Tribute to Dr. Bert Lubin

It is hard to describe a man with such a long, storied, impactful and meaningful career as Dr. Bert Lubin. A recent tribute to Dr. Bert Lubin, longtime CEO of Children’s Hospital Oakland described him as a “pediatrician, scientist, and philanthropist”---and those are perfect descriptors. I would add “leader” to that list.

To me, Bert was a trusted colleague through our work in the California Children’s Hospital Association. We spent many hours in Board meetings, debating policy, initiatives, and new ideas---and Bert was sure that we never lost sight of the only reason we were all gathered and that was to improve the lives of the kids we were each privileged to care for. Bert saw opportunity everywhere and was rarely stifled by reasons why something would not work. With Bert in the mix, we didn’t always agree…but we always found a way forward. For the kids.

Bert improved the landscape for the children of the East Bay---through improved research, attention to the underserved populations and, quite literally, ensuring parks and green space for kids to play. His Center for Child and Community Health broke the ground for children’s hospitals to commit---more intentionally---to improving the health of our kids outside the four walls of our hospitals. We started a Center for Community Health at Valley Children’s Healthcare and offer a nod to Bert for spreading his influence far and wide.

Dr. Lubin passed away on June 27, 2020 at the age of 81. The healthcare for children in California and around the world is better for his service. Godspeed, Bert.

Memorials may be made in his name to the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Center of Excellence for Immigrant Child and Wellbeing or the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Center for Child and Community Health.