By Sean Smith
Loma Linda University Medical Center will now be without one of its most respected family physicians.
Dr. Robert Avina died of a heart attack Aug. 14 in Redlands. He was 58.
Avina came to Loma Linda University in 2001. He taught family medicine to resident physicians in addition to his practice.
Students, colleagues and patients alike held Avina in high regard because of his caring attitude and excellence as a physician and a teacher, both of which he has won numerous awards for.
“(Avina) was never too busy to spend time talking to someone in need,” said Avina’s wife of 33 years, Dr. Lony Castro. “He always had a smile on his face and tried to share his happiness with everyone.”
Avina was born in East Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 1949. He always took pride in his accomplishments coming from such humble beginnings, Castro said.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology from UC Riverside in 1972, Avina served in the National Guard as a medical corpsman.
In 1975, Avina married Castro upon his return from the National Guard.
Avina went on to receive his medical doctorate from UC San Diego in 1977. He then completed his residency in family medicine at the San Jose Hospital and Medicine Center in 1980.
Dr. John Testerman said Avina’s absence will felt by all at the Loma Linda hospital.
“He’s been an important figure in our department since he came here,” said Testerman, who has knew Avina since 2001. “He was well liked by students, patients, colleagues and staff.”
Avina practiced and taught family medicine in several locations before his time in Loma Linda.
He has held positions at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, San Pedro Peninsula Hospital and San Bernardino County Medical Center (now Arrowhead Regional Medical Center), among other hospitals and medical centers.
A man of many interests, Avina’s hobbies included traveling, playing the guitar, golf, reading and swimming.
In addition to his wife, Avina is survived by his sons, Jason, Jeffrey and Daniel; his parents, Robert Avina Sr. and Nellie Avina; one brother and two sisters.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. today at Monteceito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton.
Donations will be accepted for the Robert Avina MD Memorial Fund, which will support an endowed lectureship for family medicine residents at Loma Linda University.
For more information about the memorial fund, contact Julie Tudor at (909) 558 6511.
(c) 2008 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
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