Board Member Profile
R. Brad Ringhofer, M.D.
R. Brad Ringhofer, M.D., is an internist practicing in Downstate Swansea. Dedication to patients and activism to help change the political climate in Southern Illinois are among Dr. Ringhofer’s passions. Prior to his election to the ISMIE Mutual Board of Directors, Dr. Ringhofer served for eight years on ISMIE’s Physician Review and Evaluation Panel (PREP). He is a member of the St. Clair Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association. Dr. Ringhofer received his M.D. from Finch University-The Chicago Medical School. He has served as chairman, Department of Internal Medicine; and president, Medical Staff, at Belleville Memorial Hospital.
You served on PREP for many years. What did you learn from that experience?
No one is immune from the malpractice plague. Bad things happen to good people and
good physicians. I also learned a tremendous amount about primary prevention in liability claims.
Why is PREP such a vital component of ISMIE’s hallmark of physician-first service?
PREP is a clear example of how physicians are involved in ISMIE’s everyday work. I don’t know of another insurance company that has this degree of physician participation. Doctors spend an
enormous amount of time reviewing and dissecting each claim…why it happened and what can be done to prevent future claims for that physician, or for that matter, all physicians insured by ISMIE. The way we accomplish this is to encourage continuing medical education such as
self-study courses, seminars and office assessments. I am amazed at the care that PREP devotes to each and every claim. It is truly noteworthy.
What is the medical litigation climate like for Southern Illinois physicians?
We really live in a “judicial hellhole.” It is a stifling atmosphere to work in. There is not much
excitement over the recently passed tort reform legislation. We are waiting for the inevitable
constitutional challenge. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about it. The litigation climate
affects virtually every aspect of our daily practice. Many young physicians have left to start over
in friendlier climates. The rest are counting the days to retirement!
Why is the fall 2006 election important to medical litigation reform efforts?
The malpractice crisis/litigious atmosphere may be depressing and all-consuming, but physicians have a chance to change this through political action at the grassroots level. The 2005 election of Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier is a prime example of how the medical community can affect change. All physicians, health care professionals and their families must take active roles. A key component for success is door-to-door campaigning – even outside your own district – to educate the public on access to care issues and to identify the candidates who will tackle those issues. Physicians must give their time and financial support to worthy candidates, and encourage our families, coworkers and neighbors to do the same.
Who or what has most strongly influenced your work as a physician?
My answer is threefold. First, the PREP committee for the reasons discussed; second, the St. Clair County Medical Society, one of the most politically active county medical societies in the state working to improve the malpractice climate; and third, my wife Julie, who is extremely active in the Alliance at the county, state and national levels. Through her example I’ve learned the importance of community involvement.