Brian Zink’s Concise History of Emergency Medicine
Part of a series: Click here to read ‘Another Krome Sets the Bar’
Dr. Ronald Krome was one of the most important and influential leaders in the formation of emergency medicine as a US medical specialty. He was there at every key juncture as a significant figure both on the practice side of emergency medicine and in the academic world as the specialty developed. Ron was a connector and unifier who spoke the language of emergency physicians in community practice, but also had academic credibility in education and research. Dr. Krome is the only person to accomplish an amazing emergency medicine leadership trifecta – serving as president of the American College of Emergency Physicians in 1976-1977; president of the University Association of Emergency Medicine (UAEM – the precursor to SAEM) in 1978; and president of the American Board of Emergency Medicine in 1984-1985. Krome also became the inaugural chief editor of Annals of Emergency Medicine in 1980, and he served in that important role for many years. At the same time, Ron was leading a busy, challenging academic emergency department at Detroit Receiving Hospital where he also started the emergency medicine residency.
Ron Krome’s moxie and verbal sparring skills made him a key warrior in the battle to develop emergency medicine as a specialty board. On the other hand, his softer side allowed him to forge compromises with enemies of emergency medicine that led to progress toward making ABEM come to fruition.
A lover of auto racing, fountain pens and fine cigars, Krome captivated younger physicians with stories from the early days of emergency medicine. He was a spirited, loveable man, and it is wonderful to see that same energy in Amy, his daughter.
1 Comment
Very sad to hear of his passing. I had the privilege to work with Dr. Krome in the 80’s-90’s in William Beaumont ER Royal Oak. He was the best and told you what he thought no matter the circumstances and was not politically correct and thats why we Loved working with him. He will be missed. God bless you Dr Ronald Krome you were the best.
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