For pulmonary and critical care specialist, Mission feels like family

Robert Goldberg, MD, knew he had a passion for science and medicine early on. As a high school student in San Diego, he had an opportunity for a six week internship with a professional of his choosing. He chose to shadow his best friend’s father, cardiac surgeon Leland Housman, MD.

“He immediately took me to a locker room, threw scrubs on me, then took me to an OR,” recalled Dr. Goldberg. “And within a half hour, he had the patient’s chest open and was performing heart surgery in front of me. That just sealed the deal.” Initially, Dr. Goldberg had plans to work in cardiology like his mentor. But during his residency at Cedars Sinai, he discovered a new passion. “I realized I loved critical care,” he said. “I loved the complexity, the procedures, taking the most ill patients and doing everything I can.”

In the spring of 2009, Dr. Goldberg was introduced to the team that would become his partners at Providence Mission Hospital. It was then that he realized just how special his new workplace was.

“We’re a big hospital with a small hospital feel,” remarked Dr. Goldberg. “We’re a big family. The support staff, the nurses, the respiratory therapists — everyone we work with is accomplished
and phenomenal.” 

Dr. Goldberg’s involvement with Providence Mission Hospital Foundation began with his enthusiastic participation in the annual golf tournament; he has served on the tournament’s committee for the past five years. (“It’s a good excuse to play golf,” he joked.) He has also served as a member of the Board for three years.

“Joining the Board really reinforced for me how strong the Providence Mission Hospital community is — not just the people that work here, but also all the people who support it,” he reflected. 

Dr. Goldberg has been instrumental in helping the Foundation raise funds to acquire a bronchoscopy robot, technology that will dramatically advance our ability to diagnose and treat lung cancers. 

Passion for the Hospital community is a family affair for Dr. Goldberg, his wife Elise and three children. “When my kids were younger, they used to say I was the king of the Hospital,” he said with a laugh. More recently, Elise coordinated and delivered more than 3,000 meals to caregivers treating COVID-19 at the Hospital and across Orange County. 

With his family by his side, Dr. Goldberg is proud to advance his efforts to make Providence Mission Hospital one of the best health care facilities in the country. “I love it here,” he smiled. “And if I have my choice, I’m never going to leave.”