Robert Stephen Hand's Obituary
Bob’s struggle with Parkinson’s ended October 28, 2017. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, public servant, distinguished physician, Marlins fan, and avid tennis player. Born July 27, 1935, the son of William and Sara Hand, Bob grew up in Brooklyn, NY. His father owned a wholesale pharmaceutical company and Bob was the President of his senior class at Jefferson High School.
Bob attended Columbia College and followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a pharmacist after graduating from Columbia University College of Pharmacy in 1957 . That same year he enlisted in the US Army where he served his country honorably as a medical specialist. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the College of Osteopathic Medicine (now Des Moines University) in 1968, was a member in the Psi Sigma Alpha National Osteopathic Scholastic Honor Society and maintained friendships with his fellow alumni throughout his life. Bob was a passionate osteopathic physician, and was a pioneer in integrating the practice of acupuncture into his practice of medicine, earning his acupuncture certification in 1973. During his distinguished career, Bob was Chief of Staff at Community Hospital of South Broward, on staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, and was in general practice for 23 years. Even after he retired, he remained active as a mentor and leader in the profession for 25 more years. Bob was a member of the Florida State Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners from 1991 to 1994, having been appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles. He was the chairman of the Florida State Ombudsman Committee for Managed Health Care from 1998-2004 and was an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. He was an Honorary Life Member and President of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, was celebrated as Physician of the Year in 2001, and received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He was President of the Broward County Osteopathic Medical Association and was honored with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. In addition to his service to the profession, Bob was community minded and generous with his time. Among the positions he served were President of the Emerald Hills Homeowners’ Association; City of Hollywood Code Review Committee member, Charter Review Committee member, and Educational Advisory Committee member; Florida Bar Grievance Committee member; several positions at Temple Solel and an active supporter of the Democratic party.
Nothing was more important to Bob than his family - beloved wife of 56 years, Judy, Deborah (Cornelius), Abbey, Charles (Amanda), and his grandchildren – Luise, Maurus (Jana), Nina, McCoy, and Brooklyn. He took great pride in all of their achievements, wanted only their happiness and loved nothing more than a big family party.
Bob lived life well, and spent his time cultivating and enjoying relationships with family and friends, near and far. He will be missed by many, most especially, by his family who were so loved and adored by Bob. The family will celebrate his life at 2 pm, Tuesday, October 31, 2017 in the chapel at Beth David Memorial Gardens, 3201 North 72 Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Robert S. Hand D.O. Student Scholarship Fund c/o Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, 2544 Blairstone Pines Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donation Processing, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
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