In Memoriam

Robert David Burnett June 26, 1925 – July 15, 2020

Robert Burnett (Bob), was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He had a kind heart and a generous spirit. He was born in Tacoma, WA, attended the University of Washington and graduated with a degree in engineering. He served in the US Navy and afterwards attended Stanford University Medical School.

Dr. Burnett was a gifted, accomplished and caring human being and physician. He was a leader whose vision was to enhance the well-being of all of humanity. He was a quiet yet skilled politician not only within the field of medicine, but also within our greater community. In fact, for several years he was the chair of the SCC Republican Party. He inspired colleagues to join his team of physicians at the VMC who volunteer for the Clean Slate Program, a program that removes tattoos from juveniles and young adults with previous gang affiliations. He was a wonderful role model for our noble calling.

Dr. Burnett, a pediatrician and emergency room physician, worked tirelessly during his long career to represent his colleagues and patients in establishing the policies of medicine, and was a leader of organized medicine on the local, state, and national levels for 64 years. Including as 1971-72 President of the then Santa Clara County Medical Society, President of the California Medical Association in 1983; Delegate of the AmerRobert B Baer, MD David Howard Campen, MD, FACP, 7/6/1955 – 10/19/2019

ican Medical Association Council on Medical Services; Chairman, of Lifeguard, a physician run HMO.

Dr. Burnett’s years of service and dedication to patients and community earned him several awards, among them were recipient of the SCCMA Outstanding Contribution to Medicine Award and the Benjamin J. Cory MD in 1992. Dr. Burnett was the first recipient of his namesake award, the Robert D. Burnett Legacy Award in 2006.

The Santa Clara County Medical Association honors the memory of former SCCMA and CMA President Robert D. Burnett, MD, who was beloved for his compassionate care of his patients, dedication to his family, and service to his community, and who as a steadfast medical leader helped improve the practice of medicine, uphold its ethical principles, and expand

SCCMA would also like to honor the memories of the following members:

5/23/2029 – 6/12/2019 FACR access to health care in his community and beyond. Joseph H Clevenger, MD 7/30/1935 – 10/1/2019 Michael Russell Fischetti, MD, MPH 7/2/1943 – 10/29/2019 Walter Saphir, MD 9/10/2027 – 4/20/2019 Frederick R Schlichting, MD 1/1/1930 – 12/13/2019