Ronald Shansky Obituary

Shansky, Ronald

Ronald Mark Shansky (May 7, 1945 - Sept 15, 2024), a man whose passion for justice and unyielding commitment to the expansion of healthcare for the underprivileged left an indelible mark on the medical community and beyond, passed away at the age of 80 in the embrace of his family at Austin hospice care.

Born in Milwaukee to Louis and Ann Shansky, Ronald was a devoted son, who, alongside his brothers Michael and Frank, believed in the value of hard work and dedication from a young age. His early years in Milwaukee were marked by curiosity and a burgeoning appetite for learning that would carry him through his illustrious career. Ronald attended Washington High School, where he discovered his interest in the sciences-a pursuit that would eventually shape his life's work.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Ronald pursued a medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He knew he wanted to be a people's doctor and his journey continued with a residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.

Ronald became the Chief Resident at Cook County Hospital, a role that allowed

him to mentor and guide young physicians. He went on to become the Director of the General Medicine Clinic at the County hospital, where he worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access for the city's diverse communities. He also began working as the medical director of the Uptown People's Health Center providing comprehensive care to underserved populations.

Ronald's career took a significant turn when he moved into the field of correctional medicine. Initially as a staff physician at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, then eventually the statewide Medical Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, Ronald fought to ensure that those behind bars received quality healthcare-a mission that reflected his deep-seated belief in the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

Ronald was the co-founder and first President of the Society of Correctional Physicians. He received the Armand Start Award for Excellence in Correctional Medicine and was honored with the NCCHC Bernard Harrison Award for Distinguished Service. His expertise in correctional medicine led to five consecutive national appointments as Special Master to oversee the rulings of federal judges in cases related to medical corrections. He was appointed as the receiver of the Washington, D.C. Jail, and in this role he championed reforms that improved health outcomes for individuals incarcerated at the jail. He also returned to his hometown in Wisconsin as the court appointed monitor of the Milwaukee County Jail to inspect the jail's healthcare services.

Ronald's dedication extended beyond his career to his family. Alongside his beloved wife, Angie, he raised three daughters-Rochelle Shansky, Maria Hopper, and Ava Spencer. He was a grandfather to Max Hopper and Earnest Stark and he delighted in sharing stories, imparting knowledge, and watching them grow.

Ronald was a man of diverse interests. A lover of concerts, movies, and sports, he

found joy and relaxation going to a show or staying home and reading a good book. He also spent many evenings engaged in spirited discussions on politics. He cared deeply about the welfare of all people and always had an opinion about how to make the world a better place.

Ronald's life embodied the virtues of passion, loyalty, and commitment. He dedicated his life to providing care to individuals in need and transforming systems so that all people could access quality healthcare. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the systems he improved, and the lessons he imparted to his students, colleagues and patients.

A memorial service celebrating Ronald's life is scheduled for May 7, 2025 from 12PM to 4PM CT at the Hyatt Place Chicago Medical Center, 1835 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL. Program begins at 2pm. Live Streaming at https://evt.live/drronaldshanskymemorial

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the following organizations that were dear to Ronald: CurePSP, Doctors Without Borders, and the Beyond Prisons Initiative at the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture.

We honor Ronald Mark Shansky-a physician, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He remains ever-present in our hearts.

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