Born in Lansing, Michigan (at Wiegenstein's hospital), Dr. Anderson grew up in Detroit, captain of his high school swim team. Excelling enough to be accepted to a 6-year Pre-med/medical school program at University of Michigan, Dr. Anderson divided training in Surgery between Michigan & University of Washington, acting as Chief Resident of ED at Michigan. He practiced 35 years in EM at Auburn Hospital and was chair of Education, Credentials, Dept. of EM, while founding the Trauma & Stroke services.
Dr. Anderson created the largest training center in America for the American Heart Association and was awarded Physician of the Year. Eventually, he was elected Chief-of-Staff, with the hospital's annual Leadership award named after him. He fought flawed policy and created national programs to identify high-risk EM patients, assure access, and received a national award for Suicide Prevention.
As a Legacy physician in ACEP, Dr. Anderson was awarded Spokesperson of the Year and a Lifetime Communications award. After acting as the Washington State Chapter president, he was elected to the ACEP Board in 2014. He served as Treasurer & Chair of the College, and help found the Social EM, DEHI, and Exploring Retirement Sections. Dr. Anderson is an honorary lifetime member of the EMF Board after serving as Chair.
Clinically retired in 2022, he remains relevant as Chair of The Naloxone Project among multiple duties, including moderating the Small & Medium Chapter's Caucus. Dr. Anderson divides his time in the sunshine between Florida & Lake Chelan, Washington, especially under or on the water (frozen, salt or freshwater).
Dr. Anderson married his wife Kathy 38 years ago, raised a daughter, Kayce (until her passing in 2019).
About This Award
The John A. Rupke Legacy Award is presented to a current College member for outstanding lifetime contributions to the College.
