Dr. Robert Fordtran

1931 - 2017

Dr. Robert Fordtran

By John Pettigrove, M. D.

Recently when Dr. Robert Fortran died at eighty-seven there was little mention of his life or contributions to the community in any local newspaper. For reasons I cannot explain it is not newspaper policy to honor such "ordinary citizens" regardless of their contributions. To be fair, Bob never sought to be a celebrity. He was a quiet principled man who was loved by everyone who knew him. He was an old school physician who served our community for over fifty years and he was unquestionably the most intelligent, devoted physician I have had the honor to work with.

He lived by those old school dictums--to be compassionate, be available, and always consider the patient's interest first--always. Bob never turned away any patient regardless of their ability to pay. His generation was trained and expected to live by those principles of compassion, availability,and putting the patient first. Today, while many have forgotten those old school expectations, Bob never forgot, and his life reflected it. As a principled, disciplined physician Bob gave immeasurable devotion to his patients and community. He served on the Memorial Medical Center board, worked tirelessly to develop the Memorial residency programs, was president of the Memorial medical staff, and president of the Nueces Medical Society. Through most of his professional life he maintained an active role in the leadership of the Texas Medical Association.

As a young man Bob was chosen as a fellow to the great cardiologist and developer of the pacemaker, Audrey Leatham in London. Bob had opportunities to practice and study across the US and Europe. He chose to stay here because South Texas was home. He loved Texas and was an avid UT football fan. He was proud to be a direct descendant of one of the first German immigrants to Texas. His ancestor, Paul Fortran, was a surveyor for Stephen F. Austin. Paul immigrated from Alsace-Lorraine in 1829. To me, Bob represented everything that is good and decent about Texas.

Bob contributed more to the advancement of medicine and health care in South Texas than any other single individual or institution. He worked relentlessly to develop the best of what we have. Alway a gentleman, he knew when things were not right and did his best, without giving a hint of offense, to help rectify any mistake or tragedy.

Bob's life was far from perfect. He was stalked by tragedy, but he endured and even accepted misfortune. His only enmity came from a stodgy old guard that resented his pursuit of change.

His friendships, family, and love of a doctor's life sustained him through the hard times.

As a physician who practiced by Bob's side for many years, I am proud of my association with him. He led by example and was never judgmental. We were a happy few who knew Bob and practiced with him. We became a band of brothers and sisters. We met in hallways and at the bedsides, often late in the night. Bob was almost always there. If he was not and you needed him, he would come right away. His love and passion for medicine infected us all. Now, except for a small handful, those of us that knew him best are gone.

In the end, Bob just got old. Some seem not to forgive him for that and refuse to honor him.

Perhaps this tribute will gentle their condition. For me, knowing his intellect and memory remained as sharp as ever made me sad and angry to see him so disrespected. A few of us begged him to retire, but he saw no other life. It was not in his nature to quit.

Thank God for Bob Fordtran. Those of you not there through those hard days past should hang your heads and hold your manhood cheap. Bob Fortran was a giant in a time when our country desperately needed heroes.

Published by the Thomas Spann Clinic, providing the Coastal Bend with sixty-eight years of legendary medical service.