Roger was a classic, one of the greats. As a boss, he gave me carte blanche to lead The Physician Executive in a new direction. He somehow knew that I could edit the journal and hired me on the spot. I wasn't so sure, especially filling Wes Curry's enormous shoes. He was a dynamic leader who loved people; he was very intuitive and could figure you out, what motivated you, and then turn you loose. He chose people wisely; he made the adventure fun, albeit challenging. He was my boss, but also my friend and mentor. He was at my wedding and it wouldn't have been right if he wasn't there. When I think of him, I remember those sparkling, mischievous brown eyes strategizing his next impeccably brilliant move. They just don't make them like Roger anymore. I truly hope he knew how many lives he changed for the better and how dearly he was adored. He was one of the most genuinely curious and interested people that I have ever known. I loved that he broke the rules, vivid, bold, and original. 

Susan M. Sasenick aka Saz

I worked with Roger in VA and was part of his staff at the beginning of ACPE. When he moved to Tampa I was not able to make the move. Time went on and we lost touch. Ironically, I ended up in Sarasota some years later. Sadly I never reconnected with Roger even though I thought of him often. I only just found out that he left us a while back and found this site.  We shared many trips educating future physician executives at the beginning and many laughs while we were doing it. RIP my friend. You are missed. 

I just now came across this memorial ... there are no coincidences. When I realized I was reading about my Roger, my heart dropped. I did not work for Roger but did meet him through work back in 1975 in Northern Virginia. My relationship with Roger was purely personal. I was a young professional and Roger was a self confident, handsome, impeccably dressed guy with a magnetic way. We bonded immediately and spent a lot of time in each other's company. I think I might have taught him to loosen up a bit and he taught me so much more. So much more. Once when I was crowing about how well I thought I'd done on a presentation, he smiled (we all know that smile) and said "you need to fall on your butt just once". He couldn't have been more right. He showed me the finer things in life and how to enjoy them. I was crestfallen when he moved to Florida, but I knew I had had my time with him and needed to let go of him. As with everyone here, Roger had an indelible effect on my life. I can't believe he's not out in the world anymore, but he remains in my heart forever. Love you, Roger ... you are the best.  Oh ... and I DID fall on my butt .... many times ... you were right ... I needed it. 

My husband, Bud Stephenson, was a classmate & friend of Roger. at Pennsylvania Military College in Chester, PA.  I dated Bud throughout his college years so I got to know Roger very well.  We always teased him that we were secretly married (we weren't) and he teased us relentlessly about it.  We tried to reconnect over the years to no avail, but I am so happy to learn of his impact on so many people in his lifetime.  He was always a favorite of ours.   Unfortunately, my husband was killed in Vietnam on Feb. 23, 1966 but I'd like to think that Buddy & Roger have reunited in heaven.  May he RIP and may his family know that he was loved my many from afar.

It was the 70s &  80's, Am Assoc of Medical Directors which later morphed to its present state. I was on the Board of Dir of the Am Coll of Emergency Physicians and often found myself at meetings with Roger. We became friends. I recall sitting with him in the lounge of the Four Seasons in Dallas after dinner. Masters of Business for physician leaders was being encouraged. I asked him if I should pursue. He asked if I wanted a piece of paper on my wall. I said no. So why would you want a degree? Knowledge was my reply. He wisely said you have been in management for 10+ years - physician groups, hospitals, national organizations, and Bethlehem Steel. If someone is looking to hire you - they won't care about the piece of paper - they will check your references. If you were a young physician, no experience, then the paper would be all that they would have. I started through the PIM courses and became certified, fellow and emeritus over the years. Saw Roger several times each year. Met some wonderful faculty like Leland Kaiser. Wonderful experiences. Wonderful advice.  So sorry for your family loss and the loss of a great visionary mentor to physicians. 

I wish to express my great gratitude to Roger Schenke for the impact the organization he founded, now called the American Association for Physician Leaders (AAPL), has had on my career and my life.  The training I received was of the highest caliber.  The extensive CME training and the Master of Medical Management opened doors for me and allowed me to enter and move upward in physician leadership.  My association with AAPL is the inflection point of my career success which has been a great benefit to me and my family.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, Roger Schenke.  You have been a blessing in my life.

