The Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM) and STAT MedEvac along with the greater Pittsburgh community mourn the loss of Dr. Ronald D. Stewart, our founder and emergency medicine giant. Dr. Stewart, who began his career in Nova Scotia, played a pivotal role in establishing emergency medical systems both locally and nationally. After training in emergency medicine in Los Angeles, he joined the University of Pittsburgh in 1978, where he founded the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania. His foundation gave us the opportunity to not only advanced emergency care and research but also became instrumental in EMS training and innovation.
Dr. Stewart worked in the health care systems in both Canada and the U.S. for over 50 years. Before arriving in Pittsburgh, he trained in and revolutionized paramedicine services in California as Los Angeles County’s first paramedic director. There, Stewart also served as the medical technical advisor to the NBC TV show “Emergency!” helping to shine a light on the importance of EMS.
Throughout his career, Dr. Stewart’s contributions extended beyond academia. He was the first medical director for Pittsburgh’s EMS and led CEM’s efforts to start a specialized treatment and transport program (STAT). He was instrumental in founding the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), where he served as the first president. His visionary work has had lasting impacts, especially in making EMS a respected subspecialty within emergency medicine. Dr. Stewart founded the Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation (PEMF) as a way to give back to the EMS and emergency medicine communities.
Dr. Stewart earned many awards and received countless accolades during his lifetime. He served as Nova Scotia’s health minister and was named a “hero” of emergency medicine by the American College of Emergency Medicine. As a physician, educator, and visionary, Dr. Stewart mentored countless professionals who carry forward his legacy in medicine. His dedication to teaching and rigorous standards of patient care left an indelible mark on the global medical community. Through his groundbreaking research and advocacy, Dr. Stewart helped elevate EMS from a fledgling field to a respected, essential component of healthcare systems worldwide.
Dr. Stewart’s legacy continues to inspire new generations in emergency medicine and beyond. He demonstrated the profound impact that one dedicated individual could have on global health, emergency response, and medical education. His contributions will continue to resonate, ensuring a lasting legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and respect. His kindness and gentle spirit left an eft a permanent legacy on this organization, this profession, and the world.