Dr. Robert Bessette

Named Saint Vincent Hospital

Physician of the Year for 2007

Worcester, MA – From a field of some 15 distinguished nominees, Robert Bessette, M.D., a physician on staff at Saint Vincent Hospital since 1972, was recently honored as the hospital’s Physician of the Year. The awards presentation took place at Saint Vincent Hospital’s annual Medical Staff Dinner, held Saturday, February 2, at Union Station, where Dr. Bessette was lauded for his exemplary work towards his patients, his fellow physicians, and staff.

“The Saint Vincent Hospital Physician of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made a positive difference in the delivery of our healthcare,” said John E. Smithhisler, President and CEO of Saint Vincent Hospital. “Dr. Bessette has done that and more. He is considered a stalwart teacher within our training program and very much respected, and consulted, by his colleagues. He tirelessly devotes his time and talents to helping others—patients, medical residents, and staff. Simply put, he is a leader of people, a leader of positive change, and a builder of coalitions. But most importantly, he takes excellent care of his patients.”

“Having known and worked with Bob for over 20 years,” noted Peter Lindblad, M.D., the newly appointed President of the Medical Staff at Saint Vincent Hospital, “this award is well deserved.  He is an excellent and compassionate and caring individual, who represents everything a physician should be.”

A graduate of Holy Cross in Worcester, Dr. Bessette went on to earn his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Saint Vincent Hospital, as well as a fellowship in Infectious Disease. He also completed a fellowship at the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, NY, and returned to Worcester in private practice where he joined Fallon Clinic in March of 1979.  Dr. Bessette’s many other honors include the Fallon Clinic Frederick J. McCready Teacher of the Year Award; a 1999 Fallon Clinic Physician of the Year honor; and the Massachusetts Medical Society Physician of the Year Award in 2003.