Ronald J. Pion, M.D., a distinguished alumnus from the New York Medical College (NYMC) class of 1956, carved a remarkable path in medicine. While many recognize telemedicine as a modern marvel, Dr. Pion was already at the forefront of this field in the 1980s, long before it became a mainstream practice.
Looking back, Dr. Pion recalls a pivotal moment during his NYMC admissions interview. When asked what he would do if not accepted, unlike his peers who pledged to reapply, Dr. Pion candidly admitted he would be relieved, confessing that his parents’ aspiration for him to become a physician outweighed his own initial desires. “I wanted to teach English at a midwestern school. I wanted to be the drama coach,” Dr. Pion shared. This unexpected honesty impressed the professor, leading to his acceptance and altering his career trajectory. Despite initial hesitations, Dr. Pion embraced medical school, recognizing the invaluable opportunity NYMC offered. “I was very lucky to attend New York Medical College,” he affirms, fondly remembering the dedicated faculty and the profound lessons learned during his formative years.
Approaching 90, Dr. Pion reflects on a career defined by dedication. He contributed his expertise to both the University of Washington and the University of Hawaii while building a thriving practice as an obstetrician and gynecologist. He describes patient care as a deeply rewarding experience. However, a burgeoning interest in telemedicine led him to Los Angeles in the late 1970s. Inspired by NASA’s early explorations into remote healthcare for space missions in the 1960s, Dr. Pion recognized telemedicine’s untapped potential.
This vision culminated in the establishment of the Hospital Satellite Network, a pioneering force in cost-effective medical teleconferencing during the 1980s. Dr. Pion explained his drive: “I found things that medicine wasn’t doing. I was doing things I wasn’t being taught to do.” His innovative spirit extended beyond telemedicine technology. In 1988, he co-created and hosted “Group One Medical,” a daily television series, followed by hosting “Milestones in Medicine” on Lifetime Medical Television in the early 1990s, showcasing his commitment to medical communication.
Further demonstrating his forward-thinking approach, Dr. Pion piloted an application in 1998 for the INFOGEAR “iPhone,” a precursor to the smartphone era, designed to facilitate communication between physicians and patients via an internet screen phone. His engagement with technology continued as he advised Zoom, advocating for its benefits in healthcare well before its widespread adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now retired, Dr. Pion views his journey in medicine and academia with immense gratitude. He attributes his accomplishments to an insatiable thirst for knowledge. “I’ve had a magical career,” Dr. Pion concludes, encapsulating a life dedicated to medical innovation and patient care, solidifying his legacy as a true pioneer in telemedicine.
