Remembering – Robert Bass, M.D.

Robert Bass, M.D., a longtime UNMC educator and administrator, died on Aug. 4 at the age of 84.

Colleagues say Dr. Bass made a huge impact on the UNMC Department of Family Medicine, where he served as the department chairman from 1982-1989.

Dr. Bass oversaw the development of the community-based rotation for family medicine residents. In all, he worked at UNMC for 19 years.

“Dr. Bass was a strong leader during his tenure as chair of family medicine at UNMC,” said current UNMC Department of Family Medicine Chair Michael Sitorius, M.D.

“In his quiet, positive way he played a critical role in helping the UNMC Department of Family Medicine transition into its current role on the UNMC campus. His recruitment, support and mentoring of experienced faculty and commitment to learners was an invaluable strength.”

Dr. Bass was a 1956 graduate of UNMC and served the community of Genoa, Neb., as a family physician for 22 years before serving as chairman.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly and six children, Valerie (Randy) Engel, Carole (Ed) Vadney, Craig (Pam), Kent (Linda), Robert J.(Janell), and Dara (Scott) Kustka, 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.