU news

By Malorie Burkett

A professor emeritus in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine has been awarded the designation of Master in the American College of Physicians, the largest national society for internal medicine practitioners.

Shaun Ruddy, M.D., professor emeritus in the school’s Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, was awarded the designation, which according to the ACP is bestowed upon select fellows in recognition of their notable contributions to medicine and their service to the ACP. Ruddy received the award April 14 at the ACP’s national meeting in San Francisco.

“This is an achievement merited by Dr. Ruddy’s marvelous career of scholarship, teaching and clinical service,” said Sheldon Retchin, M.D., VCU Health System CEO and vice president for Health Sciences. “I am proud to have a colleague who has been an inspiration and mentor to many of us for so long now become a master in the college.”

Ruddy practices with MCV Physicians in the VCU Health System, where he sees patients with arthritis and other complex rheumatic diseases. He also edits numerous publications and textbooks including  “Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology,” which he co-founded 25 years ago and which is now in its 8th edition; “ACPMedicine,” a textbook for internists; and “Pocket Medicine,” an abbreviated text for a PDA.

Ruddy has been active with the ACP since the 1970s, sometimes serving as guest lecturer and panelist during annual meetings and as editor of the ACP Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program. A resident of Richmond, he received his medical degree in 1961 from Yale University and his clinical training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.