Current Recipient: Guy I. Benrubi, M.D., FACOG

This fund honors Dr. Robert J. Thompson who in 1969 accepted a position in Jacksonville, Florida as the first full time faculty and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duval Medical Center with the formation of the Jacksonville Health Education Program (JHEP), an extension of the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Thompson was the first surgeon to perform laparoscopy in Jacksonville and through the years, he would train hundreds of residents, local physicians, and physicians from around the country. Laparoscopy has expanded to most surgical specialties, transforming invasive procedures with larger incisions into the minimally invasive techniques we have today.

Dr. Robert Thompson's career as both chairman and residency program director spanned 27 years, from 1969 to 1996. He built a program with thirteen full time faculty representing all four OB-GYN subspecialties, an accredited premier residency training program consisting of 24 residents yearly, rotations for family medicine and emergency medicine residents, medical students and other health care providers.

Dr. Thompson loved taking care of patients but his passion was teaching others how to care for patients. He created a calm learning atmosphere and taught by example. He was active in many national societies responsible for residency education in obstetrics and gynecology. Over the years, Dr. Thompson received many accolades, both locally and nationally. What he most treasured about his career though, was the personal interaction and teaching of his residents. He derived immense joy in being a part of their education and cared deeply about their well-being. In large part it was what defined him professionally and personally.

Dr. Thompson has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of women and their families as an extension of the hundreds of physicians that he has trained. This is his professional legacy, one that will live on.

The following are some of his teachings and exemplify who he was as a person:

• Do your best
• Be humble
• Treat all people with respect, kindness, and compassion
• Be tolerant and patient
• Help the less fortunate
• Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves
• Be a good listener
• Tell the truth
• Cherish the ones you love