When I first entered a leadership role in the early 1990's I became a member of the then ACPE. I met Roger in 1995 at one of the meetings and he was such a positive influence for me in developing my leadership skills and encouraging me to continue on that journey. We spoke many times over the years and he always remembered me and had a word of encouragement or advice that was helpful. I thank him to this day as being part of the success that I have enjoyed. He will be missed. Thanks Roger.

Roger Schenke was a visionary leader who made major contributions to health care in America.  In creating the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE), now the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL),  Roger had a novel vision:  To enhance the leadership capabilities of physicians,  so their knowledge and talents could benefit healthcare broadly--beyond clinical care alone.  

Roger helped generations of physicians gain the insight, knowledge, and expertise to have a broadly positive impact upon the entire industry.  His vision is now recognized as an essential component of modern healthcare.  Large health systems and organizations strive today to fulfill it.

Many of us have personally benefited from his work and vision. We, our colleagues, and our organizations owe him a great debt.  He assembled a group of distinguished faculty and colleagues and created a network of physician leaders that remains active and healthy to this day.  He did all of this with an outwardly relaxed style, and always with a human touch.  

We who are indebted to him pause to remember him, with a gentle smile of appreciation for all he did.  It is our task now, as always, to carry on this work, informed by his memory and contributions.  I know the Board of the American Association for Physician Leadership joins me in this recognition.  Together we send our sincere respect and condolences to Roger's family and our acknowledgement that his work remains alive and continues.

Mark C. Lester, MD, MBA, CPE, FAANS, FACS, FAAPL
Board Chair, American Association for Physician Leadership

Roger shared an understanding of physicians and a need for administrative physician leadership at a time when few others did.  His impact on change within this field of medical specialty has been profound.  I will always be appreciative for his vision!

Wayne A. Miller, MD, FACS, FACHE

I met Roger in 2005 when he interview me to work for him at ACPE.  He quickly became my friend and mentor. While Roger and I only worked together for four years, he influenced my leadership abilities, business writing, work ethic, travel skills and more. He introduced me to a behind the scenes world of destination conferences and ACPE dinners with a wonderful work family. Even after he retired and I left the company, we still met for lunches and dinners throughout the years. He helped me with my house, gave me career advice and even approved of my nose ring when I got it so many years ago. Your conversations and guidance will be missed Roger.  You were truly one of a kind.

Roger was a friend and mentor in my early days with the Academy of Medical Directors and then as a board member with the American College of Physician Executives.  His insight and guidance were a strong influence on my early career and executive education.  I am very glad to have known him.

My condolences on his passing.

I have fond memories of working with Roger. We first met when I was director of the health administration masters degree program at the university of Colorado medical School. Many  of our students were physicians and Roger wanted to talk about starting a national program focused on preparing physicians for management positions. We spent a day together in Denver and  sketched out a  very rough draft of a program with our faculty teaching about half of it. His vision of the future of health care and the role of physician leaders in management was of course right on and  I greatly benefited from his insights after I came to the University of Minnesota to head a health services research center. One of our major research areas was and still is the organization and performance of primary care medical group practices. My warm condolence to his family from a friend and colleague.  John Kralewski

Roger gave me a job, education, encouragement, correction, friendship, and a continuous supply of creative ideas. His gifts helped me give to others. I have been and will forever be grateful. 

Roger recruited me to teach the ethics courses for ACPE, which I did for many years.  Roger was a superb mentor to his faculty and I become a better and better medical educator under his patient guidance.  Roger cared deeply about our colleagues in ACPE courses and so  expected his faculty to work hard to deliver consistently excellent teaching.  He supported all of us who taught for him to do just that.  He also treated his faculty very, very well.  Finally, he recruited and nurtured a superb staff who made sure that everything before, during, and after courses -- invisible to participants but very visible to faculty -- was done to standards of excellence.  

I remember the first ACPE course I took which was thought by Roger.  His command and control of the classroom was amazing.  I had the chance to take with him after that course, and he encouraged me to continue my studies, and my involvement with AAPL, which changed the trajectory of my life. 
I had the honor of eventually serving as the chair of the Board at AAPL, and have continued to work with the organization as a faculty member for the Certified Physician Executive program.  
Amazing how one person can change your life trajectory and give you the honor of participating with his organization for many, many, years.  
My condolences to the family.

