A Doctor and a Friend

Honoring Dr. Robert Peterson

Robert Peterson, MD, lived a life dedicated to caring for and improving the lives of others. That commitment persisted even after a cancer diagnosis cut his career short in 2016. He is survived by his two daughters, Hannah and Stephanie, and his wife, Amy.

“One of his goals in life was to be someone who made a difference in the world,” Amy said. “After his death, we received many letters from his patients and coworkers telling us what a difference he made in their lives — both as their doctor and as their friend. He thought of his patients as extended family members. His passion and giving nature made those around him desire to be better people. We are proud of the way Robert lived his life and the impact Robert made on us, as well as others. We are honored that he is being recognized with the HCA Frist Humanitarian Physician Award.”

Dr. Peterson joined the Parkridge Health System family in 1996 and quickly became a staff and patient favorite at the Parkridge Medical Group’s Diagnostic Center. The qualities Amy highlighted are the same mentioned time and again when former colleagues and patients describe the affect he had on their lives. His medical practice was his calling, and he devoted his time and attention to his patients. He never balked at an opportunity to help his patients in even the slightest way.

In 2015, Dr. Peterson was diagnosed with cancer and traveled to MD Anderson Cancer Center for treatment. After returning home, he continued seeing patients, often meeting with them in his office before leaving for medical appointments of his own.

For Those Less Fortunate

Dr. Peterson’s commitment to others extended beyond the walls of his medical practice. He and his family lived on Signal Mountain – a Chattanooga suburb perceived by many to be shielded from the specter of poverty. Through his involvement with Signal Mountain Baptist Church and Signal Mountain Social Services, Dr. Peterson met many people who lived below the poverty line on the mountain and took action. His volunteer efforts with Signal Mountain Social Services’ food basket delivery program contributed to feeding families who otherwise may have gone without. His commitment to the program ended only when cancer rendered him physically unable to participate any longer.

The Frist Humanitarian Award could not be bestowed to a more worthy recipient than Dr. Peterson, who set an example Parkridge employees strive to emulate. Even as disease decimated his body, his stalwart spirit and devotion to others persisted. Parkridge Health System is honored and humbled to have considered Dr. Peterson part of its family.