About Bob

Bob Jesse: A Life

For those who knew him, I hope these words conjure up warm memories. For those that did not, I hope these words shed light on the incredible man that was Dr. Robert Jesse.

Above all, Bob was compassionate. Guided by integrity and kindness, he treated people with the utmost respect regardless of their role or position. He was always willing to listen to a problem, take a call from a patient, mentor a student or lend a helping hand to those in need.

He was as brilliant as he was personable. Inspired by challenges on a wide array of topics, he approached each solution with innovative ideas and dedication. An enthusiastic supporter and early adopter of technologies and evidence-based health care strategies, he truly was a visionary thinker.

Bob was tenacious and diligent. Free time at home was spent improving, building, and tinkering on his many house projects, all with self-taught skills.

A lifelong learner, Bob's formal education started at the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Biochemistry (1974). He subsequently enrolled in the Medical College of Virginia, where he completed a PhD in Biophysics (1980), received his MD (1984), and pursued his Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiology Fellowships.

After receiving both a PhD and an MD from the Medical College of Virginia, Bob began an illustrious career teaching Internal Medicine and Cardiology at his alma mater and at the Department of Veterans Affairs. At the latter, Bob served as a tireless advocate for America’s veterans for over 30 years, acting as Chief of Cardiology at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, VA.

Ultimately, he rose to the position of Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health and Acting Under Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC. In addition to the countless articles he peer reviewed and wrote, he was able to launch many programs and initiatives: National Genomic Service; Office of Patient Centered Care; Office of Community Engagement; Office of Health Equity; Office of Quality, Safety and Value; modernization of VA emergency departments; expedited cardiac catheterization for acute heart attack patients and pioneering research in cardiac biomarkers.

Despite the countless accolades for his academic expertise and visionary leadership, he remained humble. In the end, he always said his most rewarding experiences were the care and attention to his patients and students.

Professional Positions

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA

Director of the Acute Cardiac Care Program

Tenured professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiology

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON, DC

Chief of Cardiology Section, Richmond VA Medical Center

National Program Director for Cardiology

Chief Consultant for Medical Surgical Services

Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Health

Acting Under Secretary of Health

Chief of Academic Affiliations

Awards & Recognition

Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary’s Award as National Program Director for Cardiology

Department of Veterans Affairs, Exceptional Service Award

UCSD Lifetime Achievement recognizing global contribution to Cardiovascular Biomarkers

American College of Cardiology - Distinguished Service Award

AMSUS, Society of Federal Health Professionals - Lifetime Achievement Award

Dedication of the Dr. Robert L. Jesse Innovation Room - Veterans Health Administration National Simulation (SimLEARN) Center

Professional Organizations

Diplomate of American board of Internal Medicine

Specialty Boards in Cardiovascular Medicine

Fellow of American Heart Association

Fellow of American College of Cardiology

Board of Trustees for the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care

Board for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) - A private sector national institute dedicated to patient engagement in research