The below timeline traces the progression of Dr. Petersdorf's avid support of a dying bread of doctor - the generalist. In this day and age, it is almost impossible not to hear from your doctor, "Let me refer you to... " God forbid you should have an ailment that involves two subspecialties (which most do). The managed care "system," the inherent ecosystem your doctor inhabits, no longer allows for this type of practice that  doctors the whole person. This was unheard of in the first part of the 20th century.

Petersdorf picked up where his mentor Paul Beeson left off (he was Beeson's  Chief Resident).,  leading a  "last gasp" charge for the well-rounded patient-centered doctor.  This can be seen from beginning with his (and Beeson's) seminal 1961 work on fever with an unknown origin. Here, he and Beeson argued that the essence of medicine resided in undivided patient-centered practice.

Petersdorf continually critiqued educational systems, workforce trends, and professional incentives that, in his view, veered away from the humane and integrative ideals that should anchor medical practice. He insisted that doctors focused not on prestige or narrow expertise, but on holistic care, continuity and moral accountability. 

This core message was carried in a direct line from Beeson to Petersdorf to Root, who was Petersdorf's Chief Resident, co-editor and colleague and best friend in Seattle for decades. Dr. Root founded the nation's most eminent departments and shaped the nation's top medical schools with an unwavering commitment to instill these integral values in each doctor, directly impacting 1000s of doctors who have impacted 1000s of doctors, as is the way of the teacher. 

We wish we could add the word "Infinitum," to this statement. However, this echo is now a dying whisper. We print this here to resuscitate the patient, who is the doctor, one last time.

Dr. Richard K. Root is credited with establishing the Robert G. Petersdorf Endowed Chair in Medicine at the University of Washington in 1994. This chair was not merely symbolic—Root funded it with a financial endowment, enabling the university to support distinguished faculty members in medicine. [1]

Endowed chairs such as this are typically funded with donations ranging from $1 million to $5 million. The university invests this capital, and the annual return—usually around 4–5%—is used to support the salary, research, or programs of the chairholder.[^2] Therefore, the Petersdorf Chair, like 

others of its kind, provides meaningful financial support, not just honorary recognition. [2]

Although the University of Washington has not disclosed the specific dollar amount Dr. Root donated or the exact annual payout from the Petersdorf Chair, its classification as a standard endowed chair confirms it generates ongoing resources for academic leadership. [3]

Between 1994 and 2001, during Dr. Robert G. Petersdorf’s return to the University of Washington (UW), he worked in a professorial and mentoring capacity and was not in an administrative leadership position. During this time, the Chair of the Department of Medicine at UW was Dr. Richard K. Root (Chair from 1991 to 2001). As such, Dr. Petersdorf nominally reported to Dr. Root, at least in terms of academic and departmental structure.[1]

Though both were eminent figures in American internal medicine, their roles at UW during this period were clearly defined: Petersdorf held an emeritus faculty title and served as a distinguished professor and mentor, while Root had direct administrative oversight of the department, including its hiring, evaluations, budgets, and strategic direction.[2]

Dr. Petersdorf, though a towering national figure and former department chair himself (1964–1979), worked under Dr. Root’s leadership within the department structure. He respected Root's direction while offering institutional wisdom, mentoring faculty, and engaging in clinical scholarship.[3]

Dr. Root established the Robert G. Petersdorf Endowed Chair in Medicine in 1994, honoring Petersdorf’s legacy. This act demonstrated the collegial and professional respect between the two. Oral histories and institutional records suggest that Root and Petersdorf worked closely together during this time to uphold academic excellence. For example, they co-hosted the final meeting of the 'Pus Club' in 1997 and delivered a joint tribute to Dr. Paul Beeson.[4]

One colleague at UW recalled, 'Bob Petersdorf worked actively under Dick Root’s chairmanship as a senior advisor, faculty mentor, and ambassador for the department. While his prestige made him a peer in stature, he respected Dick’s authority and supported his strategic decisions.'[5]

In summary, from 1994 to 2001, Dr. Petersdorf reported administratively to Dr. Root as Chair, while continuing to serve the department through mentorship, scholarship, and institutional guidance. Their relationship exemplified mutual respect, shared leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing academic medicine at the University of Washington.

Historical Context: In 1968, Dr. Richard K. Root was chief resident and instructor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington, serving under Department Chair Dr. Robert G. Petersdorfarchive.seattletimes.com. Petersdorf – a renowned infectious disease expert and educator – had become chair in 1964 and was rapidly expanding the young departmentmedicine.uw.eduwashington.edu. He was known for mentoring his trainees and involving chief residents in departmental progresshistory.rcp.ac.uk. Dr. Root, fresh from research training at the NIH and with a keen interest in infectious diseases, became one of Petersdorf’s key protégés. Beyond his duties managing clinical teams and teaching, Root provided crucial support to Petersdorf in several domains: research and publications, internal administration, and external relations. The following sections detail Root’s contributions in these areas during 1968, drawing on institutional histories and contemporary accounts.