I am forever indebted to Roger for developing ACPE (at the time) which served as my vehicle to a life of exploration and development as a leader and as a human being. 
His impact on so many physician leaders will be sorely missed. 
My deepest condolences to his friends and family members. 

Roger was a friend, a colleague, a mentor, who's passing leaves a hole in my heart.  His gifts and vision touched us all in special ways. 

He transitioned physician leadership from a concept to an essential element of today's healthcare administration-no small accomplishment.

I was fortunate to have benefited from several years of working with Roger as both an ACPE Board member and ACPE President . I witnessed his visionary skills, proficiency and pragmatism as ACPE managed the struggles of growth and programatic change. 

Those fortunate to have know and worked with Roger were touched and guided by his skill and friendship - He will be truly missed.

Warm wishes and thoughts to the Schenke family during this difficult time.  I hope that you find solace in knowing how many people Roger has touched directly through his vision and work.

As a physician executive who has served on the AAPL Board and currently serves as the Editor for the Physician Leadership Journal, Roger has shaped the lives of so many physician leaders who started with the Association early in our careers.  He provided a path to help us understand what our career choice in leadership could mean to patients and our communities.    By so doing, he has indirectly touched so many more people.  Thank you Roger.   Rest in Peace.

ONLY A LIFE LIVED FOR OTHERS IS A LIFE WORTHWHILE-Albert Einstein

Roger was a remarkable man in many ways. As a young physician seeking new knowledge of management and leadership, I turned to the organization he created and grew - because it was the best place to learn. Later, when I succeeded him as CEO of ACPE, I appreciated the perpetual twinkle in his eyes, his humility, and his selflessness. Best of all, he knew how to hire really talented and hard working people for his staff, who enjoyed working for and with him.
I share your grief in his passing.   

To the family, 
I first met Roger in 1987 when I attended a PIM I session.  I was so impressed with what the ACPE had done, and clearly Roger was the overall executive director for the course and the organization. When I had questions in later years, he was always generous with his time and expertise. I did all the PIM courses as I had just been named Children's Hospital St. Paul VPMA, coming right out of practice to take the position.  The curriculum of the PIM courses was proven to be quite valuable initially in my work, but really gave me a head start in my MBA '92 program at the University of Minnesota. The night my wife and I flew into D.C. for my installation as a member of ACPE was a real highlight, as a ticket agent gave us first class seats without our asking, because we had on our black tie attire.  I remember Roger fondly.

My sincere condolences on your loss. 

One of the great honors and privileges of my life was getting to know Roger and working with him for many years.  As many have already stated, he and the organization he led had a profound impact on my life as a physician executive. 

Rest In Peace, friend. 



Roger shaped my career with Howard and a great staff. He was a visionary and urged me to be a #5...the ultimate score for faculty member! He smiled broadly whenever we met...he did it for all he met. God bless him and God bless all of us. Thank you Roger for your life and legacy!

My father recommended I become involved with the AAMD in the mid-80s. 

Roger Schenke and the AAMD/ACPE shaped my career with great training including a Masters in Administrative Medicine from the University of Wisconsin/ACPE in 1990. I will never forget Roger welcoming us to Madison and saying "Never forget that your MD is your most important degree." That was my guiding light. 

Progressive advancement culminated as Director of the Network Consolidated Lab at VA New England. Every step of the way was facilitated by the organizations Roger drove. 

Later my wife and I started  a non-medical home care business. 23 years down the road we are still guided by the knowledge and the principles instilled. 

Thank you Roger. 

Roger was a true inspiration to so many of us.  His tireless efforts made it possible for practicing physicians to gain new skills.  Thanks to him, many of us achieved an MBA in addition to an MD.  When he started his efforts, it was almost impossible for practicing physicians to achieve that goal.  He opened up new career paths for many of us.

He was an inspirational speaker. He was always kind. He was generous in offering  advice and encouragement.   He was a true gentleman.  

God's blessings to his family

I first met Roger when I joined the College in 1989. ACPE and Roger helped shape my professional career and also led to many wonderful friendships. To say he was an interesting guy would be an understatement. He was a force of nature, a true visionary and leader whose contributions have been under-recognized and appreciated. The College has never been the same since Roger’s retirement. May his memory be as a blessing. 

