Ronald Drusin '66: Gold Medalist for Excellence in Clinical Medicine

Ronald Drusin '66 was presented with the Gold Medal for Excellence in Clinical Medicine at the VP&S Alumni Reunion on May 14, 2022, in New York City.

Dr. Drusin, the Rolf H. Scholdager Professor Emeritus of Medicine at CUIMC, has been a medical student, resident, cardiology fellow, cardiologist, teacher, alumnus, and administrator at the VP&S across nearly six decades. Early in his career, he served two years with the U.S. Public Health Service assigned to the CDC, where he worked in clinical research related to sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis. After returning to Columbia for a cardiology fellowship, in 1977 he became the first medical director of the nationally renowned Heart Transplant Program at what was Columbia-Presbyterian. He practiced cardiology at CUIMC until 2017, directing the cardiology section and the second-year course in pathophysiology for many years. Dr. Drusin began chairing the VP&S curriculum committee in the 1980s and held the role for more than 30 years, during which he helped to steer and implement two curriculum revisions. In 2019, he stepped down as vice dean for education after 11 years in the position.

This award honors alumni with notable achievements in clinical medicine that significantly advance healthcare outcomes. Learn more about the VP&S Alumni Association’s annual awards program and submit a nomination anytime for yourself or a fellow alum.