Path to Excellence: Dr. Ronald Cheney
Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Dr. Ronald Cheney as its July Path to Excellence honoree. Since joining Stewart Memorial in 2019, Dr. Cheney has exemplified the values of teamwork, ‘stewart’ship, and service through his dedication to patients, his colleagues, and his ongoing medical mission work across the globe.
Although Dr. Cheney’s path to Stewart Memorial was not a traditional one, it quickly became the right fit. After working at Stewart Memorial for several years as part of a visiting surgical group, he was looking for an opportunity that would allow him to continue practicing surgery in the United States while dedicating part of each year to training surgeons in Africa. Stewart Memorial embraced that vision, creating an opportunity that allowed him to pursue both callings.
For Dr. Cheney, one of the greatest strengths of Stewart Memorial is the team he works alongside every day.
“Surgery is a team effort,” said Dr. Cheney. “You can’t do complex things on your own. Stewart Memorial has done a great job of building a surgical team that communicates well, supports one another, and works together. When you have good people around you, it allows you to provide the best care possible.”
That same spirit of support extends beyond the operating room. Outside of his work at Stewart Memorial, Dr. Cheney remains committed to training surgeons in Africa through medical mission work, helping expand access to surgical care in underserved communities.
“Being able to invest in surgeons who will go on to care for thousands of patients is incredibly meaningful,” he said. “That work keeps me motivated because it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the patients I see every day.”
He credits Stewart Memorial’s leadership, Board of Directors, and his fellow surgeons for making that work possible by supporting the time he spends overseas.
“The administration, the Board, and my colleagues have all supported me by allowing me the time to continue that work,” Dr. Cheney said. “While I’m away, my partners take on additional responsibilities without hesitation. That support has meant a great deal to me.”
Dr. Cheney believes that willingness to support one another is what makes Stewart Memorial unique.
“People here recognize the value each individual brings,” he said. “It’s not just about filling a position. They support you as a person and encourage you to pursue work that makes a difference.”
Dr. Cheney’s commitment to his patients, his colleagues, and his global mission work reflects the values celebrated through Stewart Memorial’s Path to Excellence recognition. His dedication to teamwork, lifelong learning, and serving others continues to make a meaningful impact both within Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics and in communities around the world.
Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Dr. Ronald Cheney on being recognized as the July Path to Excellence honoree and thanks him for his continued commitment to improving the health and well-being of every community he serves.