Without Roger and the ACPE(now AAPL), I would not be where I am as a physician executive. I certainly would not have that suffix alphabet after MD were it not for Roger and the programs to which he gave birth and grew and nurtured. Having served on the Board from 2007 to 2010, I saw another and wonderful side of Roger. I will never forget driving to dinner one evening with Roger in his immaculately clean black Mercedes Benz with a soothing classical music adagio to drown out the madness of Tampa traffic. 

William Cors MD, MMM, CPE, D-FAAPL

Roger was a strong supporter of those of us interested in the early days  of medical management--a relatively new concept when he established the American Academy of Medical Directors, a precursor of the current organization.  Under his guidance we learned how to be effective in this new business.  I  always appreciated knowing he had my back.

Clair Callan MD

I joined the AAMD in 1985 and back then it was almost totally Roger’s endeavor.  He taught so many of us how to be physician executives and mentored us through times of real transition.  I fondly remember his passions for a good smoke and a good round of golf.  May his memory always be a blessing.

I first met Roger in 1978 when he invited me to present at an ACPE meeting in Newport Beach, California. Over the next almost forty years, I had the great fortune to have my career shaped and influenced by one of the most visionary leaders of any organizations I had ever met. Roger was the most unique of individuals. As the organization grew and evolved under his leadership from AAMD to ACPE, Roger legitimized physician management as a career track for doctors  with an organized educational curriculum. For those of us who who were faculty, “ making Roger’s cut” was viewed as a badge of honor. His  standards were high, he wanted the best for his doctors, the best service from an incredible group of professional staff who were loyal to hi.m and the Association. Roger was a rare individual. Leading a  membership organization that grew to over 12,000 physicians who all felt they knew him personally, he cared about each physician’s career, and cared about the Association passionately as well as his team of people working to deliver the best for the physicians  to continue their professional success.  His passing is a great loss not only as a friend but as person who shaped and impacted my own career in countless ways. I will be forever indebted and grateful for having known him.

Roger was an extraordinary builder and leader.  He founded the American Academy of Medical Directors and over more than three decades of leadership transitioned it into the American College of Physician Executives.  His vision was broad, and his standards of excellence were impeccable.  For many years he pushed the edge of the envelope in developing the superb, practical, management education programs delivered directly by ACPE, stimulating the development of MMM degree programs in leading universities, and fostering networking among ACPE members and fellows.  I got to see Roger up close, befriend him, and know him best in the six years that I was on the ACPE board.  It was during that time that Roger decided to step down; and the robustness of what Roger built is manifest not just in the organization's continued existence, but its continued ability to transition - now becoming AAPL.  Although after retirement, Roger had a serious illness, he recovered; and I believe from what he wrote to me was enjoying life.  I owe a lot to Roger and am very sad to learn of his death.  

Praying for comfort and grace for Roger's family. I have wonderful memories of my course work with ACPE. 

Roger was an inspirational leader, and I feel sad that his time on this side of eternity was too short.

He made a significant positive impact on the lives that he touched. I pray that the light of his grace will continue to shine in each life that he touched both professionally and personally.

A great guy and a consummate professional. He is why I finished my CPE and FACPE 

It was through Roger that I became familiar and involved with ACPE.  Roger a great leader opened my eyes and exposed me to what it is means to be a leader.  Roger loved golf  and sharing stories on and off the course.
Roger may God bless you.   Thank you for all  you  have done to assist physicians and the kindness you have extended to members of ACPE
Ed Palank MD

I first met Roger in 1978 at one of the AAMD (American Academy of Medical Directors as it was called then).  I was so impressed with Roger and this group of physicians who wanted to make a difference in physician leadership, that I immediately wanted to get involved and join the cause.  Roger took me under his wing and I can't begin to relate the value of his friendship and mentorship.  He had a way of  conceptualizing issues that let to many successes of the organization.  The Certified Physician Executive (CPE) program that he conceived and started in 1997 is just one of them.  He positively impacted my life in so many ways for which  I am deeply grateful.  

Roger was such a steady hand at some very difficult moments in ACPE's history.  Roger never took credit for many of these things -- that was just who he was -- dedicated to the cause, and rather brilliant at what he did too!  Thank you, Roger...

Roger was one of the fairest and kindest humans despite his sometimes gruff exterior. He hired me to run his flagship journal for many years and gave me wide latitude and praise. He was a decent and fair individual and leader. He was ahead of his time and created an organization that was truly unique. Sadly, he was replaced by someone who didn’t know how to keep his legacy alive. Rest In Peace Roger. You did wonderful things. 

