His Legacy
"May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me"
Robert C. Scott, 65, affectionately known as Robert, “Doc”, Bob, “Doctor Bob”, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, March 29, 1944 to Rosalie and Robert Scott, II, Robert earned his B.S. degree at Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, followed by a Master of Science and Master of Education at University of Illinois. In 1968 he moved to California. In 1969, he began teaching anatomy, physiology and, microbiology at Laney College in Oakland, CA where he was encouraged to consider becoming a doctor.
In 1974, Robert completed medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, followed by an internship at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and his residency in Internal Medicine at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, California. He was a University of California Regent Scholar and a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Beta, and other national honor societies. He served as a clinical instructor at University of California, San Francisco, Davis, and Stanford University medical schools.
Dr. Scott was in private practice some 32 years, specializing in internal medicine with a specialty in HIV/AIDS. His laser-focused attention for his patients gave way to his commitment to treating people with dignity and compassion. His Oakland based practice served several thousand patients, over 400 of who were living with HIV—often working a 13-hour day. Recently he relocated his practice to the Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation. Dr. Scott saw himself as a “servant to the people”. He became a leading advocate for HIV/AIDS treatment and research and was known for his personal way of educating patients, and the community.
Dr. Scott co-founded AIDS Project, East Bay in Oakland, CA (est. in 1983), and in 1994 he was instrumental in establishing the Allen Temple Baptist Church AIDS Ministry, one of the first AIDS Ministries at a Black Church, which ultimately set the tone for faith-based ministries in this area. Most recently, Dr. Scott began a discussion group with Oakland clergy and people living with HIV. He believed the church could be more engaged in ministering to people living with HIV and that people living with HIV could educate the clergy. Dr. Scott was known for his support and contributions to many organizations throughout the community. He was an elected Board Member of the Project Open Hand, Families Created by Adoption, and the HIV Trial Researchers. In addition, he served as an enthusiastic usher at Allen Temple Baptist Church, and member of many other committees throughout Allen Temple Baptist Church.
During 2004, Dr. Scott became the first African American doctor to become licensed to practice in Zimbabwe, Africa. At the time of his passing, he, along with many other skilled doctors and nurses, provided life saving treatment to over 850 patients at two clinics in Zimbabwe; at the Mother of Peace Orphanage in Mutoko, Zimbabwe and the Center for AIDS Services in Harare, Zimbabwe. Dr. Scott traveled several times per year to personally conduct medical clinical services as a volunteer.
Dr. Scott was highly regarded both nationally and internationally for his work particularly in HIV/AIDS. He was bestowed scores of accolades, commendations, special honors, and recognitions from the University of California, San Francisco, Alameda County Office of AIDS, State of Emergency Task Force, New Spirit Community Church, Bay Area Consortium for Quality Health Care, United Nations Association East Bay, and the Sinkler Miller Medical Association.
Dedicated in all of his endeavors, Dr. Scott was a father-figure to the AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe, a confidante to thousands of patients, and a community role model. Indeed, Dr. Scott’s commitment to those in need cannot be underestimated—he even made house calls. Dr. Scott was characterized as a person who felt that his true wealth was the good he did in the world.
Dr. Scott enjoyed good times with friends and family, traveling, and collecting art. At his festive birthday celebrations, you could often see him on the dance floor with his bright smile. He leaves to mourn his loving partner of 22 years Lamont Nickens, adopted sons, Melvin and Jesse, cousins, extended family, staff, loyal patients, and a host of colleagues and friends.
