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Start Over Digital Materials Digital materials available online Collection John Robinette Oral History Interview, October 22, 2019

Interview, October 22, 2019

This oral history interview was conducted with John Robinette on October 22, 2019 by Taylor Patterson as part of the Dr. David Sabiston Oral History Project.

Duration: 01:24:37

During the interview, Robinette discusses his education; career at Duke, starting as an administrative assistant for Dr. William Anlyan and eventually moving into the role of a hospital administrator working with Sabiston closely on operating rooms; his experiences building the new Duke Hospital; working with Sabiston in the role of an administrator; the history of the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) and its importance to Sabiston and Duke University; Sabiston's culture as one high standards, high work ethic, and fairness; changes implemented by Sabiston such as separate lounges for doctors, residents, nurses, housekeeping, etc., private hospital rooms, and relaxing visiting hours; the importance of academics and research in the surgical program to Sabiston; the corporatization of hospitals; memories of Dr. Joseph Greenfield; and personal memories of Sabiston and his wife Aggie. Digital files include transcript (.DOCX), interview (.MP3), and consent form (.PDF).

  2. John Robinette Oral History Interview, October 22, 2019

John Robinette Oral History Interview, October 22, 2019 1 Interview (1 transcript) and 78.4 MB

John Robinette, a Duke University Hospital administrator, was recruited to Duke University by then Chancellor, Dr. William Anlyan, to become his administrative assistant after meeting him at an Association of American Medical Colleges meeting. This was the start of Robinette's long career at Duke that saw him move in the role of a hospital administrator for Duke University Hospital. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on October 22, 2019 by Taylor Patterson as part of the Dr. David Sabiston Oral History Project. In the interview, Robinette discusses his education; career at Duke, starting as an administrative assistant for Dr. William Anlyan and eventually moving into the role of a hospital administrator; his role in building the new Duke Hospital; the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC); working with Sabiston in the role of an administrator; and personal memories of Sabiston.