MedStar Health Radiologist Elected to Prestigious American Medical Association Council

Dr. Raymond Tu will help drive change on national Council on Science and Public Health.

BALTIMORE — Raymond Tu, MD, a MedStar Health  radiologist, has been elected to the prestigious Council on Science and Public Health for the American Medical Association (AMA). This national leadership position underscores Dr. Tu's extensive contributions to medical science, public health, and healthcare administration.

The AMA's Council on Science and Public Health is a 12-member body responsible for guiding the AMA on issues related to science and public health. Members assist in preparing policy positions on scientific issues in medicine and public health. Dr. Tu's election to this council, voted in by his peers from across the nation, is a testament to his respected status in the medical community. His four-year term will involve working with delegates from every state to address critical healthcare issues.

Dr. Tu's career is marked by his leadership in radiology and his executive roles in healthcare management. At MedStar Health, he developed his expertise in neuroradiology and was later appointed chief medical officer for MedStar Family Choice, District of Columbia, MedStar Health’s managed Medicaid insurance plan in the District. His commitment to advancing medical practice and patient care has been unwavering throughout his career.

“Being able to advocate for legislation nationally by what we learn locally I think empowers us greatly,” said Dr. Tu on his election to the council. “I am dedicated to sharing the innovative work MedStar has accomplished to improve healthcare access and delivery across the country.”

One of Dr. Tu’s primary focuses will be on telehealth, a major priority for the AMA, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from MedStar Health’s leadership in telemedicine, Dr. Tu aims to share successful strategies and frameworks with the AMA to enhance telehealth services nationwide. He believes that implementing these innovations on a national scale will not only lend credibility to MedStar but also provide concrete success stories for the broader medical community.

He is also a strong advocate for addressing wellbeing in the medical field. Dr. Tu plans to leverage his experience and efforts as a board member with the Medical Society of the District of Columbia’s with physician wellbeing to promote policies that support work-life balance, aligning with MedStar Health’s SPIRIT Values. He believes that sharing local insights on provider wellbeing can empower the AMA to enact meaningful legislation.

Dr. Tu’s personal commitment to healthcare also extends to vulnerable populations, particularly seniors who may struggle with health literacy. Inspired by his experience caring for his mother with dementia, he aims to work with the AMA to prioritize senior care as well.

“One of my top priorities is making sure we take care of our seniors. They may not have the energy or the health literacy to advocate for their needs. We want to make sure vulnerable people at the twilight of life have a voice,” Dr. Tu said. “This is one of my main priorities in working with the AMA. It’s an issue that’s very personal to me. I think it’s important to make sure our seniors receive care at a level that is just as fantastic as what we give to those at the beginning of life.”