In Memoriam: Former NCCHC Board Member Ronald Shansky, MD, MPH

Dr. Ronald Shansky, a pioneer in correctional health care, passed away on September 16 after a life dedicated to improving the medical care of incarcerated individuals. His journey began as a medical resident, where he encountered correctional health care at the Cook County jail, sparking a lifelong passion for public health and correctional medicine.

Dr. Shansky served on the NCCHC Board of Directors from 1998 – 2009 and won the Bernard P. Harrison Award of Merit in 2011.

Dr. Shansky’s career spanned decades, including his early work at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago and his role as Medical Director for the Illinois Department of Corrections. His work as the federal court-appointed receiver for the District of Columbia jail in the 1990s was notable for its success in the turnaround of health care in the jail. Renowned for his commitment to quality, he became a national leader in correctional health care reform, consulting for facilities and courts across the country.

A respected figure in the field, Dr. Shansky was instrumental in shaping guidelines for disease management through his work with NCCHC and the National Institute of Justice. His contributions to updating health services standards and his role as an NCCHC surveyor reflect his deep commitment to the profession.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Shansky was known for his generosity as a teacher and mentor, guiding countless physicians in correctional medicine. His colleague, Dr. Lambert King, also a recipient of the Award of Merit, praised his unique ability to inspire and educate, calling him the “Arturo Toscanini of quality improvement in correctional health care.”

Dr. Shansky’s legacy will continue to influence correctional health care for years to come.