::: Schaeffer Surgical Society :::

Robert L. Schaeffer, MD, ScD, FACS (1881-1965), the man to whom this society is
dedicated, served for 57 years with Allentown Hospital as a trustee, Chief Surgeon, and
Chief of Staff. Born in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Franklin and Marshall
College in 1904 and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1908. In 1914 he
married Amelia Ochs

Following the opening of Allentown Hospital in 1899, Charles D. (C.D.) Schaeffer, a cousin
of Robert L. Schaeffer's father, served as Surgeon-in-Chief from 1900 to 1923. Robert L.
Schaeffer assisted C.D. almost daily in the administration of anesthesia and in 1910 was
officially designated as Anesthetist. In 1923, Robert became Acting Surgeon-in-Chief
when C.D. left for a trip to South America and was officially elected Chief of Staff and
Chief Surgeon in 1924.

When Robert Schaeffer was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science by Muhlenberg
College, he was recognized as:

� a skillful surgeon, master teacher, and leader in the development of Allentown
Hospital, pioneer in industrial and public health services, recipient of the highest
recognitions of merit in his profession, respected citizen, elder statesman, and counselor
of the community.

During the war years, when it was necessary for Dr Schaeffer and other staff members to
assume duties beyond their normal measure, Attorney Gernerd, President of the Board of
Trustees, said:

Those of us intimately associated with the daily activities of the Hospital, marvel at the
physical endurance of our great Surgeon-in-chief, Dr. Robert L. Schaeffer, who by his
extraordinary skill performs the countless number of operations that urgently present
themselves from day-to-day.

Dr. Schaeffer was also a generous financial supporter. He donated large sums for building
and other purposes. He purchased equipment and instruments and garnered support for
the institution with his own funds. For many years he even contributed produce from his
farms on a regular basis.

Attorney Butz, a long time trustee, said in reference to the Chief of Staff: "his everlasting
cheerfulness and willingness to serve at any hour of the day or night." And added that:

�while Dr. C.D. Schaeffer laid the groundwork on which the Allentown Hospital was built,
it was Dr. Robert L. Schaeffer's indefatigable work and recognized ability that made it
what it is today. Regardless of activities of trustees and efficiency of nursing staff, the
success of the hospital depends on the proficiency of its Chief Surgeon. We may well say
that Dr. Bob has established this Hospital in the hearts of the people of Allentown.

The Schaeffer dynasty in medicine and science lives on -- R.L. Schaeffer's daughter,
Frances served as Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Allentown Hospital. His son,
Robert Jr, became an associate professor of botany at Muhlenberg College. His second
son, Charles (named for mentor Dr. C.D. Schaeffer), became Chief of Thoracic Surgery at
Allentown Hospital.