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A two-star Army general who headed Walter Reed Army Medical Center and then led the Texas Department of Health for more than 11 years died in Austin on Monday, a day before he was to be honored for his dedication to health care. Dr. Robert Bernstein was 87.
Bernstein, who headed what is now called the Texas Department of State Health Services, had been in fragile health, with leukemia, heart trouble and ultimately organ failure, said Dr. Robert Ellzey of Austin, a friend.
"He was an incredible character," Ellzey said. "If you could see a picture of him taken in China — they dressed him in one of these Chinese outfits . . . from the 15th century . . . and he had a very mean look on his face."
Although Bernstein was kidding in the photo, his exterior was often gruff. Beneath it was a man with a big heart, his friends said.
"It was all bravado," said Dr. Charles Bell, deputy executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. "He was one of the sweetest people."
The trips Bernstein led to China, Australia, New Zealand and Russia were efforts to help Texas doctors learn how their counterparts overseas practiced, Ellzey said.
Bernstein was made acting Texas health commissioner in late 1979 and commissioner in January 1980, a position he held until retiring in 1991.
Bernstein, who was not married, was a strong leader who initially balked at having a health board chairman who was about half his age. But "after a rough start, we became dear friends," said Dr. Ron Anderson, now president and CEO of Parkland Health and Hospital System in Dallas.
After he left the health department, Bernstein worked with a variety of organizations, including People's Community Clinic in Austin, which cares for the poor and uninsured.
He was scheduled to be honored at a dinner/fundraiser tonight at the Headliner's Club in Austin in conjunction with the Texas Health Institute. The gathering is expected to go on, a spokeswoman said.
At the hospital last week "he admonished me not to be mushy or to dote on him, but to 'see that public health gets taken care of in this state,' " Camille Miller, president and CEO of the health institute, said in an e-mail. "That was Bob, always putting himself behind the best interest of the people."
He came to Austin after being commander general of Walter Reed from 1972 to 1978. He was upset by news this year of poor treatment of soldiers at Walter Reed, said Dr. James Cullington, an Austin plastic surgeon who was a resident at Walter Reed when Bernstein was its chief.
Although many residents might have feared Bernstein, Cullington remembers him as fatherly and can still see him walking his big dogs on the hospital grounds.
"If he treated you like one of his dogs, he treated you well," Cullington said.
Bernstein was born Feb. 20, 1920, in New York.
He graduated from Vanderbilt University and the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
He joined the Army Reserve's medical corps and in 1947 went to what he called "occupation duty" in Japan, where he volunteered for airborne training. He was a battalion surgeon in Korea in 1950 and was shot "right in the butt" after a parachute jump, he said. He received a purple heart.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
41 Entries
I remember General Bernstein as he finished his day at Walter Reed and walked to his residence on Base. I was just a private and doing gate duty as a military Police (E-2) and it was not uncommon for him to walk over and say hello and asked how things were going. I remember that like it was yesterday he seemed to care and it was pretty neat to have a conversation with a general at age 18. Great guy, glad to have met him.
Steve Trefry
August 23, 2012
After Maj. Gen. Robert Bernstein, M.D., Commander of Walter Reed Army Hospital retired from the Army, he became Commissioner of the Texas Department of Health in 1979. During his service as commissioner, he sponsored three ‘People-to-People' tours starting in 1984 for medical people to travel to foreign countries and meet face to face with doctors and other medical personnel to share experiences. People-to-People was started by president Eisenhower who believed people must understand one another before nations can. My wife Jan and I were privileged to be on these trips.
The first was to China and Russia, then in 1986 New Zealand and Australia and finally to Eastern Europe eleven months after glasnost, 1990.
When we arrived at the airport in Beijing at 8:00 pm, Jan and I were standing near our Maupintour guide when our 32 year old female Chinese guide, Sun, told him, “Part of your group will be staying in guest house #12 and part in guest house #10.” (These were the State Guesthouses that were like large Swiss Chalets three stories tall, arranged around a pond and beautifully landscaped.)
Our Maupintour guide said, “That's not satisfactory!”
Sun repeated her announcement, probably thinking he had not understood her English.
Our guide said again, “That's not satisfactory!”
Sun said, “Excuse me,” and left.
She returned in about 5 minutes and said, “All of your group will be staying in guest # 8.”
Our guide said, “That's satisfactory!”
I said to Sun, “Sun must be pretty important to be able to make those arrangement changes so quickly.”
Sun answered, “Oh no! Bernstein Big Banana! Sun just small potato!”
Robert Ellzey, M.D.
Austin
Robert Ellzey. MD
December 7, 2011
My uncle, Dr. Robert Bernstein, MG (retired) had served his country well both at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washingotn, DC and for the state of Texas. He made me proud to be his nephew. I, on behalf of the Bernstein family, thank all of you for writing and may his name be remembered for all the good deeds that he had done..
David R. Bernstein
August 14, 2007
I really came to know and respect "The Good Doctor" when he volunteered to work on a capital campaign to build an appropriate facility to serve infants with special needs and their families. Over time I earned the title of being his "Air Force buddy", and I was often reminded that it was the Air Force that made him jump out of airplanes. The General was truly a kind and loving friend whose deeds will enrich the lives of many for years to come.
