American Delirium Society Founder Spotlight

In 2005, the seeds of the American Delirium Society (ADS) were sown through a series of monthly conference calls that led to a 2007 Editorial, which served as a call to action: “Delirium is a Serious and Under-recognized Problem: Why Assessment of Mental Status Should be the Sixth Vital Sign.” Over the ensuing years, the passionate team of delirium clinicians and scientists were compelled to learn, network, and better advocate for this syndrome that was poorly recognized and addressed. These stepping stones created a group of like-minded individuals who progressed to organize two conferences hosted by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in 2009 and 2010. As an influential member of this team, Dr. Jim Rudolph saw the need for a society whose mission advanced the science and clinical practice of delirium in the U.S. 

Under Jim’s leadership, ADS was established in 2009. Jim served as ADS President for the first two years, overseeing its Inaugural Conference in 2011 and its Second Annual Conference in 2012, both held in Indianapolis. To accomplish this, Jim sought individuals near and far, with interest and passion for this work, for advocacy, and for the improvement of the healthcare system. He invested in individuals for the passion that he found, for a shared mission, and to create a system the could both improve health care as well as the people contributing to it.  From his pioneering work founding ADS to his steady commitment over the years, Jim laid the groundwork for the vibrant society that ADS enjoys today. His unwavering dedication to our society’s mission has fostered a multiprofessional community that thrives on connection and a shared passion for understanding delirium, but also creating opportunities to learn and grow together as individuals and a system.

Often seen at conferences in his vintage ADS superhero shirt, and sometimes even sporting his signature cape, Jim is the original delirium superhero: protecting and serving the most vulnerable patients in our healthcare system.

Memories With Jim Over the Years

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We would love to capture memories with and of Jim over the years to add to our ADS archives and share here. Consider submitting your stories, memories and photos with us to be included on this page. 

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"Whether as a clinician, scientist or teacher working to improve delirium science and care is hard work and many times it feels like an uphill battle which cannot be won. Jim quietly guided us no matter where we were in the world in a path which took us forward. He had an incredible energy which maintained our spirit to keep all our efforts going and brought people together. He had time to mentor and support everyone no matter how big or small their contribution was, from all disciplines and all perspectives. It is hard to put words to how profoundly we feel his loss but also how determined it now makes us to keep the work going in his memory. He has many superhero fans in Australasia and we commit to carry on his legacy down under." - Meera Agar

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Dear Jim...You were larger than life while you were with us, and I know you well and truly still are. No doubt, you have now great and wonderful superpowers in abundance! Thank you so. much for your generosity towards us all, including here in Australia where you so willingly helped kickstart our early ADA workshops, as well as your kindness and always warm welcome to the ADS meetings. You were - are - one of our very best. My prayers for your family, too. - Annmarie Hosie

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