A beloved family physician makes a difference

Dr. John Robertson didn’t always want to be a physician. The son of a dairy farmer, Robertson, 91, emulated the veterinarian who would take care of the cows and horses on his parents’ farm. After graduating high school, he helped on the family farm and worked on the railroad. He married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie.

A farm accident in June 1951 put him in the hospital with a broken leg. That injury served as a “lightning strike moment” for Dr. Robertson.

He was fascinated by the surgery and the actions taken by his doctors. He took in every detail possible. A state policeman whom he shared part of the four-bed ward posed the question: “What are you going to do with your life now?” It was then that Dr. Robertson set his sights on a career in medicine.

With the support of his wife and growing family, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he would complete his undergraduate and medical degrees. He went on to have a successful family practice in Kutztown, with his office located in his home, for 37 years.

“I had a wonderful practice. I enjoyed it,” he said. “That was my whole life, along with my family. I had a very good wife. She helped me get where I am.”

Dr. Robertson and Marjorie had six children. Throughout his career, he cared for generations of families. He delivered babies and made house calls. He looks fondly back on making a difference in the lives of others.

For more than 25 years, he has also made a tremendous impact with his generosity to the Foundation. His annual gifts have made a difference in many of our service areas, including medical student scholarships and the Physicians’ Health Program. Most recently, he invested in a planned gift that complements his generosity over the years and ensures his influence will last generations.

“I always thought the work being done at the PHP was commendable,” he said. “I’ve known some impaired physicians who didn’t get help. It would be the end of the line for their careers.”

The Foundation’s Physicians’ Health Program helps eligible medical professionals during life’s most challenging moments, guiding them to a path of healing and wellness when substance use disorders, or mental or behavioral health is a concern.

Now, Dr. Robertson fills his days with many creative pursuits, including photography and baking. He is well-known for his Concord grape pies. He also enjoys swimming and playing pinochle, and visits with family and friends at The Highlands at Wyomissing retirement community.

To learn more about how you can make a difference just like Dr. Robertson, contact Lori Storm, manager of philanthropy and hospital programs, at lstorm@pamedsoc.org or call (717) 558-7861. You can make a donation to the Foundation any time at www.foundationpamedsoc.org/donate.