Vic Snyder

Vic Snyder is an American former politician and physician who served as the U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 2nd congressional district from 1997 to 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, he was known for his moderate voting record and focus on health care and veterans issues. Before his political career, he practiced family medicine in Little Rock and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Early life and education

He was born in Medford, Oregon, and spent his early years in California before his family settled in Sheridan. He attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, earning a degree in sociology and participating in the ROTC program. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty from 1970 to 1972, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, he pursued graduate studies in philosophy at the University of Oregon before deciding on a career in medicine, earning his M.D. from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

Medical career

He completed his residency in family medicine at the UAMS Area Health Education Center in Fayetteville. He then established a private practice in Little Rock, where he worked as a family physician for over a decade, also serving on the faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His medical experience deeply informed his later legislative work, particularly on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. During this time, he was also active in the Arkansas Medical Society and various community health initiatives in Pulaski County.

U.S. House of Representatives

He was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1996, succeeding fellow Democrat Ray Thornton to represent Arkansas's 2nd congressional district. During his tenure, he served on influential committees including the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where he championed benefits for former service members, and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, focusing on health care reform. He was known as a Blue Dog Coalition member, often taking centrist positions, and voted for the 2003 invasion of Iraq while later criticizing aspects of the war's conduct. He co-sponsored legislation on issues ranging from children's health insurance to ethics reform, and chose not to seek re-election in 2010, with the seat subsequently won by Republican Tim Griffin.

Post-congressional career

After leaving Congress, he returned to the health care sector and public service. He joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as a professor and the director of health policy and leadership initiatives. He also served as the corporate medical director for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, focusing on statewide health improvement programs. He has been appointed to several boards and commissions, including the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission and the Governor's Trauma Advisory Council, and frequently contributes to policy discussions on Medicaid and rural health through organizations like the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.

Personal life

He married journalist and author Betsy Singleton in 2002; they divorced in 2010. In 2013, he married Liza Evans, a former aide to Senator Mark Pryor. He and his wife are parents to triplets, born via surrogacy. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fly fishing on Arkansas rivers like the Little Red River and hiking in the Ouachita Mountains. He remains active in the United Methodist Church and various community organizations in Little Rock.

Category:1947 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Arkansas Category:Arkansas Democrats Category:Willamette University alumni Category:University of Oregon alumni Category:University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences alumni Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:United States Marine Corps officers