RAM Founder Stan Brock to be Inducted into Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame
Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Induction set for October 2024
Remote Area Medical – RAM® – a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need – announces the induction of Volunteer, Founder and President of Remote Area Medical Stan Brock to the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame. Brock – who founded RAM in the foothills of East Tennessee in 1985 – was influential in providing much-needed dental, vision and medical care across the U.S. and beyond.
Each year, the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the healthcare industry in Tennessee. Remote Area Medical is honored to announce Stan Brock has been selected as a member of the 2024 Inductee Class. Brock will be honored alongside Walter Hughes, MD; R. Milton Johnson and C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD during the 10th annual celebration.
“These four distinguished inductees represent diverse areas of health care, from humanitarian efforts and infectious disease research to healthcare administration and surgical innovation. Their collective contributions have significantly advanced healthcare delivery, research and accessibility in Tennessee and far beyond,” said Belmont University representatives.
Remote Area Medical continues Brock’s legacy by furthering the mission to prevent pain and alleviate suffering. RAM is honored to carry forth Brock’s vision into communities across America today providing free, quality healthcare to the underserved.
“Stan never asked, ‘Can we do this?’ Instead, it was always, ‘How do we do this?’” Remote Area Medical Chief Executive Officer Jeff Eastman said. “Today, tens of thousands of volunteers honor his legacy by providing free healthcare to those in need. He continues to be a driving force within the RAM Community. Each of us is honored to be a part of the journey he started.”
Following the foundation of Remote Area Medical in 1985, Brock was instrumental in the passage of the Tennessee Volunteer Medical Services Acts of 1995, which allows healthcare professionals to cross state lines to provide free care on a volunteer basis.
Brock was the recipient of many honors and awards including the 2012 CNN Hero, 2017 Lions Club International Humanitarian Award, American Institute for Public Service – Jefferson Award (Bronze), 2010 Inamori Ethics Prize, two Emmy Awards, 2007 Inductee Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, the 1995 Award of Merit- Rural Health Association and more. He was honored by both Congress and Presidents.
Over the past 39 years, the mission that Brock started has now provided free healthcare to more than 950,000 individuals, while delivering more than $200 million worth of services across the U.S. and beyond. Since his passing in 2018, RAM has continued to embody his phrase – “Never Forget the Mission.”
The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame has inducted more than 50 healthcare leaders since its foundation in 2015. The Induction Ceremony celebrating the 2024 inductee class is set to take place Oct. 15, 2024 on the Belmont University Campus at the Fisher Center of the Performing Arts.
“Stan was integral in delivering free healthcare to the underserved communities,” RAM Chief Operations Officer Chris Hall said. “His legacy is carried forward by the countless volunteers that make [RAM clinics] possible. Stan’s impact still carries forward beyond his years!”
Brock – born in Preston, Lancashire, England – founded RAM in 1985 following a promise he made to the Wapishana Indians. Brock managed the Dadanawa Ranch – the world’s largest cattle ranch operation consisting of 4,000 square miles of rainforest and savannah in British Guiana – from 1952 to 1968. He suffered a terrible horse-related injury while living among the Wapishana, learning it was a 26-day trek on foot through the jungle to the nearest doctor. Later, as an experienced bush pilot and certified airline transport pilot, Brock vowed to bring medical care closer.
Following his stint as co-host of NBC’s Emmy-winning series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom – a show with more than 32 million weekly viewers – he put his life’s savings into founding Remote Area Medical. He served, without compensation, as RAM’s Founder and President until his passing on Aug. 29, 2018. His business cards always read, “Volunteer, Founder & President,” as Stan Brock was a true volunteer first. He worked to break down barriers of access to care, whether that be distance to a doctor, lack of insurance or the inability to afford high deductibles and copays.
“RAM is the way I have kept a promise, not only to the Wapishana Indians, but to thousands around the world in similar health conditions,” Brock once said. “In other words, there are Wapishanas everywhere.”
Stan Brock passed away Aug. 29, 2018, at the age of 82.
