As a second year internal medicine resident at the University of Texas in San Antonio in 1981, I had the privilege having Dr. Schwartzman as my attending. He was one of the greatest teachers one could ever imagine. When seeing patients he pointed out clinical pearls that might have easily been missed. He mixed humor with an exceptional fund of knowledge to emphasize certain learning points. He related that while he was driving on Fredericksburg Road near the medical school, he encountered a person driving the wrong way. He said his wife made the diagnosis: “that guy is crazy!” After coming from Miami to San Antonio, Dr. Schwartzman remarked that he didn’t see toilet seat neuropathy as often in San Antonio. He said it was because the newpapers were so lousy that no one sat there long enough. During a brain-cutting confernece one of the neurosurgeons demonstrated his knowledge by pointing out a region of the brainstem. Dr. Schwartzman replied, “Yes that’s right, but what are the 10 tracts that run through it?” There was no response, only silence. Dr. Schwartzmen was a fabulous teacher. He was greatly missed when he moved from San Antonio to Philadelphia. He was and always will be one of a kind.

Dr. Bob 

We all owe you so much. We miss you. However, you taught us so much, that we carry you with us wherever we go. You live on in so many ways that make this world a better place!

John M Bertoni, M.D., Ph.D..

Dr. S is someone  who when you meet, you never forget. I was fortunate to have been trained by him at Jefferson. His enthusiasm for teaching was highly effective with wry sense of humor, and made going to morning report on Saturdays enjoyable. 
As a clinician he was incredibly astute and helped pts with RSD (should be called Robert Schwartzman Disease) now called CPRS, because he developed an effective treatment.  He truly embodied the Triple Threat Physician and is one of the GOAT. I felt honored he had me treat his brother and niece, and even got his nephew to shadow me as he went into the Neuroscience. He signed his charts with AMF (Adios My Friend).

As a medical student, I rotated through neurology in 2004 and was fortunate enough to have been assigned to Dr Schwarzmann's clinic. He was a fantastic and highly memorable teacher not only for CRPS and diagnostic neurology but also humanism and patient care. My condolences to his family.

Deepest sympathies to Dr Schwartzman’s family. I am from Ireland & was a patient of his in July 2002 when living in the U.S. and even when I returned home we shared emails re my MS, he always took the time to reply, it meant the world. I think of him fondly & am very sad to learn of his passing. 
Thank you Dr Schwartzman,
Aine

Robert was always there to help his students.
Dr Farber

I went to Dr. Swartzman at Thomas Jefferson for a second opinion having previously been diagnosed with a glioma. He looked at the films and reports I provided and thoroughly examined me. 
Dr. Swartzman said he would order new scans because he believed I might have a different neurological problem, since he wasn't talking to an angel. 
I cried and laughed at his comment at the same time. New scans confirmed he was correct. 
Dr. Swartzman you may be gone now but you will never be forgotten. A brilliant and caring doctor!

I was a first year neurology resident at the Univ. of Miami in 1976-1977 when I met Bob.  My favorite recollection was his line (and this is not an exact quotation) -- "there are treating docs and there are non-treating docs, I am a treating doc".   I ran into Bob again 1978 when he was at UTHSC, San Antonio (I was still in training) ... he was a remarkable neurologist and teacher.  
Rest well,
Roy Elterman, MD


I was one of the first neurology residents under Dr. Schwartzman, when he came to the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio from Miami.  He was a wonderful teacher and mentor, and I’m forever grateful for his inspiration and guidance.  He was readily available for over the phone advice years after he left for Philadelphia.  Rest In Peace.
          Samuel R. Neeley MD

I am so sorry I didn’t know that the dear Dr Schwartzman had passed away. He trained me in medical school and was like a dad to me when my own dad passed away. He was an amazing doctor, mentor, and champion for patients. He will be sadly missed. 

Our than 8 year old son was treated by Dr Schwartzman when Dr S. was at Jefferson Hospital.  He was warm and kind to a little boy who could barely walk.  This was over37 years ago. He treated him for RSD ! We were so greatful. He did so much for chronic pain. Bless you and rest in peace.  Sorry for your loss Mrs Schwartzman and family. 

Dr  Schwartzman will  be missed by all he helped through their CRPS journey.  Thankyou for your support and  neurological expertise you shared  with the world.  Rest in peace.

