Robert W. Beasley, M.D.'s Obituary
ROBERT W. BEASLEY, M.D.(1930-2017)Professor Robert W. Beasley was born in Paducah, Kentucky in July of 1930. He attained his baccalaureate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1952 and his Medical Doctorate from the University of Tennessee in 1955. Immediately following his graduation, he went east to New York City where he mostly remained for the next 50 years. He distinguished himself as a surgeon for the U.S. Army, receiving an achievement citation and later the Commendation Ribbon and Medal given by the Department of Army in March of 1959.In 1966, he instituted the hand surgery fellow of New York University and has trained over 80 fellows from all over the world. He was a member of numerous prestigious societies both here and abroad. He was author of over fifty articles, fifteen book chapters and was the single author of two widely referenced hand surgery texts. He was a renowned hand surgeon that was sought out by world class concert pianist to everyday mechanics to restore their livelihoods of using their hands.One of Dr. Beasley’s passions was teaching. He was a master teacher who had the gift to make complicated concepts simple to comprehend. He led students to formulate realistic solution for complex challenges and execute this strategy with patrician grace. Many of his students went on to become effective teachers, program directors and leaders in Hand surgery all over the world.As a mentor, he is holistic! He cared about his mentees not only for their professional growth but also for their personal and family well-being. Above and beyond his devotion to his profession he was a man of diverse interests; an accomplished sailor, an adept photographer, an artistic illustrator, and a brilliant writer. The jewelry that he designed was so exquisite that it was likened Monet’s Lilies.At three o’clock in the morning of July 16, 2017, Dr. Beasley passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in San Diego, California. The world has witness the passing of a visionary surgeon, master educator, holistic mentor and a renaissance man.Dr. Beasley is survived by his wife Genevieve, son, Bobby, and daughter, Kimberly as well as his brother, Oscar Beasley, MD., and grandchildren and extended family.
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