In Memoriam: Robin Burks, PT, DPT, CHT
Robin Burks, PT, DPT, CHT, Instructor of Clinical Physical Therapy in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and Certified Hand Therapist at USC University Hospital Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic, died on September 3, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.
Dr. Burks joined the USC faculty in 2002 with primary responsibility for treating patients at USC University Hospital. He was instrumental in establishing a thriving practice in hand physical therapy.
Dr. Burks was a skilled clinician, with a gentle but authoritative approach. Over the years, he also trained hundreds of students in the classrooms as well as in the clinic. He was nationally recognized as an expert in hand therapy with several important publications in Physical Therapy.
In January 2008, Dr. Burks was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, he amazed us all by returning to work and eventually treating a full caseload. Unfortunately, a few months ago, his symptoms returned and he was forced to leave work a second time.
“Dr. Burks’ approach to life, and the courageous way that he faced dying, inspired all of us who were lucky enough to know him,” said Division Chair, James Gordon.
In August of 2008, Dr. Burks was selected by the faculty of the Division to deliver the white coat ceremony address to the incoming DPT students.
The person who gives this lecture is selected because the faculty feels that their approach to clinical practice exemplifies the highest ideals of humanistic health care. In his address, Dr. Burks finished with the following comments:
Tonight, as you put on your white coat, you choose the next step along a path you have followed all your life, perhaps without even knowing it. It is a path that will require all you can give of your intelligence, your compassion, and your wisdom. It is a path that can lead you to wisdom and joy. I hope you will find physical therapy as rewarding as I have, that you will say to yourself when you wake up each morning, “I have to go to work today; I am glad”, then put on your coat, roll up your sleeves, and make the world a better place.
“These are words that Robin lived by,” said Gordon.
On Thursday, October 15, 2009, the Division will hold a memorial service to remember Dr. Burks. The service will be held in Mayer Auditorium on the Health Sciences Campus and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served afterward.
Please join us to remember Dr. Burks and to celebrate his life. For questions or directions, contact Lydia Vazquez at 323-442-1883 or lvazquez@usc.edu.
Robin is survived by his wife, Debra Burks Hori and his son Griffin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robin's memory to UCLA Neuro-oncology or Caring Bridge.