Dr. Schwartzman’s kindness toward humanity was found in his patient care, medical journal articles, & research. His efforts became the gold standard of CRPS care. We will forever appreciate Dr. & Mrs. Schwartzman. God bless you. 

My Wife Joan was a long term patient of Dr. Schwartzman. At both Jefferson and Hahnamann Hospitals.  His care and knowledge aided her so much. He always had time to spare with his patients and their families. As a result I got to know him and always enjoyed talking with him. I was a Homicide Detective with the Philadelphia Police Department and he enjoyed talking about the cases that he read about in the news papers or heard about on TV.  He was extremely  proud of his wife, the Attorney, and his children. He will be missed by countless numbers of people that knew him. He will be forever in him thoughts and prayers. He was truly a great man.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to work with Dr. Robert Schwartzman will keep his memory alive for a long time to come. He was a rare combination of dynamic teacher, clinician, patient advocate, and leader. His impact on the field of Neurology has grown through the work of his many students and co-workers who will continue to spread his wisdom and dynamism to tomorrow’s leaders. 

John M. Bertoni MD PhD

I am deeply saddened to hear the news. Dr Schwartzman was among the two physicians who influenced me the most in my professional life. He was the fatherly figure you always had your good in mind even if he was mad at you.   My whole family knows him as I would narrate his hilarious quotes to them. I remained in contact with him until recently. My last correspondence with him was when I wrote to him, "I think inside of the mouth has unilateral and not bilateral sensory thalamic innervation as  previously thought, when I stimulated sensory thalamus during Deep Brain Stimulation procedures" .He was so proud of me when I told him that I became a full professor. His legacy will continue through his teachings even when he is gone

He was the best mentor one could imagine.  He would not leave for vacation until he was done with morning report on Saturday!  I have everlasting gratitude for this man and his teachings.  Bless your soul good doctor!  I will miss you until we meet again...

He was truly an amazing mentor.  He was the reason I became a pain medicine physician and that I now focus on CRPS. I’ve always said he was likely the most intelligent person I ever met. Combined with a true understanding of life, the best of us and a true mensch.  

Dr. Schwartzman was one of the few truly gentleman physicians that I have ever worked with.  He was knowledgeable of all subjects, especially medicine.  He was kind and had a great sense of humor which made working for him a pleasure.  He will be sadly missed.

With much sorrow and sympathy.

Ginger Kirby

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Dr Schwartzman’s passing. He gave me hope and saved my life. I was one of the very lucky patients to be treated by Dr S. At my very first visit he walked in the room, looked at me and said, “You hurt here, here, here and here. It spreads through your whole body and you feel like you’re on fire. That’s the bad news. The good news is that I can help you!” And he did. No other doctor gave me any hope of ever even walking again. Dr S had me begin ketamine infusions and not only can I walk, I do it with a spring in my step. Not a week goes by that I don’t think of him with gratitude. He had the best outlook on life and a wicked great sense of humor. He was a truly amazing man. My respect and love for him knows no bounds. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and dear friends. The world has lost a wonderful man. 

I was so sorry to hear from Dr Kirkpatrick that the world had lost an amazing, wise, compassionate and hard working man. He dedicated his life to helping those of us many other doctors gave up on. He took calls from physicians from other countries as well as near and far. He was helping to figure out my care before he even met me! After having a coma in Mexico, Dr S was helping figure out why I was struggling to hold the benefit.  In 2010, I finally did get to meet this man, who was able to answer all the lingering questions about why the CRPS had such a hold on me. He told me I got it as a small child and then proved it by telling me things about my childhood I had never shared! Amazing! He was so knowledgeable and so willing to share his time with patients near and far. I still use a lot of the things he taught me, and I share his research papers with other doctors. Hailing from Canada, I want you to know that he taught me what a compassionate doctor can do and he gave me tools to use through surgeries and ongoing.  The world has lost a very fine man and leader in CRPS. He has left a legacy and earned his wings!! May God reward you richly for looking after all of us!

I will fondly remember Dr. Schwartzman for his care and compassion toward myself and others that have suffered from RSD/CRPS.  His knowledge and advancement into the disease will be sorely missed!  I can personally say that he helped me immensely get through the roughest times of this disease and gain a better understanding of what was going on with me physically.  By sending me over to Germany for treatment, that is one thing I can never repay him for!  May he Rest In Peace!!!

