The Michigan State Medical Society formally welcomed Rose Ramirez, MD, as the new President of the Society. Doctor Ramirez, a graduate of Montcalm Community College and Michigan State University, is a practicing physician at Jupiter Family Medicine in Belmont, just outside of Grand Rapids, and is the Medical Director for the Spectrum Health Physician Alliance.

Ramirez took office on Saturday, May 2 following her official election last year by the Michigan State Medical Society's (MSMS) House of Delegates. During the 150th annual House of Delegates meeting in Grand Rapids, Doctor Ramirez delivered her inaugural speech, which focused on the importance of ensuring Michigan patients have full access to the health care they need, and that their health care is affordable.

"Being a physician has always been about getting people the care they need and ensuring that care is affordable," said Doctor Ramirez. "It is physicians' responsibility to make sure patients have access to vaccinations for their children, primary and emergency care, and careful access to medication."

Before becoming a physician, Ramirez worked for four years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, at hospitals in Ionia and Lansing.

Ramirez is a graduate of Belding High School and a lifelong Michigander. Board-certified in Family Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, she has been in medical practice since 1991.

"In the fifth grade, I thought it would be so cool to be a doctor," said Doctor Ramirez. "I couldn't imagine then how thankful I’d be to become that doctor and have a job I love, helping patients."

The Michigan State Medical Society is a professional association of more than 15,000 Michigan physicians. Its mission is to promote a health care environment which supports physicians in caring for, and enhancing the health of Michigan citizens through science, quality, and ethics in the practice of medicine. Please visit www.msms.org for more information.