Robert Martensen, M.D. PhD

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Robert Martensen, M.D., Executive Director of the Cunniff Dixon Foundation, died on September 26.

Dr. Martensen joined the Foundation in 2008, after participating as a faculty member in our first continuing medical education symposium in late 2007. During the last 6 years, he has made an enormous contribution to the mission of the Cunniff Dixon Foundation, and he became a close personal friend.

A project which never would have happened without Robert is Surgical Palliative Care: A Resident’s Guide, a curriculum manual created in conjunction with the American College of Surgeons. The Guide was completed in 18 months and is now in use in residency programs around the world, as well as over 60 teaching institutions in the U.S.

Robert spent his final days in California with his sons Byard, Max and Charlie; he was blessed with a family who took care of him and provided loving care and support.

I will miss him dearly. We are all better for having had him with us.

Andy Baxter

Founder