Doctor Raymond, John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, stands as a prominent figure in medical education and healthcare leadership. As the President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), a role he assumed on July 1, 2010, Doctor Raymond has spearheaded significant advancements and expansions for this pivotal Wisconsin institution. Previously the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Doctor Raymond brought a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking vision to MCW.
Under Doctor Raymond’s guidance, MCW has solidified its position as Wisconsin’s only private medical school and a major force in the region’s healthcare landscape. The institution operates with a substantial budget of approximately $1.6 billion, and its profound impact is evident in the fact that half of Wisconsin’s practicing physicians are alumni of MCW or its residency programs. As the fifth-largest private employer in Metro Milwaukee, MCW, under Doctor Raymond’s leadership, contributes significantly to the local economy and community well-being.
Doctor Raymond has championed research and academic excellence at MCW. The institution is nationally recognized as a Top 100 Research University by the National Science Foundation, with an annual investment of $348 million in research, training, and education. This commitment to discovery and innovation is central to MCW’s mission under Doctor Raymond. Furthermore, MCW’s clinical network, comprised of approximately 1,780 doctors and 900 advanced practice providers, delivers care to around 484,000 patients annually, encompassing about 5.1 million visits across its affiliated health systems, including Froedtert Health, Children’s Wisconsin, and the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center.
Addressing critical healthcare needs in Wisconsin has been a priority for Doctor Raymond. Recognizing the impending physician shortage, he spearheaded the establishment of regional medical school campuses in Green Bay (Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay, launched in July 2015) and Central Wisconsin (MCW-Central Wisconsin, initiated in July 2016). Moreover, Doctor Raymond has expanded MCW’s educational offerings by introducing the MCW School of Pharmacy, which welcomed its first class in August 2017, training the next generation of pharmacists.
Doctor Raymond’s leadership extends beyond academic and clinical spheres to encompass community development and collaboration. MCW, under his direction, is partnering with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) and Royal Capital Group on the ThriveOn Collaboration, anchored by the ThriveOn King building, expected to be completed in Spring 2024. This initiative aims to foster economic and social benefits within the Milwaukee community. Additionally, Doctor Raymond facilitated a collaboration between Milwaukee County and the state of Wisconsin to develop a forensic science building on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center grounds. This facility, slated for construction commencement in late 2023, will house vital regional services, including the Wisconsin Southeast Regional Crime Lab and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Doctor Raymond remains actively engaged in clinical practice as a nephrologist, contributing to patient care, teaching, and mentorship. His dedication to medical research is demonstrated by over 140 published manuscripts and nearly $40 million in grant funding. Doctor Raymond’s academic journey includes faculty positions at Duke University and MUSC, where he held significant leadership roles before joining MCW. He is also an NIH-funded scientist, reflecting his ongoing commitment to research.
Doctor Raymond’s educational foundation is rooted in his degrees from the Ohio State University and medical training at Duke University Medical Center. His professional affiliations include board memberships with organizations such as Children’s Wisconsin and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, and editorial roles for prestigious journals like the American Journal of Physiology – Renal Physiology. His accolades include being named a Wisconsin Titan 100 and the 2020 Executive of the Year by the Milwaukee Business Journal, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to Wisconsin’s medical and business communities. Doctor Raymond continues to shape the future of healthcare and medical education in Wisconsin and beyond.
