Dr. John Ball credits his grandfather, who was only able to graduate from the 8th grade, for instilling a passion for education and medicine in him. Because his children were the first in the family to go to college, Dr. Ball’s grandfather put a high stock in education and thought caring for others by learning and practicing medicine was the highest calling. 

Dr. Ball earned both medical and law degrees at Duke University, which led him to a career in health policy and administration, serving as CEO of the American College of Physicians and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. He also served as interim president of the Milbank Memorial Fund, as CEO of Pennsylvania Hospital, and as board chair of Mission Health.

Dr. Ball was a founding board member of Dogwood Health Trust.