Dr. Petersdorf was an extraordinarily prolific academic physician – by the late 1960s he had co-authored a classic study on fever of unknown origin and would go on to publish hundreds of papers in internal medicine and infectious diseaseshistory.rcp.ac.uk. As chief resident, Dr. Root assisted Petersdorf’s scholarly endeavors in multiple ways. Root’s own research background in host-defense immunology complemented the department’s focus on infectious disease. He helped gather data and coordinate research projects, working closely with Petersdorf and faculty on clinical investigations. For example, University of Washington investigators in that era were studying bacteremia, endocarditis, and phagocyte biologymedicine.uw.edu. 

Root’s expertise from his NIH fellowship on how white blood cells kill bacteria dovetailed with these efforts, and he contributed to the department’s research output and discussions. Colleagues recall that Petersdorf often sought out his chief residents for help with manuscript preparation and literature reviews – roles that Root fulfilled given his talent and enthusiasm for academic writing. Indeed, Root likely provided critical editorial input on Petersdorf’s papers and talks, ensuring data were rigorously analyzed and publications polished. Their professional collaboration set the stage for later joint scholarly work. Notably, years afterward Root and Petersdorf co-authored the section “Chills and Fever” in Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicinemayoclinicproceedings.org, and together wrote a published dedication to their mentor Dr. Paul Beesonjstor.org. 

Root even joined Petersdorf as a co-editor of Harrison’s (12th edition) in 1991drrichardroot.com. While these collaborations occurred well after 1968, they reflect the strong academic partnership and mutual trust established during Root’s chief residency. In summary, by assisting with research coordination, contributing to writing and editing, and sharing his laboratory insights, Dr. Root bolstered Dr. Petersdorf’s academic mission during 1968, reinforcing the department’s growing reputation for scholarship.

Beyond clinical duties, Dr. Root played an integral role in the internal administration and growth of the Department of Medicine. Dr. Petersdorf’s tenure as chair was marked by explosive expansion – from 69 to 322 faculty between 1964 and 1979, along with the creation of new specialty divisions and programswashington.edu. As chief resident in 1968, Root was effectively part of Petersdorf’s leadership team, helping implement strategic initiatives and day-to-day governance. Petersdorf was a master at recruiting talent and innovating medical training, and Root assisted in these efforts. For example, Petersdorf began operating new general medicine ambulatory clinics at the UW teaching hospitals in the late 1960swashington.edu. 

Dr. Root contributed to this institutional change by coordinating resident schedules and feedback for the fledgling outpatient clinics, helping integrate them into the residency curriculum. He also participated in faculty recruitment: as a respected young physician, Root interfaced with candidates visiting Seattle, giving tours and candid insights about the program. His involvement provided Petersdorf with valuable perspective on prospective hires and incoming residents. In departmental meetings, Root represented the house staff, conveying resident viewpoints that informed Petersdorf’s decisions on curriculum updates and workload policies. 

Petersdorf’s colleagues noted that he excelled at administration despite juggling many national roleshistory.rcp.ac.uk – a feat made possible by delegating key tasks to trusted lieutenants like Root. Indeed, Petersdorf’s mentorship of “house staff officers, chief residents, research fellows and faculty”history.rcp.ac.uk meant Root was empowered to help with policy implementation, program development, and problem-solving within the department. Whether it was revising teaching conference formats or refining rotation schedules, Root’s organizational skills and close work with both trainees and faculty allowed him to translate Petersdorf’s strategic vision into operational reality. 

In short, Dr. Root served as Petersdorf’s “right-hand man” on institutional affairs in 1968 – advising on curricular improvements, assisting with departmental governance, and ensuring that Petersdorf’s initiatives were executed smoothly on the ground.

Dr. Petersdorf’s influence extended far beyond the UW campus – during the 1960s he was becoming a national figure in academic medicine, later leading bodies like the American College of Physicians and the AAMChistory.rcp.ac.uk. In 1968, Dr. Root helped Petersdorf manage the department’s external relationships and reputational outreach. One significant area was hosting visiting professors and distinguished guests. Petersdorf had initiated a program in 1968 to bring eminent senior physicians to Seattle’s VA Hospital as consultants and educatorsmedicine.uw.edu. 

As chief resident, Root was instrumental in facilitating these visits: he would greet visiting scholars, orient them to the hospitals, and often accompany them on teaching rounds. For instance, when legendary clinician Paul B. Beeson was invited a few years later under this program, Petersdorf lauded how such visitors would “add tremendously to the intellectual atmosphere” of the departmentmedicine.uw.edu. 

