Tribute to Larry Robbins MD (1950–2021)

Dr. Laurence (Larry) Jay Robbins, 70, died in Denver, Colorado on February 12th, 2021, after a 2-year battle with cancer. Larry was born Baltimore, Maryland 1950 to Martin and Marjorie Robbins. Throughout his life, an outstanding student avid athlete. He joined high school swimming tennis teams recognized as excellent golfer by the age of 16. played lacrosse at Duke University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa degree chemistry (Figures 1 2). pursued career medicine footsteps father, who Chief Urology Baltimore's Sinai Hospital. from University Rochester School Medicine 1975 completed internal residency Thomas Jefferson Philadelphia 1978. went pursue fellowships general geriatric Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, respectively. His distinguished geriatrician began Denver Veterans Affairs Center 1986, remained staff Geriatric until 2019. During that time, also Associate Professor Medicine. had impact around world, volunteering former Yugoslavia more recently Zimbabwe. After retirement despite cancer diagnosis, continued volunteer time teaching VA hospital. It is impossible fully describe lives health thousands veterans their families over past 35 years. wealth knowledge experience could only be defined extraordinary. possessed gift explaining most complicated frightening medical conditions simple, comforting terms families. The bond trust this produced rarely seen today. Even difficult situations, patients often felt comfort knowing directing care. As approached end lives, they loved ones through those final moments feeling peace. exemplary clinician dedicated educator. passion life sharing others. made significant education healthcare providers. Larry's work tremendous influence understanding practice elder students colleagues are better providers elderly because Larry. would say things like “Geriatricians Rodney Dangerfields medicine. They don't get no respect.” So, I wanted geriatrician.” Your will live on. You have affected eternity. (Christine LaRocca, MD) My first memory Dr Robbins? All can think is: Stop amitriptyline. inspiring witness interactions our clinic rapport he'd built them over, you know, 100 years been practicing. such mentor so encouraging. Words cannot enough. (Emma Bjore, Robbins great teacher not stop challenging me conscientious pay attention every last detail. doctor person. (Sing Palat, Whenever pearl taught us comes mind or we notice how differently him, honor remember him. (Larry Bourg, Legacy (contributed Cari Levy, MD, PhD) Countless educated Legions comforted Fellows supported births Colleagues pulled tragedy Beliefs challenged Critical thinking celebrated A solid foundation Upon it, futures were fortified legacy conviction wisdom community shaped remembers Through generosity, leadership, pedagogy, world place. carried influenced mentored. survived wife 40 years, Susan, daughters Megan, Carrie, Hannah, siblings Martha Ruane Carl large extended family. Editor's Note Last year, asked speak CMDA, Society for Post-acute Long-term Care April Denver. plans Lynn stay golf resort intending contact my old golfing buddy UC, see if together resurrect intense competitions decades past. But, meeting canceled. This again, virtual meeting. night before meeting, there reception, part it honoring looking forward seeing him congratulating well-deserved honor. But quickly learned memorial, devastated. One mentees shared months inevitable death, mused about contributions remembered. In JAGS, very selective eulogies obituaries, but one especially well deserved. everything tributes more: true gentleman, scholar, passionate mentor. Hit'em straight up there, buddy. Joseph G. Ouslander, MD