Dr. Schwartzman was the greatest clinical teacher I have ever met. His method, warmth and vast knowledge were unparalleled. All of us still repeat his sayings or aphorisms, which were tremendously helpful as a teaching tool, but also colorful and funny.
I had the privilege of being one of his Chief Residents. Six months that helped shape me and in which I learned and grew tremendously. Work was punctuated by two and half beers every Friday evening, to debrief and talk about the previous week, the future and life in general. I consider Dr. Schwartzman my principal mentor. 
I will never forget him and told my children of the great teacher that help me become a neurologist and a better doctor.

It was with great sadness I learned of Dr. Schwartzman’s passing. He had such a profound influence on my development as a physician and as a man.  I’m sure that sentiment is shared by the many physicians for whom he was a beloved mentor.  He could be hard and severe but it was the hardness and severity of a father who wanted to protect his children from themselves. And so we endured it and were better for having done so. 

After I left Philadelphia to run my own practice, I would call him periodically to pick his brain about a perplexing case but I mostly called to hear his voice.  I lost track of him after he retired and I would tell myself I must track down “the boss” if for no other reason than to hear his exposition on some current event and to let him know he was often on my mind. Well, so much for that. 

I will close with my condolences to his family. I am sure his passing has left an incomprehensible void. He would often speak of you with that unique wry humor that was his trademark and he did so in a way that revealed you were his greatest passion.  God bless and keep all of you close in His loving embrace as you move through the dark places you must go after such a loss. 

Sincerely and with best regards,

Stanton E. Sollenberger 
6167 Guitner Rd
Greencastle, PA
717-377-3019

Two days ago, my heart sunk as I read Dr. Kirkpatrick’s tribute to Dr. Schwartzman.  For seventeen years, perhaps longer, Dr. Schwartzman was my doctor; moreover, he was my idol, foul speaking smartest man I have met, emphasis on the foul mouth and more on the smartest man in my life.
When I met Dr. Schwartzman, my RSD was systemic, even clothes hurt my marled, burning body.  
When he entered my exam room, Dr. Schwartzman looked at me and told me exactly howI was feeling, what and where I was suffering most, and that I was “…too damn skinny.”  
“Go home, eat a steak, (I was throwing up all day, every day at that time), have some wine, and get laid.”  My eyes widened, joining my gaping mouth, not at his comment, but with his instinctive prowess of the aforementioned feelings I was having.  My friend Lindsay warned me that I needed to prepare for Dr. S’s instinct, his unreal understanding of the monster syndrome.  I marveled at this man and his flock of residents who looked at him both with admiration and love.  
Over the years, after being the ninth person to go to Mexico and undergo the Ketamine coma, Dr Schwartzman  never left my side.  He was almost ubiquitous at Hahnemann Hospital, his office, and clinic.  Unfortunately, my coma did not work, but Dr. S. did not falter; he remained steadfast in treating me, helping me, and commending me for doing anything to be well, and ALWAYS returned my phone calls within minutes.
I participated in any and every trial he asked of me, and I did it for him. 
Each and every patient I encountered in the Infusion Room to the nurses who tenderly cared for all of us, revered Dr. S.  One day, after he rounded the room when we finished having our infusions, he looked at me, took off his stethoscope, threw it into the air, and exclaimed:
“Jesus Christ, now she has Horner’s Syndrome!”  He put me back into the hospital, and he tried a new treatment, the last I would have with him.
Not a week passes without my thinking about Dr. Schwartzman

The day Dr. Schwartzman walked into my hospital room at Hahnemann University Hospital was the day the trajectory of my life changed.  He brought light into my families darkness, he brought hope where there had only been years of desolation- and what a character he was.   Yet in all the memories I have I can’t get this one thought out of my head:

If it weren’t for the tenacity, fire, and dedication of this man, I probably wouldn’t be alive. 

Our prayers for a miracle, healing, and relief came in the form of a short-statured, spitfire of a doctor, unwilling to back down yet posesing an empathy that made you feel seen, valued, and worth fighting for.  

Dr. S, not only did you save my life, but you reminded me I was a life worth saving.  Your dedication and the sacrifices you and your family made have left an impact that truly reached into the deepest parts of a darkness few are willing to battle.  Though words will never be enough to express my gratitude to you and your family- thank you just the same.  I thank God for you and you will be greatly missed.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.  