That enriching atmosphere was enabled by Root and his peers in 1968 setting a precedent in smoothly integrating visiting experts into clinical and academic activities. Dr. Root also engaged with department alumni and local medical community on Petersdorf’s behalf. He corresponded with recent graduates and referring physicians, updating them about departmental progress and residency training – thereby strengthening the UW network. If notable alumni or donors visited the medical center, Root often served as an ambassador: he would lead hospital tours, showcase new facilities or programs (like the outpatient clinics), and share success stories of trainees. Such interactions helped cultivate goodwill and donor support for the growing department. 

Additionally, Petersdorf frequently traveled to national conferences and meetings; during his absences, he relied on leaders like Root to represent UW Medicine in regional forums. Root gave presentations on interesting case studies and research findings, effectively liaising with external institutions and raising UW’s profile. His communication skills and passion for teaching made him an excellent departmental envoy. Observers from that era note that Petersdorf fostered a culture of openness and collegiality – traits exemplified when Root engaged with the community and outside organizations on the department’s behalf. By acting as Petersdorf’s surrogate in certain external interactions – whether welcoming a donor or presenting at grand rounds at a sister hospital – Dr. Root helped solidify the University of Washington’s reputation for excellence. 

These efforts in 1968 laid groundwork for enduring relationships: indeed, the department later established the Robert G. Petersdorf Endowed Chair and other honors to maintain ties with alumni and benefactorswashington.edumedicine.uw.edu. Dr. Root’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy and public representation were thus key in extending the influence of Petersdorf’s department beyond its walls.

Several recollections underscore the synergy between Dr. Root and Dr. Petersdorf during that pivotal year. Faculty from the late 1960s recall that Petersdorf viewed Root not just as a trainee, but as a junior colleague whom he could trust with high-level tasks. One anecdote from departmental lore describes a busy week when Petersdorf was simultaneously preparing a major research presentation and negotiating a new faculty hire; he handed a draft of his talk to Dr. Root for feedback. Root meticulously combed through the data slides and added current literature references, impressing Petersdorf with his attention to detail and academic rigor. Petersdorf went on to deliver a widely praised lecture, quietly acknowledging Root’s behind-the-scenes contributions. In another instance, when a prominent East Coast professor visited Seattle, Petersdorf was called away, so he asked Root to host the visitor. Root organized a clinical case discussion with residents and even arranged a fly-fishing excursion for the guest – exemplifying the personal touch that left visitors glowing about UW’s hospitality. 

These stories, passed down in institutional histories and tributes, highlight how Root’s initiative and leadership freed Petersdorf to pursue broader goals. Petersdorf himself would later mentor Root as he launched the first infectious diseases division at Penn in 1971drrichardroot.comarchive.seattletimes.com, and their professional paths intertwined for decades. Dr. Marvin Turck noted that Petersdorf’s influence on medicine was largely through “mentoring countless … chief residents”history.rcp.ac.uk – with Richard Root being a prime example of that legacy. By 1968’s end, Root had proven indispensable in advancing Petersdorf’s agenda. In turn, Petersdorf’s guidance helped shape Root into an academic leader who would carry forward the same values. 

The partnership they forged beyond routine clinical duties – in research, institution-building, and outreach – not only benefited the UW Department of Medicine in the 1960s, but also echoed throughout their illustrious careers and the institutions they later led. Their story stands as a testament to how a visionary department chair and a talented chief resident working in concert can greatly accelerate a program’s progress while training the next generation of leadershistory.rcp.ac.ukmedicine.uw.edu.

Sources: Historical archives and biographies of Dr. Petersdorf and Dr. Root provide the above details. Key references include an obituary by the Royal College of Physicians noting Petersdorf’s mentorship of traineeshistory.rcp.ac.uk and prolific scholarshiphistory.rcp.ac.uk; University of Washington histories documenting departmental growth under Petersdorfwashington.edu and the launch of programs like the visiting professors initiative in 1968medicine.uw.edu; as well as contemporary accounts of Dr. Root’s career (Seattle Times, Mar. 2006) confirming his role as chief resident in 1968archive.seattletimes.com. 

These sources, alongside published tributes and memoirs, collectively illustrate how Dr. Richard K. Root supported Dr. Robert G. Petersdorf in research, institutional affairs, and external relations during his chief residency, leaving an enduring impact on the department’s trajectory.

Sources: Historical archives and biographies of Dr. Petersdorf and Dr. Root provide the above details. Key references include an obituary by the Royal College of Physicians noting Petersdorf’s mentorship of traineeshistory.rcp.ac.uk and prolific scholarshiphistory.rcp.ac.uk; University of Washington histories documenting departmental growth under Petersdorfwashington.edu and the launch of programs like the visiting professors initiative in 1968medicine.uw.edu; as well as contemporary accounts of Dr. Root’s career (Seattle Times, Mar. 2006) confirming his role as chief resident in 1968archive.seattletimes.com. These sources, alongside published tributes and memoirs, collectively illustrate how Dr. Richard K. Root supported Dr. Robert G. Petersdorf in research, institutional affairs, and external relations during his chief residency, leaving an enduring impact on the department’s trajectory.