Esteemed infectious disease physician retires after 34 years

Todd Caulfield, M.D.
Executive Medical Director 
Division of Medical Specialties
Providence Medical Group Oregon 

Rich Herron, MHA 
Director of Clinical Operations

After an exceptional 34-year career as an infectious disease physician, Ron Dworkin, M.D., retired on June 30. 

While bidding farewell to his full-time role, we are delighted to share that Dr. Dworkin will be transitioning into an on-call position in the tele-infectious disease program, continuing to contribute his expertise to health care. 

Dr. Dworkin's medical journey began at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, followed by his residency and fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. His passion for infectious diseases was ignited during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, shaping his commitment to providing top-notch care to his patients. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Dworkin has been a beacon of compassion and excellence, emphasizing the importance of communication and patient-centered care. His dedication to improving health care quality has left an indelible mark on our medical group, hospitals, and community. Not only has Dr. Dworkin excelled in clinical practice, but he has also served as the lead hospital epidemiologist for Providence Oregon, playing a pivotal role in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We invite you to join us in celebrating Dr. Dworkin's remarkable career and achievements from noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 26, at Providence Cancer Center, 1st floor, Room C. RSVP to Ralph Howell to share in this special occasion and honor the legacy of a truly exceptional physician. 

With Dr. Dworkin’s retirement, Dr. Rachel Plotinsky will become the clinic medical director supporting the entire PMG infectious disease group (east and west) for the Portland service area, effective July 1. In that role, Dr. Plotinsky will support both clinics as well as their attendant inpatient coverage commitments. Having a single medical director will allow this group to continue to prosper as they serve our communities, advancing our ability to further optimize operations and support of our patients, providers, and caregivers.  

Cheers to Dr. Dworkin on his well-deserved retirement, and best wishes for the next chapter ahead!