Robert Bennett, M.D. Retires After 30 Year Career at Highland

Robert Bennett, M.D., Medical Director, Highland Emergency Observation Unit and Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine recently retired after serving Highland Hospital for more than 30 years. Since 2010 he has served as founder and medical director of Highland’s Emergency Observation Unit.

Robert Bennett, M.D. and Timothy E. Lum, M.D.

Dr. Bennett received his medical degree from McGill University in Canada and completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center. After completion of his training, he began a career in Emergency Medicine at The Genesee Hospital. This was a time when most emergency departments were staffed with primary care physicians.

He was lured to Highland Hospital by his colleague from residency, Dr. Ray Chan who found it a great place to practice Emergency Medicine. At that time the Highland ED looked much different. “There was no waiting room or triage area,” said Dr. Bennett. “Patients sat and waited to be seen on one long bench.”

“Dr. Bennett has been an integral part of Highland Hospital ‘s Emergency Department for 30 years and is certainly among the most thoughtful clinicians with whom I have ever worked,” said Tim Lum, M.D., Chief of Emergency Medicine. "He developed the Emergency Observation unit from the ground up. It will be part of his lasting legacy, as one of the most efficient, productive units in our hospital and is essential to the operations of our Emergency Department and our hospital."

Dr. Bennett looks back on his career at Highland with gratitude. “I love the feel of the community hospital, and the staff was so welcoming,” said Dr. Bennett. “It’s been a real privilege to be able to serve the community, to see patients in so many different settings and care for the sick and injured and be there for patients and their families. I am grateful to have served in that role.”

Dr. Bennett and his wife, Judy Kerpelman, M.D., plan to enjoy biking, rock climbing, spending time with their kids, and traveling around the country and the world. First stop – Tuscany.

7/1/2023