Don Rettberg
July 31, 2007
Estelle Smith
July 31, 2007
General Robert Bernstein, MC, USA was a great military medical leader and soldier. He served with distinction and honor in supporting our military as an airborne surgeon in Korea and Vietnam. God bless Bob Bernstein.
Robert Elliott
July 29, 2007
Dr. B, the very best commissioner the Health Department had during my tenure with the department. He will live on always in the hearts of those who loved him.
Sandra Williams
July 28, 2007
Nancy Scott
July 28, 2007
I was one of the flyguys who flew Gen.B when he commanded the 62nd Med Gp in Germany. Good guy, no nonsense commander, who became one of my very good friends thruout my career as an Army Aviator. He will be missed, God rest his soul.
Col(ret) Don Retzlaff
Don Retzlaff
July 28, 2007
General B was a huge supporter of the Senior Games and I had the pleasure of serving with him on the board of Austin Wellness Alliance.
A true champion and kind gentleman!
John & Selma Berlet
July 27, 2007
I had the privilege to meet the Major General, and short periods of visiting, I was awed, inspired, and intrigued by his life - I deeply wish I had known him longer and gotten to know him better - Gods Rest - Sally Griffin, Austin, TX
Sally Griffin
July 27, 2007
I first met "Gen B" when he commanded the 62d Med Gp in Germany. We were his Medivac unit and favorite party guys. He was the finest commander that I ever served under and became a lifelong friend and career mentor. He was loved and honored by the Medivac pilots and will be missed but always remembered.
Richard (Dick) Scott
July 27, 2007
I was the "moneybags" (fiscal officer) of the Bureau of Long Term Care when Dr. Bernstein arrived as our new Bureau Chief. We were both retired from the military. He called me "the old grunt" because I spent WWII in the Infantry, and I was the older. I respected Dr. Bernstein as a leader and think that the Texas State Department of Health was fortunate to have him as a Bureau Chief and as its Commissioner.
Smith and Marie Green
July 27, 2007
Dr. B was a true champion of public health, fearless in the fight to ensure the health and safety of us all, and a true public servant. Texas has lost a great man!
Susan Tennyson
July 27, 2007
My mother, Doris Haber, was Bob's cousin. Back in 1976 our family visited Bob at Walter Reed. He gave us a behind the scenes tour, including the opportunity for me to take a picture with the electron microscope. Although that was over 30 years ago, that visit is one of my special memories. And although he was a hugely busy man,he never forgot to send a birthday card to my grandmother, his aunt Gussie. Our country, as well as the world has been priveleged to have him as long as we did. Enjoy your rest now Bob!
Sandy Haber
July 27, 2007
Bob Bernstein was my first brother in law.While at Vanderbilt,he taught me to drive.Quiet,kind,of few words,he was influential in my becoming a physician.My wife and I visited Bob at Walter Reed and Texas;whenever meetings took us his way.My youngest son was so impressed with Stoney,he and his wife now have a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.It's understandable to read the many tributes to his memory.
Betty&Lawrence Cohen
July 27, 2007
I had the privilege of knowing Dr.Berstein and what a wonderful and sweet man. I will miss him.
Diane Hartley
July 26, 2007
Many fond memories of working with and for Doctor Bernstein throughout his and my career at the State Health Department. He was indeed "a True Champion for Public Health and a Leader of Leaders." He will indeed be missed but never forgotten.
Lee Lane
July 26, 2007
Major General Robert Bernstein, affectionately known to those of us who worked for and with him, Dr. "B," was my colleague and friend for 30 years. He is by far the best leader I have had the opportunity to serve under. He was a person of integrety, compassion, and decisiveness. His influence will continue in the lives of all those he touched and we all will miss him dearly. "Dr. B, thanks for the memories."
Dayland Parsons
July 26, 2007
When I began working at TDH, I was warned that Dr. Bernstein had a joke he played - if he was riding an elevator to or from his office and a new employee stopped it to board, he would attempt to "frighten" the new guy by intoning in a loud voice, "get off my elevator." Having been warned, when he pulled the joke on me I was ready and replied, "No, you get off MY elevator." He loved it.
He was a big-hearted man who cared greatly about health care.
Cliff McSparran
July 26, 2007
Dr. Bernstein hired me to be his/TDH's public information officer in the early 1980s. I was green. He wasn't. He taught me well--with his sharp mind, quick wit and ready smirk/wink. He called me "Miss America" when I had the audacity to waltz--breathless from the rush to get there--into his 8 a.m. staff meetings at 8:03, maybe 8:04. Perhaps I was too naive to be afraid of his sometimes gruff exterior--but if so, that naivity served Dr. B and me well. I admired and respected Dr. Bernstein--and always will. He was a gentle giant of a man--sharp as a tack, but soft as a teddy bear when it came to taking care of "his people." Lucky for the State of Texas, every single person was "his people" when it came to public health. God's speed, Dr. B. Vaya con Dios.
