October 12, 2009

Robert Scott, Prominent U.S. HIV/AIDS Physician in Zimbabwe, Dies

Robert Scott, MD, an American AIDS physician who has treated HIV-positive Zimbabweans for nearly a decade, died October 8 of complications arising from blood clots, The Zimbabwe Times reports.

Scott began treating HIV/AIDS patients within his own African-American community in the East Bay area of California. He then extended his efforts to nearly a thousand Zimbabwean patients in the Harare and Mutoko communities.

All the patients in Zimbabwe were treated free of cost through the AIDS Ministry, which Scott cofounded at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California. The AIDS Ministry also provided free HIV/AIDS meds to clinics and material support to the Mother of Peace AIDS Orphanage in Mutoko.

Scott received many awards in recognition of his work with HIV/AIDS in the United States and Zimbabwe. Allen Temple Baptist Church will hold a funeral service for him October 17.

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Grahame Perry, San Francisco, 2009-10-14 11:22:17
Like many others, Dr. Scott helped me through many years of my hiv treatment. He went so far beyond what other doctors were willing to do. I credit him, in part, for my still being here and in good health. He gave to so many irrespective of the time it took. He always had a good word, a smile, and ever the optimist. He will be so missed by many of us.

Andrew, San Leandro, CA, 2009-10-13 22:05:32
I met Dr. Scott when I was 19 after my HIV diagnoses. It was traumatic time in my life to say the least. I was welcomed into his practice by his friendly staff which quickly felt like family to me. He helped me cope and was a truly excellent and caring physician and even kept in touch with my parents during my treatment. Thanks to him I am healthy as any 22 year old. I am shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. He died doing what he had a passion for, and will always be remembered.

John Winters, Oakland, 2009-10-13 15:35:51
Dr. Scott was a hero locally and to the world. As a Poz patient of his for 16 years, I owe my longevity to his wise treatment and advice. He arm-wrestled insurers, insisted on an in-office phlebotemist, offered pro bono counselling services and ALWAYS made time for a personal check-in. How many docs have such tenacity. For more on this giant of a man who made a difference for PWAs, see--http//www.publichealthheroes.org/past_heroes/2006/scott.html

Carla Horne, , 2009-10-13 10:57:17
I am very saddened by the news of Dr. Scott's passing away. I knew him in Zimbabwe and he will be very sorely missed by the many people he helped there. I hope the funeral service in Oakland will be an occasion of joy for a life well lived and gifts shared across the world.