About The Center for a Healthy Maryland
The Center for a Healthy Maryland is the supporting 501(c)(3) foundation of The Maryland State Medical Society.
Physician Health Programs
The Maryland Physician Health Program assists, supports and provides advocacy for physicians as part of a confidential process to address conditions that affect their ability to practice medicine. The Dan H. McDougal, MD Fund provides grants-in-aid to physicians unable to afford the myriad costs associated with rehabilitation and treatment services.
Community Wellness
The Domestic Violence Program conducts training and technical assistance to health care professionals. It recently began providing Continuing Education Units, and launched a new website, HealthandDV.org.
Maryland's Healthcare Future
The Bridge the Gap Program addresses the overall physician shortage while creating pathways for underrepresented groups is essential for building a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce capable of meeting the needs of all communities.
Our Mission
The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of medical care, and improve the health of the citizens of the State of Maryland.
Our Vision
We envision a society in which physicians partner with other stakeholders to promote the physical, mental and social well-being of all the citizens of Maryland.
What you can do
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Center! Your contribution will help support our charitable programs and activities.
Our History
The Center for a Healthy Maryland, The Maryland State Medical Society Foundation was established in 1976 as a 501(c)(3) corporation to support the charitable, educational and scientific purposes and functions of MedChi. These include education, quality improvement, health promotion, community outreach, preservation of MedChi history, and public health.
A subsequent reorganization occurred in July 2004 which consolidated the administration of all public health and physician-quality programs under the Foundation. In September 2005, the MedChi Foundation was renamed and launched as the Center for a Healthy Maryland, an affiliate of MedChi, to better reflect its vision, mission and activities.
Support The Center
Our Staff
Administration
Allan C. Browder, Jr.
Executive Director
Arnold Levine, CPA
Executive Director
Development & Fundraising
Chanda Hurms
Director of Development
Maryland Physician Health Program
William Zitzmann, M.D.
Medical Director
Bridge the Gap Program
Vacant
Program Director
Domestic Violence Prevention Program
Audrey Bergin
Operations Manager
Lauren Dougherty
Training & Outreach Specialist
Maryland Healthcare Professionals Program
William Zitzmann, M.D.
Medical Director
Arthur Hildreth, M.D.
Medical Director
Maryland Professional Rehabilitation Program
Karen Dionesotes, M.D., MPH
Medical Director
MPHP, MPRP & MHPP Administration
Margaret Kroen, LCSW-C
Program Director
Mike Llufrio
Director of Operations
Domenica Stone
Chief Administrative Officer
Astrid Richardson-Ashley, LCSW-C
Senior Clinical Manager
Amber Thrasher, LCSW-C
Clinical Manager
Holly Wade, MA, LCPC
Clinical Manager
2026 Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Ira D. Papel, M.D.
President
Clement S. Banda, M.D.
Vice President
Shannon P. Pryor, M.D.
Treasure
Stephen J. Rockower, M.D.
Immediate Past President
Gene M. Ransom, III
Secretary
Allan C. Browder, Jr.
Executive Director
Trustees
Gregory J. Hobelmann, M.D.
Mr. James C. Hunt Non-Physician Trustee
Kathryn D. Kelly, M.D.
Loralie D. Ma, M.D.
Robin Motter-Mast, M.D.
J. Michael Niehoff, M.D.
Annette M. Pham, M.D.
Padmini D. Ranasinghe, M.D. MedChi Immediate Past President
Mr. Pubudu Ranasinghe Alliance Representative
Mr. James B. Stradtner Non-Physician Trustee
Eric Wargotz, M.D. MedChi President
James M. Williams, M.D. MedChi President Elect
Supporting a Healthier Future for Maryland
Since 1976