Dr. Kreisberg, who served as the founding chair of the USA department of internal medicine, former dean of USA’s medical school and vice president for medical affairs for the university, passed away on Aug. 21, 2016. He was laid to rest in Big Sky, Montana, where he frequently spent time enjoying the beauty and peace of nature with family and friends.
Dr. Kreisberg had a pivotal role in the early development of the USA College of Medicine. He joined USA’s newly founded medical school in 1973, as the USA College of Medicine was beginning its operation. In his early 40s at the time, he was a noted clinician, scientist, educator and endocrinologist. His appointment brought credibility to the USA College of Medicine.
In his role as both chair of the department of internal medicine and dean of the medical school, Dr. Kreisberg was able to recruit a core group of talented clinical educators. He, along with this group of physicians, built a foundation of clinical and medical education excellence that still remains a defining characteristic of the USA College of Medicine today.
After leaving USA in 1987, Dr. Kreisberg came back in 1999 as associate vice president for clinical affairs, chief of staff for the USA Hospitals and chief executive officer for the Health Services Foundation. In 2000, he began his second stint as dean and vice president for medical affairs following the death of his friend, Dr. Charles M. Baugh. After retiring in 2006, he was appointed professor emeritus of internal medicine in honor of his many contributions to USA, the medical profession and the field of internal medicine.
Dr. Kreisberg was known as a gifted teacher, caring physician, committed mentor and nationally respected researcher and scholar in endocrinology.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Leonora, and is survived by wife Ginger; children Howard Kreisberg (wife Elise, children Alexa and Jordan), Mark Kreisberg (wife Chinh, children Anna and Adan), David Kreisberg (daughter Grace), Michele Kreisberg Palmer (husband Marty), and John Kreisberg; Step-children Shannon Wilder (husband Thomas, children Ramsey, Thomas Jr., Ginny and Olivia), Holly McKinney (children Mac and Charlie), and Christen McKinney; sister Maryce Cohen (husband Lewis, children Lauren and Rich).
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Robert A. Kreisberg College of Medicine Endowment Fund, University of South Alabama Development Office, 300 Alumni Circle, Mobile Ala. 36688.