I am sorry for your loss. RJS inspired me and many others to deal with CRPS, stay in and enjoy life,  despite adversity. He trained Dr. A who saved my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful. 
TCB

There are no words to adequately express how sad I was to hear of Dr.  Schwartzman’s sudden passing. He was such an intelligent and truly caring  physician.  He had the unique ability to often make a correct diagnosis by just listening to what the patient had to say. I offer my most heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Schwartzman and the entire family. 

Bob was an exceptional chairman and mentor. He will always be the best teacher of neurology residents that I have ever encountered.  His approach to neurology and life in general was refreshingly pragmatic and totally enjoyable.

Fran and I were stunned to learn of the sudden passing of our beach walking friend Dr. Schwartzman. We were always delighted to see Bob on the beach . . . we enjoyed many wonderful conversations. He is missed! 

Thank you to the man who was a pioneer for those of us living with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Thank you for helping me. Thank you for teaching other providers so they could help more patients around the world. Your research was valuable beyond money and all should know that you changed the lives of millions through the ripple effects of your work and research. Thank you for your dedication and life work for people like me. Sending all my love and prayers! Your patient, Barby Ingle

I saw Bob in the elevator at 219 just before he retired . I was so sad to see him leave . I said what will you do ? He replied, I am moving to Florida to become a lobster . Not only was he brilliant and kind, but he was funny !  When I had a tough case, I would call him and he knew what was wrong , just through the history.

I also had the privilege of knowing his deceased cousin , Travis , also a brilliant neurologist . Perhaps there is an afterlife for them , a special place for unique, wonderful people who touched everyone. 
Surely , Bob’s spirit will live on . 

A person like Dr Schwartzman stays forever. He was an amazing doctor and clinician who taught me a lot in neurology and life and expected me to pass it on to my students and residents… And this is what I actually do. Not a single week passes by without me remembering him. And each time I am confronted to a tough case I always say to myself “what would RJS would have done?” And that always help. Sincere condolences to his family. I am sure he will continue guiding us for life. 

I am so very sad to be reading this about one of the nicest guys I have ever known & had the privilege to meet. I was a patient of Dr. Schwartzman & he was my doctor for 15 years. I honestly believe I am where I am today because of him & his expertise. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife & his entire family. He will forever be missed. 
Renee Guarino

Dr. Schwartzman was a leader in the field of Neurology. You will be missed. I had  the opportunity to serve in the Department twice under him . I always cherish the memories from the time working with him as well as his teachings and recommendations for a fruitful academic career in neurology.  Rest In Peace Bob!

Dr. Schwartzman not only taught me about Neurology, he taught me about life. In many ways, he was like a father to me. Not a day goes by that I don't think, "What would RJS do?" May your memory forever be a blessing to us all.

Dr. Swartzman was a class act I worked with him in the surgical ICU for many years. Always thoughtful and passionate about his work. My sincere condolences. 

Dr. Schwartzman was a unique mentor to many of us neurologists and a teacher like no other.  His clinical skills were legendary. A kind doctor to his patients and one of the most decent human beings one could meet. The influence of his teaching and training of neurology residents continues to ripple over time and space not just nationally but worldwide. As RJS-trained neurologists we will pass on the knowledge he imparted upon us. May he Rest In Peace. 

Dr. Schwartzman was the most amazing Dr, he was so caring and incredibly intuitive. He always put his patients first and showed great concern for their overall health, not just their RSD. I'm so thankful to have been one of his patients for several years before he retired. They broke the mold with him. He will be missed by so many. 

Dr. Schwartzman was a great Neurologist, teacher, and man.  I was fortunate enough to have been trained by him as I still remember his many teachings and sayings.  You will be greatly missed sir.  My sincere condolences to his wife and family.  

Dr. Schwartzman was one of the greatest neurologist of our time, what i known in neurology is because of him. I became a neurologist because he gave me a chance. You will be greatly missed. 

Dr Schwartzman was not only our chairman who laid foundations of neurology in us but was like a father figure to all his residents.
To us foreign graduates who landed in this vast country he was always supportive and very fair to all and very protective to us.
He is always with us and will continue to do so as we continue to practice neurology.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.



AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Robert Jay Schwartzman MD

28 novembre 1939 – 4 août 2021

Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home

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