Margaret Wilson
July 25, 2007
Doctor Billy Bob Bernstein -- what a unique presence! As a young public information officer, I met him in Virginia with other State Health Officers and became immediately smitten by such a gentle giant. My boss, Doctor Alton Cobb - another legend in his own right, and Dr. B were great friends. . . Later, he came to keynote a statewide public health meeting in Mississippi, where my pleasure was to "chauffer" him, not with flags and longhorns on the front of the car, but enjoyable nonetheless. What precious memories -- and heartfelt condolences to his family and close friends.
NancyKay Wessman
July 25, 2007
Dr. B. was a giant among men. His soft heart and irascible sense of humor belied his gruff exterior. I had the privilege and good fortune to have him Chair my Board of Directors at the Public Health Foundation for about eight years. He was wise and persuasive and I always knew that if I could convince Dr. B. that something was a good idea, I could count on him to convince the other Directors.
My favorite memory of Dr. B. relates to the very first time I met him -- and sums him up aptly. I was a mid-level staff person at the Public Health Foundation when Dr. B., then the newly-minted Commissioner of TDH, attended a national conference for which I served as the organizer. The conference went well and at the end of the closing session, I was asked by the presiding officer to stand and be recognized. As I stood to a nice round of applause, I realized that Dr. B., near whom I was seated, was staring at me with a feigned scowl and making a rather loud hissing noise. I started laughing out loud and knew in that moment that we would become fast friends. I will miss him greatly.
James Dimas
July 25, 2007
My Mother, Diane Gleason was Dr.B's caregiver for the last 21 months. She took very good care of him and he will be truly missed.
Tameika Gleason
July 25, 2007
Dr. B was that exceptional human being who made a real difference in the world, particularly in the world of public health. He was a tough but kind boss, supportive in all respects, and I will be forever greatful for having the opportunity to work directly with him to protect public health. He will be missed.
Dennis Baker
July 25, 2007
Bob Bernstein was a truly great man! He loved his country, his profession, his friends, his Military Career,his dogs, and his experiences as Commissioner of Health. He was never able to "retire", but continued to be closely involved with the organizations and the people he loved! We will miss him!
Linda and Bryan Spires.
Bryan Spires
July 25, 2007
Major General Bernsein was my Commander at Walter Reed. He promoted me to LTC. A good man, tough on the exterior but very compassionate on the interior. He will be missed by many.
Maryrose Troniar, COL(Ret),ANC
July 25, 2007
Dr. B was a great boss and his contribution to public health in Texas will be remembered.
Adela N. Gonzalez, PhD, MPA
Adela Gonzalez
July 25, 2007
Not only was Dr B a great leader, he was a kind and gentle man. We had some great times together and loved him for many years. He was a very dear friend and we shall miss him forever.
June & Sherrill Robertson
July 25, 2007
I knew Dr. Bernstein in the capacity of a training officer within the TDH Food and Drug regulatory program. I found him to be fair minded in his dealings with the industry, the general public, and the TDH employee. I will miss his "soft heart" and his disarming sense of humor.
Rex Sherry
July 25, 2007
Dr. Berstein gave real meaning to public health. He knew the importance of prevention and he wanted to ensure everyone understood the importance of it. He will be missed as a champion of public health.
Hilda Mikan
July 24, 2007
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
July 24, 2007
Dr. Bernstein was a good man. I always enjoyed seeing him when we passed in the halls. I didn't work directly with him, but always liked him and respected him. He will be missed.
Glenda Rhoades
July 24, 2007
My love and deepest sympathy to Wendy, her family, and all of those who knew and loved Dr. Bernstein. I will never forget his friendship, his generosity, and his steadfast love for public health, his country, and all of God's creatures. He saw good in everyone. Thank you, Dr. B, for the memories!
Kris Lloyd
July 24, 2007
Dr. Bob was a frequent visitor at our Rotary Club where he sat at "our" table and we enjoyed the very best of friendship with him.
People like Bob Bernstein don't come this way very often, God has blessed us with his presence in our lives.
Tom Perkins
N.W. Austin Rotary Club
Tom Perkins
July 24, 2007
The reason I accepted his offer to become deputy commissioner in 1981 was my recognition of his leadership abilities, dedication to Public Health and willingness to accept new approaches to solving old problems.
Robert A. MacLean, MD
July 24, 2007
I remember the gruff exterior as a Health Department employee working under him, but he was always honest and fair. His dedication to public health was unmatched, then and now.
Jan Nanus
July 24, 2007
I had the privilege of working with Dr. B at the Health Department until I left in 1984. He was a very kind, big-hearted man who did appear gruff on the outside but was very soft on the inside. He will definitely be missed! Thank you for all of the memories, Dr. B.
Bonnie Rathke
July 24, 2007
Dr. B was a great man who gave much to Texas and to public health. Many Texans have a better life because he passed our way. We'll miss him.
Neil and Lillie Gilligan
Lillie Gilligan
July 24, 2007
Dr. Bernstein was a great leader and friend. I thank God for the time I was mentored by him. He was a great role model for all radiation control staff at TDH.
Richard Ratliff
July 24, 2007
He was fun. He was dedicated. He will be missed.
Beth Grupp, MSPT
July 24, 2007
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