Harold Eugene Burt's Obituary
Dr. Harold E. Burt, 93, of San Diego passed away on March, 16, 2018. He was the only child born to Henry and Alva Leona Brown Burt on May 10, 1924 in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Fisk University where he earned a bachelor’s degree and afterwards entered Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He began his medical career as an intern at Harlem Hospital in New York, N.Y. Residencies and fellowships in obstetrics and gynecology followed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Jacksonville, Florida. He joined the Airforce as a captain in 1951 and did a three year tour of duty. He moved with his wife Lillian Gardiner Burt and their three children to San Diego in 1954 and began the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. Dedicated to providing quality comprehensive healthcare for local residents, Dr. Burt along with six other African American physicians explored the concept of “community based, corporategroup-medical-surgical practice”. As a result Western Medical Group, Inc. and the Out-Patient Surgical Center was founded. The group provided a wide range of diagnostic, medical and surgical services in an inpatient and outpatient setting. This successful endeavor soon led to the launching of the Southeast Comprehensive Health Center in the late 1970’s by Dr. Burt and the other physicians. His hospital affiliations included San Diego Physicians and Surgeons Hospital, Paradise Valley Hospital, Sharp Hospital and Mercy Hospital. He retired from obstetrics in 1979 having delivered 8,000 infants. After retirement he served as a volunteer gynecologist with a specialty in colposcopy at San Diego Comprehensive Medical Center for years. His professional memberships included the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, National Medical Association, Golden State Medical Society, California Medical Association, Southwest GYN Society, San Diego County Medical Society, and the San Diego Foundation for Medical Care. At various times during his 64 years in San Diego he served as council or board member on the governing boards of the latter three organizations. He was active in many organizations that promoted the welfare of the community including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, NAACP (Past President), Urban League, Children’s Home Society and Planned Parenthood. Dr. Burt’s hobbies included golfing, tennis, traveling, reading and gardening. He especially loved working in his garden. At one time he grew beautiful roses and orchids Because he worked so much in his garden his granddaughter proudly told her kindergarten class during sharing time that her “grandpop” was a farmer! He did not watch much television but spent his time reading because he believed that it improved literacy, health and social skills. As a result he was a great conversationalist. As he grew older he loved eating out and looked forward to “restaurant hopping” with his children. He enjoyed eating a meal at one restaurant and traveling to another for dessert and coffee usually with a scenic drive or walk in between. He will be remembered with love by his sons Harold E. (Gina) Burt Jr., Keith G. (Brenda) Burt and Rodney J. (Cynthia) Burt, his granddaughter, Bianca (Erika) Burt and many friends. His former wife and friend, Lillian, preceded him in death. Private burial will be held. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Dr. Burt’s name please consider the Fisk University General Scholarship Fund at: Fisk University, Advancement Services Office, 1000 17th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 The family wishes to thank the staff at Scripps Mercy Hospital for the medical care given. The family appreciates all acts and expressions of kindness that warmed our hearts.
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