FEATURE NEWS | |
O
OUR FOUNDING F
DR. ROBERT F
n September 7, 1977, the South Texas Regional Blood Bank honored the father of South Texas blood banking. Dignitaries including Mayor Lila Cockrell gathered at 7078 San Pedro Ave. for the grand opening of the blood bank’s newest location, one dedicated to Dr. Robert Francis Gossett. A plaque was included on the building, a lasting reminder of his contribution. He was the driving force for and first president of the locally based blood bank, making him the founding father of BioBridge Global. But very few know his story.
Creating a local blood source
In July 1972, South Texas was experiencing chronic blood shortages, mainly caused by a recent national move away from paid donors. Blood Services, the local blood bank had become a large national organization. Any blood collected in San Antonio wasn’t guaranteed to stay. In 1973, the Bexar County Medical Society’s Ad Hoc Blood Services committee—with Dr. Gossett at the forefront—proposed a local blood bank to provide for Bexar and 25 surrounding counties. After much negotiation with Blood Services, the South Texas Regional Blood Bank was chartered in November 1973, agreed to buy out Blood Services in January 1974, and completed the transfer in August. His leadership brought hospitals and medical circles, and community together to create San Antonio’s first and only locally sourced blood bank. From a small building on 112 Auditorium Circle, Dr. Gossett led 12
employees to something greater.
An impressive resume
Born on Feb. 22, 1910 in Dallas, he received his M.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in May 1935. He began his practice in San Antonio in 1936, and except for four years in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII, continued well into the 70’s. A renowned professional, Dr. Gossett served on countless medical boards and committees. He was active at Baptist Memorial Hospital, serving as chief of staff of surgery. A longtime member of the BCMS, Gossett served as president in 1955.
BCMS Presidency
Top: Dr. Robert Francis Gossett (left) accepts a copy of a plaque from colleague Dr. Charles Robinson (right). The plaque was a dedication to Gossett, who spearheaded the organization. This was during the South Texas Regional Blood Bank’s grand opening on Sept 7, 1977.
In 1955, polio was Bottom: The Father of South Texas Blood Banking, Dr. Robert disabling thousands of Gossett addresses the public during the grand opening of the South Texas Regional Blood Bank’s second location on 7078 San Americans annually, but Pedro. field trials of a vaccine were taking place in multiple locations, including San Antonio. city had only 42% of its needs. According Dr. Gossett worked with supply to statistics conducted by BCMS doctors, houses to bring 45,000 vaccines for local the city had 1426 beds and needed 1600 children. He ensured a fair distribution more to meet national standards. system was set up. That effort helped lead to what is now By 1956, polio had plummeted, with Methodist Hospital, built in September only 96 cases and four deaths reported. 1963. The following year, cases fell to a 10-year In April 1955, Dr. Gossett traveled to low. Dr. Gossett helped make it possible. Fort Worth and advocated for integration He also publicly campaigned for more within statewide medical organizations. hospital beds in San Antonio, stating the
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