John H. Budd, M.D. past president of the AMCNO and the AMA, Dies

John H. Budd, MD., Past President of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland & Northern Ohio and the American Medical Association passed away on March 4, 2008 at the age of 99. Dr. Budd was President of the AMCNO from 1953-54 and served as the President of the AMA from 1977-78. Dr. Budd specialized in family practice and gynecology in Cleveland, where he began a solo practice in 1937. Born on December 6, 1908, in New Brunswick, Canada, Dr. Budd earned his M.D. degree in 1933 from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

He did his first year of internship at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax and a second year at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland. He received two years of residency training at St. Vincent and at Evangelical Deaconess Hospital, also in Cleveland. 

During his lifetime, Dr. Budd was involved in myriad organizations and activities around the community and within the AMCNO. In 1967, Dr. Budd received the “Honors of the Academy” Award from the AMCNO and in 1974, the AMCNO commissioned the painting of his portrait, which is now displayed in the AMCNO Presidents’ Room. In addition, the AMCNO’s highest award, the Distinguished Membership Award is named in Dr. Budd’s honor. AMCNO Executive Vice President/CEO Elayne R. Biddlestone noted, “He was a great leader and an excellent communicator. Dr. Budd remained active in the AMCNO up until just a few years ago, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with him.” Services will be held at the Lakewood Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on March 13th.