Robert I. Kohut M.D.

This man, Dr. Robert Kohut, was my hero! In the early ‘70’s I was a patient of Dr. Kohut at the UC Irvine Medical Center. I was having a problem with vertigo (everything fell over to the right...the room as well as me). I had been to see several doctors in the Orange County area seeking help. When I was told by one of the doctors that it was probably something I was imagining, I became very upset and asked him to refer me to a specialist. He sent me to see Dr. Kohut. After sharing my symptoms information with him, he told me that he had a good idea what the issue was and would I be willing to do a test that was still very experimental. The equipment to be used was still a very “crude collection” (a hastily built sound proof room, lighting and TV cameras). The test would not be invasive in any way. I agreed to have the test which involved applying pressure to my ears (separately) while watching the pupils of my eyes. When the pressure was applied to my right ear, everything shifted to the right. Dr. Kohut and his technicians became very excited! Dr. Kohut told me he was working on a paper to present to the AMA at their meeting that Spring in Boston. I would be a part of his report if I agreed and would be his third patient. I would be anonymous (given an ID number only). His first patient was an executive with IBM and the second was a nurse in his office. His theory and diagnosis was a hole in my inner ear. This hole was an open door to my spinal fluid and a threat to my life. I was very relieved, but also terrified. I had never had a “surgery”. Dr Kohut assured me I would be safe in his care, I would be awake during the entire process. He would remove a tiny piece of flesh from my earlobe and plug the hole. This information created another concern...I had recently had my ears pierced and I didn’t want that hole disturbed! He gave me a “pat on the hand” and said that he would be very diligent to stay away from the piercing. Relieved and anxious to get my issue fixed, I agreed to the procedure. And “fixed, I am.” I have survived two bouts of breast cancer, one mastectomy, both hip joints and one shoulder replacement but none of the doctors come close to the memory of how personable and kind mannered Dr. Kohut was. I will always remember him as “the best”.

Carol Livingston
Patient with wonderful memories of Dr. Robert Kohut

Dr Kohut made a big impression on my life. When I was 2 years old I got a hold of some acid (drain cleaner) and it burnt my esophagus in 3 places. I went thru many surgery's and spent over a year in the Baptist hospital. He always treated me with kindness and respect. He was always up front with me even as a kid. I guess you can say I grew up with him in my life. I have many stories but the one I remember the best is I got a pice of pork chop stuck in my throat and had to go into surgery but it was his day off. I was in the surgery room and I did not see him , I ask where he was and they told me he had a day off . I was around 7 or 8 years old at the time and only trusted Dr Kohut. I would not accept that he was off and refused to take the sleeping medication. They call him and he came into the room and told me he wasn't going to do the surgery but he would stay until it was over. That was all I needed to know. He keep a picture I gave him in my file for years. I am 41 years old now and I thank God for Dr Kohut. My doctor but also my Friend. I want to thank the family for sharing him with me. He will be missed.

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Last night when I was told I was analyzing eye movements and pupil reactions from subjects in a university clinical trial. It was a technology that I learned from Dr. Kohut when I was a grad student at the University of Florida. I followed him to UC-Irvine, got my first puppy from one of his litter, and worked with him till he left to go to Bowman-Grey. His mentorship put me on an academic and business path that I am so grateful. He was always encouraging, kind and smart. My condolences to his family. Ron Waldorf

Bob and Joanne and Frances were all very good friends to my husband, Greg, and I. Greg passed away in September of 2017. We had some great times together through our times with the AOS, and many other organizations.
My sympathy to all of the family.
Judy Matz, Chicago, IL