Robert L. Swezey

1925 - 2016

April 30, 1925 - October 25, 2016 Robert L. Swezey, MD, FACP, FACR, FAAPMR, 91, of Los Angeles, died October 25. Dr. Swezey was an internationally recognized leader in research and teaching in rheumatological rehabilitation. Bob was born in Pasadena, CA, to Dr. Samuel and Birdie Swezey. He attended UCLA and enlisted in the Navy during World War II and after boot camp was sent to Ohio State University College of Medicine. He married Annette Maler in 1949, and was a loving and devoted husband to his "vaybeleh" for the next 66 years. Bob did his internship at the Los Angeles County Medical Center and his residency at the VA Hospital in Los Angeles. A Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA, he was a Board Certified specialist in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Specialist in Osteoporosis. Renowned as a pioneer in the fields of nonsurgical neck and back pain treatment, arthritis and osteoporosis, Dr. Swezey wrote and edited medical textbooks, numerous research and educational medical journal articles, and popular self-care books. He founded The Swezey Institute in 1987, and he held multiple patents for health care inventions. Known affectionately far and wide as "Grandpa Bob," from Santa Monica to Tel Aviv, he loved puns and was always on target with his boundless supply of quips. He was an avid birdwatcher, fly fisher, and loved the outdoors. Bob and his zest for life are fondly remembered and cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Bob is survived by his wife, Annette, sons, Richard, Kenneth, and Stuart, and grandchildren, Victor and Danielle. Services will be held Friday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Beth Olam Cemetery, 900 N. Gower St., Hollywood, CA, 323-469-1181. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Bob's memory to the Arthritis Foundation, Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or charity of your choice.