Robert Bratton, M.D. (FM ’93)

Board Member

Chief Medical Officer

Lexington Clinic

Professor of Family Medicine

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

“Mutual respect was expected of everyone on the team at Mayo, and I’ve always carried that core Mayo value with me.”

 

• Graduate: Master’s Degree in Medical Management, Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Residency: Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education
• Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington
• Undergraduate: University of Kentucky, Lexington
• Native of: Lexington, Kentucky

Why did you decide to pursue medicine?

In high school I met Dr. Nicholas Pisacano, who founded the American Board of Family Medicine in 9169. He extolled the benefits of a well-trained family physician who provided comprehensive care to patients of all walks of life — from the womb to the tomb, as he said. He inspired me to pursue a career in medicine.

Why did you train at Mayo Clinic?

Dr. Pisacano was good friends with Dr. Bob Avant (FM ’77), who was then chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. After spending a month in rotation with Dr. Avant, I was sold on ranking Mayo’s family medicine residency program at the top of my match list.

What was your initial impression of Mayo Clinic?

Initially I was a little intimidated. The first day of my rotation I put on my white lab coat and headed to the Mayo Building. I was surprised that no one else wore the traditional white coat. I realized the doctors seldom wore white coats and opted for business suits. It was a different culture but one that treated residents like colleagues rather than workers who only took care of busy work.

How does Mayo Clinic influence your practice?

I learned a great deal from Mayo. The biggest effect on my future practice of medicine was the level of comprehensiveness I learned in the management of my patients.

I matured into a team player who respects my colleagues and the staff I work with. Mutual respect was expected of everyone on the team at Mayo, and I’ve always carried that core Mayo value with me.

What do you contribute to the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association?

After spending 18 years at Mayo and now seven years in a private multispecialty group, I can relate to those with an academic background and focus as well as community-based physicians focused only on patient care.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to hunt, fish and play golf.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I was fortunate to spend time working at all three Mayo locations — three years training in Rochester, 12 years in Florida and three years in Arizona.