Highland Health Care Honors Its Medical Director, Dr. Robert Schaefer, on National Doctor’s Day

Dr. Schaefer, who has worked at Highland for the past five years, decided to pursue a career in geriatric care due to his love of working with elderly patients. His medical school also had a strong geriatric care program, which made his decision even easier. 
 
“My favorite part about my job is the continuity of care. I love not only getting to know my patients, but their families as well,” said Dr. Schaefer. “When you work in the skilled nursing facility industry you are not only the patients’ doctor, but you also become their friend and coach.”
 
What makes Dr. Schaefer a successful medical director is his dedication to Highland. He often finds himself coming to check on the clinic even on his days off. However, he cannot do it all on his own.
 
“I really love working with the staff here at Highland, they really are a phenomenal group of people who care deeply for all of the residents,” said Dr. Schaefer. “COVID-19 was definitely a struggle, but everyone did a fantastic job, and we were all able to push through it.”
 
What Doctors Need to Succeed in Skilled Nursing Care
To become a skilled nursing medical director, you must have commitment and dedication, two things Dr. Schaefer has. Medical directors are masters of multi-tasking, taking into account every aspect of a person's life, not just their medical needs, while building a sense of home and community.
 
“I am not a knight in shining armor, I just do my job as best as I can,” remarked Dr. Schaeffer.
 
Dr. Schaefer, a Philadelphia native and avid Eagles fan, first began his medical career as a physician’s assistant for 13 years, where he worked in a hospital emergency room and a health clinic. He then went on to medical school at the University of Health Sciences Antigua.
 
He also served for 16 years on the Illinois Air Force National Guard as a flight surgeon and has supported both war and peacetime operations.