[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 206 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. ROBERT SHANKERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam, Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Mr. 
Cox, to honor the life of a great doctor and San Joaquin Valley 
resident, Dr. Robert Shankerman, who passed away September 19, 2020. He 
was a father, brother, doctor and a caring leader in our community.
  Robert was a renowned doctor who spent many years championing 
disadvantaged and rural communities. He graduated from Tulare 
University and completed his post-graduate education at the Mayo Clinic 
in Rochester, Minnesota; one of the nation's best hospitals.
  Since 2014, Robert served at the United Health Centers (UHC). He was 
the Chief Medical Officer for UHC of San Joaquin Valley and was 
responsible for clinical operations at 21 health centers in the Central 
Valley. UHC provides services to more than 125,000 patients in Fresno, 
Tulare, and Kings counties.
  During his time at UHC, Dr. Shankerman established the UHC/UCSF 
Family Practice Residency program at the Parlier Health Center, where 
he also provided services to patients. He recruited, trained and placed 
medical practitioners as the organization grew, which helped lead to 
its current success. While in this position, he mentored more than 155 
medical professionals, including UHC medical staff, recent graduates 
from various residency programs, along with national and international 
transfers.
  Robert was affiliated with the UC San Diego Medical School and served 
as an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine. Previously he was Chief 
Medical Officer for Clinica Sierra Vista. He was a diplomat for the 
American Board of lnternal Medicine and certified HIV specialist. In 
2001, he was awarded the prestigious physician recognition award from 
the American Medical Association.
  Robert was highly respected by many people across the San Joaquin 
Valley. He dedicated most of his time treating and helping migrant 
workers and underprivileged communities. He worked long shifts ranging 
from 14 to 15-hour days and was committed to helping others.
  He is survived by his partner of more than 20 years, Dr. Regis 
Debarros, a physician with United Health Centers; his father Floyd 
Shankerman, sister Cindy Loewenberg; and brothers Steven and Jason 
Shankerman.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in celebrating and 
honoring the life of a great champion and doctor, Dr. Robert 
Shankerman. His teachings and legacy will be remembered for many years 
to come. We join his family, friends and community in honoring his 
great life and legacy.

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