I have feelings of sadness but also gratitude for  the benefit of having had Roger Schenke in my life.  I met him in 1993 as a green physician executive at my first ACPE meeting and he was always warm, wise and dedicated to developing physicians as leaders.  I was fortunate to be elected to the board and serve as President during his last year as CEO of the college and much to his introverted dismay put on a number of "roasting" celebrations for his retirement. 

We had many wonderful rounds of golf together, something we both loved.  I came on the board when the college was going through some lean times, but with Roger's leadership he trimmed staff, reduced our real estate footprint and turned the organization around.  So much so that we had in my final year our summer board meeting in Kohler Wisconsin where we had a chance to play Whistling Straits.   I can still picture him walking the fairways. 

Roger was at his best at board dinners and past president's dinners.  He never married, but was always wonderful with spouses and my wife Katy considered him one of her favorites.  When it was time to go, it was time to go.  We were always on Roger time. 

 One of my favorite dinners was with Katy, Eric Berkowitz and Roger in NYC.  You can just imagine the banter and frivolity.  He always made sure there was a mixed drink to be had.  He recognized history and continuance of relationships and fostered that over the years where you knew you were part of something bigger than yourself. 

Roger was also great with the staff and faculty and managed them in a way that their service to the members was the best in the business.   His family was his friends, his employees and the physicians he made better leaders.

I am a better leader and person as a result of Roger.  He had a major positive influence in my life and I thank him for that.  My cheers to him for a life well lived.

Roger was a major force in helping me to shift gears and recognize that I could "make health care better" by serving in other than a clinical role BUT, I needed to be trained. He encouraged me across the course of my career and made a difference not only for many of us as individuals but also by helping to lay the foundation that today in working to "make health care better". 

May his memory be eternal.He impacted many people in so many positive way, and although I never met Roger, I felt his presence in my profession courier as a medical staff leader.
Condolences to the family, and take comfort in knowing that he will always be remembered as a giant in medical staff community nationwide.


Roger was one of the most important mentors in my life.  Early in my career, more than 30 years ago, I expressed an interest to him in teaching physician executives what I was learning as a young internist very involved in health care management and in health care information technologies and informatics.  With Roger, I developed the idea of a curriculum for medical informatics that Roger approved and I taught to ACPE classes during the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Institutes for many years.  With Roger's encouragement, I enjoyed serving the ACPE as faculty member, member of the board of directors and distinguished fellow.  Roger was a gentleman, always courteous and considerate of others and very generous and important to me.  I miss him.

Roger was a true pioneer and professional, but mostly a friend. When I joined AAMD in 1985 he was always there, and helped light the way for this “lead lemming” (so I was told at PIMS 1)
RIP Roger
Mark Doyne

I began working for Roger on July 5, 1993 in his life's best work - leading ACPE. From that point forward, my professional  and personal trajectory shot upward in wonderful new ways. 

Roger actually didn't hire me...in fact, I learned years later from my hiring team lead, Tina Ramsey, that Roger thought I would never work out. But he trusted his team instead of himself. He believed in us. In our potential - individually as humans and employees ... and together as families and teams.

Twenty-one years with ACPE and now five more with Texas Health Resources, I am continuing in my life's best work developing physicians as leaders.  Because of Roger.  

I said this to Roger publicly at his "Roasting" and say it again now...Just after my husband, is Roger Schenke - as the most influential men in my life.  I am forever grateful to God for them both.


Roger took a chance on me and gave me my first job out of college at ACPE.  He allowed me to grow and move throughout the company and travel to so many wonderful places.  Personally, I appreciated our conversations about God, family and his support at my wedding and with my first pregnancy.  I will forever be grateful to him and all of the amazing people he brought together at that company.   He will be missed. 

Roger was an innovator and creator in healthcare who was way ahead of his time. Through his vision, the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) became a vanguard organization focused on helping physicians to become executives and leaders in the USA and around the world. The organization is now 45 years old, renamed as the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL), and thrives wonderfully! Thanks for setting this all up Roger so that, as the current CEO, I am able to help AAPL continue to create large scale impact in global healthcare. May you rest peacefully. Many will miss you, but many will also thank you deeply for changing their lives!

OBITUARY

Roger Stephen Schenke

January 8, 1942 – October 19, 2020

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

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