Get to Know Ron Davis this Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, meet ORA Orthopedic Physician Assistant and Veteran, Ron Davis. Ron shares his military background and how his time in the Navy led him to ORA Orthopedics, where he has worked for 48 years.
Hometown: I was born in Corona, CA. My Dad was in the Navy, so we lived all over North America in places like California, Washington, Alabama, Texas, and even Newfoundland Canada. I grew up all over the place, but I’ve lived in Davenport, IA, since 1975.
Years at ORA: 48 years
Title: Orthopedic Physician Assistant
Family: I have two daughters, Noelle and Susan. Susan works at ORA, too, as a Medical Coder.
Why did you join the military?
People choose to join the Military for many different reasons, but for me, it was simply because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school. However, I knew I wanted to serve my country.
How did you serve?
I thought about becoming a dietician like my dad, but the Navy selected the medical field for me. I trained as a Navy Field Medical Corpsman. I was stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps.
I didn’t go to Vietnam, but I was in the Mediterranean on a ship. Back then, you were either in Vietnam or chasing around the Russians.
What stands out when you think about your time spent in the Navy?
I have a lot of fond memories of that time in my life, but I really loved having the opportunity to visit so many beautiful places.
We proudly represented the USA with military strength in Cyprus, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Greece, and France while aboard the USS Austin LPD-4.
How did your service impact the work you do at ORA?
I think the Navy made all this happen. I learned a lot of what I do now at ORA from serving as a Field Medical Corpsman.
I’ve been with ORA for 48 years. I actually worked in the first building ORA built. There were only four doctors at the time – Dr. Whitmore, Dr. Sinning, Dr. Congdon, and Dr. Miller. They taught me quite a bit, too. They were all like brothers.
I thought about retiring when the pandemic started in 2020. I was off work because we couldn’t go into surgery. However, I decided to stay on board, and I’m so happy that I did. I’m here 32 hours a week and whenever they need me.
The Navy really started it all, and ORA has been so good to me. As I said, I’ve worked at ORA for 48 years. I’d like to get to 50! Thanks to ORA for so many years of caring.
What message would you share with other veterans this Veteran’s Day?
Thank you for your dedicated service! For me, it will always feel incredible that men and women continue to proudly serve our country.
We are incredibly grateful to all the courageous individuals who endured personal sacrifices to serve this country—especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy.
At ORA, we honor those brave individuals and commend our very own ORA employees who have served or are currently serving in the military.
Thank you for your outstanding service, compassionate care, and extraordinary dedication to our nation.
