Bertram Wolf Roberts JR

Bertram Wolf Roberts JR, MD, MPH, DrPH, MSHCA, DTM&H
Dr. Bertram W. Roberts Jr. lived an extraordinary life of service, dedicated to the well-being of others. A true healer in times of war and peace, his story inspires many, and his contributions to medicine and public health are truly remarkable.
Born in New York City to Edna Levinson and Bertram W. Roberts Sr., and raised in Little Rock, AR, Bert faced challenges early on. Stricken with polio at age 5 and paralyzed until age 7, he later witnessed his father's death from a heart attack at age 12. It was at this pivotal moment that he decided to become a doctor. With the unwavering support of his mother, Edna, Bert excelled in his studies, attending Culver Military Academy and Lake Forest Academy during the Little Rock Nine school closures.
He completed his undergraduate studies at Tulane University, where he was a member of the ZBT fraternity, and went on to attend medical school in Little Rock, AR. His medical training included an Internal Medicine residency at the Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, and Emory University in Atlanta, GA, followed by a Nephrology residency at UCSD in San Diego, CA, and Ohio State University.
Following his medical training, Dr. Roberts was drafted during the Vietnam War under the Berry Plan, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the USAF as a physician.
His journey took him to U-TAPAO Air Force Base in Thailand, where he served as Chief of MedCap and Internal Medicine. It was here that a monk gave him the name Dr. Bharat, meaning "one who expands his own consciousness and helps expand the consciousness of others." This spiritual encounter led him to become a vegetarian, practice daily meditation, and begin his lifelong commitment to relief work. He reenlisted in the USAF, ultimately achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel.
For more than 40 years, Dr. Roberts practiced nephrology in San Antonio, TX, where he founded several non-profit organizations, including STOP DIABETES, to educate and prevent dialysis in underserved communities. He established the first peritoneal dialysis clinic in San Antonio and served as Chief of Staff at Southwest General Hospital, among other leadership roles. His dedication to service extended to teaching, as he volunteered for 20 years at the VA, educating nephrology fellows. He was an Associate Professor of Medicine and Nephrology at UTHSCSA and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Public Health. His scholarly contributions included numerous articles in medical journals and a book titled Yoga and Health.
Dr. Roberts' passion for international relief work took him across the globe. In West Africa, he initiated programs in Burkina Faso and Ghana to combat child mortality, provide clean water, and support former Trokosi adolescent slaves. His efforts in
Southeast Asia included establishing a medical clinic in the slums of Bangkok and providing care for political refugees on the Burma-Thailand border. He also worked in refugee camps in Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. His DrPH dissertation focused on studying the toxic effects of wastewater on neural tube defects along the 200-mile Mexico Rio Grande border.
A fearless advocate for the underserved, he believed in the right to clean water, healthcare, education, and food for all. Dr. Roberts' relief work extended to Nigeria (Ebola), the U.S. during Hurricane Katrina, and multiple countries affected by natural disasters, including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Haiti, Peru, and India. He was a Nephrology faculty member at Vellore Christian Medical College in India and at the UCSD free clinic in San Diego ,CA. Most recently he was providing food for Ukrainian refugees in San Diego, CA.
His commitment to Tikkun Olam-repairing the world-guided his life's work.
Beyond his medical and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Roberts was a singer-songwriter with 40 original songs, a blues guitarist and harmonica player, a painter, and a second-degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won martial arts. He was an avid golfer and tennis player, known for his great smile, sharp sense of humor, and clever wordplay, affectionately called "Bertisms" by those who knew him. Bert was known for his infectious smile and his ability to lift spirits with a simple joke. He had a unique way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.
Dr. Roberts was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Levinson and Bertram Roberts Sr., and his sons Jeffery and Paul Roberts. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Laura Perches, his children Jason (Daniela), Jeremy, and Georgina (Adam), daughters-in-law Jennifer, Monica, and Kelly, his cousin William Levinson, his niece Jennifer Ann Levinson, and his grandchildren, William, Andrew, Max, Chloe, Sophia, Jackson, Tristen, Emilio, and Leo.
Dr. Bertram W. Roberts Jr. was a man of rare compassion and boundless energy, who spent his life striving to make the world a better place. His legacy of love, service, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team at 2502 Lindley Terrace, Rockville, MD 20850.