Retired Oswego Hospital Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ronald Uva, MD, who provided healthcare to area women for more than 30 years, was recently presented the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), District II 2015 Life Time Achievement Award.
The award recognizes his unparalleled leadership in obstetrics and gynecology, his diligent efforts in the field of women’s health advocacy, and his tireless service to ACOG.
"I was humbled that an organization such as ACOG would take the time and effort to honor me,” Dr. Uva said. “It has been my privilege to dedicate my life to women's health care, advocacy and to ensure that the residents of New York State have access to the finest health care available. I hope that my writings give information and clarification to the complex medical issues of our time"
Dr. Uva has been active in ACOG for many years, fulfilling numerous advocacy roles. In 2011, he was elected a vice chair where he advocated at both the state and federal levels for universal maternity coverage and for other health issues related to women.
The Oswego physician was named an ACOG 2012 John McCain Fellow and as part of his Fellowship spent two weeks in the nation’s capital advocating for women’s healthcare. While in Washington, D.C., he took part in daily Congressional briefings and hearings giving him the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the country’s most influential leaders, including a luncheon with Congressman Orrin Hatch, a Republican from Utah.
ACOG has previously honored Dr. Uva with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award, which recognized his efforts to improve healthcare for women.
Along with his ACOG involvement, Dr. Uva has also been an active participant in other state associations. He is believed to be the first physician from Oswego Health to be named to the prestigious NYS Board for Medicine. He was appointed to the professional liability committee and as part of his role on this committee traveled to Manila, Philippines, as well as St Lucia, Aruba and Saba to evaluate these island nation’s medical schools.
He is also a former section chair of the American College of OB-GYN, where he advocated for reforms to malpractice insurance.
In addition, Dr. Uva was active with the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) and among his responsibilities was writing semiannual book reviews for the organization. He continues to write today, with a monthly column for The Palladium-Times, “Today’s Health for the Empowered Woman.”
Though retired, Dr. Uva remains dedicated to the issue of womens health and serves on the state board of the Office of Professional Medical Conduct.
Dr Uva began his career at Oswego Hospital in 1978 while still in residency. In 1980, he joined Joseph Mather, MD, in creating Oswego County OB-GYN, P.C., and would serve as a longtime president of the medical group. The practice continues today as the only OB/GYN practice in the county. While practicing he also served as an associate professor at SUNY Upstate and as the OB/GYN Department Chief at Oswego Hospital.
For all his advocacy efforts to improve women’s health, in 2013 Dr. Uva was recognized with a state legislative resolution presented by Assemblyman Will Barclay