Why I Give: Robert Tortolani ’67M (MD)

Decade-long donor Tortolani shows appreciation for the School of Medicine and Dentistry

Robert Tortolani ’67M (MD)

Robert Tortolani ’67M (MD), and his wife, Karen, joined the George Eastman Circle more than a decade ago. It was the best avenue to show their appreciation for the School of Medicine and Dentistry and the importance of medical education.

“I feel my classmates and I had a special education at Rochester,” Tortolani said. “From the approach of faculty to patient care, to the passion in their teaching, we had standout teachers and an excellent education.” He said the School taught students to treat the whole patient. “It was different than the education at other medical schools. I have been proud of the education I received at Rochester and it has served my patients well.”

Though retired after more than 40 years in family practice in Brattleboro, VT, the lifelong impact of Tortolani’s education shows in his volunteer work. He stays busy providing care at a local health clinic, driving for community food bank, and teaching medical students at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical.

He and Karen, a Rochester native, always enjoyed coming back to their reunions and attending the Dean’s Circle Dinners. When they were in a position to give more back, making the 5-year pledge for their first George Eastman Circle membership seemed perfect.

I try to be as generous as possible with the institutions that made a difference in my career.”

He directs his support to the School of Medicine and Dentistry Annual Fund to support faculty, student scholarship, and research.

George Eastman Circle funds for research helped the School achieve the honor of being one of the top medical schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, ranking #26 in clinical primary care and #37 in research. More than a dozen alumni-sponsored George Eastman Circle Scholarships help the School continue to attract and successfully compete for the nation’s top medical and graduate students and keep their graduation debt far below the national average. The School is dedicated to training humanistic physicians who will be future leaders in clinical medicine, research, and administration.

“I feel very fortunate that Rochester chose me and I chose Rochester,” Tortolani said. He said he looks forward to returning for Reunion this fall. “I am so grateful for my classmates. It’s always been great to look back on our Rochester education and our time together. It’s a special place.”

Any gift made to any area of the University this year will be counted in your class gift. We will help you have the impact you want with the vehicle that is right for your situation. Please reach out to Kerrie Merz at Kerrie.Merz@rochester.edu or 585-260-4379.