Bruce F. Rothmann, M.D.
Died June 14, 2006
Dr. Bruce Rothmann, a charter member of APSA, died on June 14, 2006, after several months of deteriorating cardiac function. Bruce had a distinguished career as the first pediatric surgeon in Akron, Ohio, and was an enthusiastic and accomplished teacher both at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron and at University Hospitals of Cleveland (Case Western Reserve University). He had a special interest and expertise in the management of burns in children.
Bruce completed his general surgical residency at Akron City Hospital, trained in thoracic surgery at St. Albans Naval Hospital, and learned pediatric surgery on rotations at Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron where he was Chief of Surgery from 1969 to 1974. In more recent years, he was instrumental in raising funds for new facilities at Children’s Medical Center. The Bruce F. Rothmann Endowed Chair in Pediatric Surgery has been established at Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron.
Bruce was also Emeritus Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve. Bruce was a friend and mentor to many of us who were residents and/or young faculty at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals. A loyal friend and colleague of Dr. Robert Izant, Bruce could be found every Friday afternoon and Saturday morning teaching in the OR or clinic and contributing to the weekly pediatric surgical conference at Rainbow Babies & Childrens Hospital at Case Western Reserve. Bruce had several interests outside of medicine. Together with his wife Lola, Bruce was an active supporter of the Cleveland Orchestra, especially for its summer concert series at the Blossom Music Center where he was director of medical services for twenty years and was the medical director for three overseas tours of the Cleveland Orchestra. Bruce and Lola counted many of the world’s most noted musicians among their friends. Bruce also took an active role with the Boy Scouts, was vice-president for finance of the Great Trail Council and on the Area 5 Central Division Board. He was an active participant at the First Congregational Church of Akron and directed fund-raising efforts for a major renovation project there. He was an avid stamp collector.
Bruce and Lola would have celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary the day he died. They have three accomplished daughters, Beth, Susie and Pam, three grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. Many of us count Bruce and Lola among our dearest friends. He shall be missed. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron for the Bruce F. Rothmann Endowed Chair in Pediatric Surgery.
Howard C. Filston, M.D.
