The Bob Smittcamp Family Neuroscience Institute

A neurological illness or injury can be life-changing. When these problems strike, time matters. One hour can mean the difference between a swift recovery and long-term damage to the brain or body. That time should be spent getting treatment, not driving to Los Angeles or the Bay Area in search of high-quality care.

Community Health System was founded more than 125 years ago because of the growing need for healthcare access in the Central Valley. From its humble beginnings as a boarding house, Community now serves as the largest healthcare provider in the region. As the Central Valley grows consistently and substantially, Community continues to work diligently to help ensure the availability of top-tier services to families in the area, particularly to those requiring neurological care.

A Need for World-Class Care Close to Home A Home

Until a few years ago, Community had approximately 10 to 15 neuroscience physicians supporting a four-county service area with more than 1.7 million people living within its borders. Consequently, patients often had to leave the Valley to get the specialized care they needed. There was a major need for more access to specialists and services.

In 2018, Bob Smittcamp made a transformational gift to help fulfill this need and to ensure the advancement of neuroscience care in the Valley. He wanted the preeminent neuroscience center to exist in his hometown to care for his friends, family members, and neighbors.

“Bob had a vision for world-class neuroscience care to be present in Central California. He knew he could be one of the champions to bring it to people who live here,” says Katie Zenovich, senior vice president for development and external affairs at Community.

Sadly, Bob passed away unexpectedly in 2021 and wasn’t granted the time to see his dream come to fruition. His legacy, however, will live on in the future Bob Smittcamp Family Neuroscience Institute, recognizing his incredible commitment to the people in this region.

Philanthropy’s Impact

Today, Community is home to more than 80 neuroscience providers, and this number is still growing. Under the leadership of Dr. Ian Johnson, medical director of neurosciences, Community now offers almost every sub-specialty within neurosciences—something Bob was passionate about.

“There’s a huge shortage of neurosurgeons that are trained on an annual basis. Recruiting them to Fresno has been challenging, but we’ve been able to do it and bring an extensive amount of talent here to the Valley,” says Dr. Johnson.

Patients who need care for traumatic brain injuries, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, spinal problems, brain tumors, and a host of other conditions can turn to Community and trust they will receive top care. Even more programs will be added as additional specialists join the team.

Patients facing neurological illness or injury usually need extensive follow-up care. Such care can be fragmented (imaging at one location, going to occupational or physical therapy somewhere else, and office visits), but this shouldn’t be the case.

That’s why the Bob Smittcamp Family Neuroscience Institute will be a “one-stop shop.” Located on the Community Regional Medical Center campus and adjacent to the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, the institute will offer the majority of outpatient neuroscience care under one roof. Patients can visit their care team and receive services such as infusion and rehabilitation in a single visit.

It’s a big undertaking. This multimillion-dollar project will need philanthropic support to become a reality.

Riley dancing — Because of the care she received, Riley was able to perform at the inaugural Founders Club gala, Fire and Ice, supporting neuroscience care.

How You Can Help

Generous community leaders and the Founders Club (a newly formed, all-female volunteer group) have already invested to further Bob’s vision, raising several million towards this cause. It will take the combined strength of the Valley to make this needed resource a reality.

“Donations to neuroscience have a direct and immediate impact on the level of care that’s being provided for our patients,” says Dr. Johnson.

The choices we make today will impact the healthcare our friends and families receive tomorrow. Our community has the opportunity to ensure that top-tier neuroscience care is available, not only for ourselves but also for future generations.

“We’re at a place where I think Bob would be very proud because we’re right on the verge of making it happen,” says Zenovich.

To learn more, visit www.smittcampneuroscience.com or contact Community’s Office of Philanthropy at 559.724.4343.

Feature and photos courtesy of Community Health System, Office of Philanthropy.