Fresno doctor, who for years provided care for disadvantaged patients, dies from COVID-19

A renowned Fresno doctor who spent years serving those from disadvantaged communities died of COVID-19.

Robert Shankerman was the chief medical officer at United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley, in charge of all of the doctors at its medical facilities.

Shankerman spent the past five weeks battling the novel coronavirus, including the past two weeks in the intensive care unit at St. Agnes Medical Center before passing away Saturday. He was 58.

“His death is a significant loss to the entire UHC Community, including his colleagues, coworkers and friends who are now grieving his loss,” UHC said in a news release.

It was not immediately known how the longtime doctor contracted the virus, though his brother said Shankerman sometimes saw patients who were suspected of having COVID-19.

“A reminder how deadly this virus (is) to some people though most may feel fine ... but those who feel fine and refuse to wear masks in public, knowingly or unknowingly responsible for all this unnecessary deaths due to COVID,” wrote UHC Associate Medical Director Ganga Hematillake on his Facebook page. “Too many doctors and nurses have died from COVID trying to help the patients they have taken an oath of sacrifice to serve.

“It is so unfortunate,” Hematillake added, “that our national leaders trying to minimize the danger and even promoting the spread by encouraging mask-less indoor gatherings.

“May his soul rest in peace!”

Shankerman had been UHC’s Chief Medical Officer since 2014, responsible for clinical operations at 21 health centers in the central Valley. UHC services more than 125,000 patients as their primary health care in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

Many of his patients were migrant workers.

“He dedicated his entire adult life treating people who were part of underprivileged communities,” said the doctor’s brother, Stephen Shankerman. “He worked 14- to 15-hour days. When people didn’t show up for work, he volunteered.

“He played hero till the very end.”

Shankerman received several high ratings for his services and care based on various online reviews, including 4 1/2 stars (out of 5 stars) on Webmd.com.

Among his accomplishments at UHC since 2014 was establishing the UHC/UCSF Family Practice Residency Program at the Parlier Health Center, where Shankerman also saw patients twice weekly.

Shankerman recruited, trained and placed medical practitioners as the organization transformed and expanded from 12 to 21 health centers in 2020.

“As a voracious reader and student of current medical practices,” UHC said of Shankerman, “he was educator, mentor and tutor to 155 medical professionals, including recent graduates from numerous residency programs, national and international transfers and those senior members of the UHC medical staff.”

UHC also described him as a “passionate and vocal advocate for taking appropriate preventative safety measures related to contracting the virus.”

“He quickly implemented numerous protocols and practices across the organization to protect staff and patients alike,” UHC said.

Shankerman received his medical degree from Tulane University and his post-graduate education from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The Mayo Clinic has annually been ranked on the nation’s best hospitals honor roll.

Shankerman was previously affiliated with the UCSD Medical School in San Diego as associate clinical professor of medicine and previously served as chief medical officer for Clinica Sierra Vista. He was a diplomat for the American Board of Internal Medicine and certified as an HIV specialist.

In 2001, Shankerman received the Physician Recognition Award from the American Medical Association.

Shankerman is survived by his partner of more than 20 years, Dr. Regis Debarros, who is also a physician with United Health Centers.

Details of Shankerman’s funeral are pending, but it is expected to be held in Carmel.