Meet Robert Schwendinger

Robert Schwendinger’s resume is so dedicated to health care that, at a glance, one might assume that he attended medical school instead of law school.

During his 45 years practicing law, Bob provided strategic advice to and legal representation for hospitals, physician groups, and other health care providers. He was a partner at Armstrong Teasdale, LLP, where he led the firm’s health care practice group. Outside of his law practice, he served on the American Diabetes Association and Community Health Charities boards. He was also formerly president of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Missouri Chapter.

Additionally, he was an active member of Washington University’s Human Research Protection Office, where he reviewed clinical protocols to ensure that participants were fully informed when they consented to participate in research studies. He also served on the committee that set up the university’s Cordell Institute for Policy in Medicine & Law, which brings health care experts together with legal and policy experts to develop solutions for the novel ethical and legal questions that arise from scientific and technological advancements.

Despite retiring from his legal career, Bob is staying active in the future of health care by joining the board of The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “I like making my time useful, and we have friends and associates that are involved in health care, so it’s not hard for me to want to help,” he explains.

Although a new board member, Bob is quite familiar with the Foundation. His wife, Tanja, served on the Foundation’s board from 2017 to 2022, and they have been loyal attendees of Foundation events. The Schwendingers have generously participated in fundraising challenges for nursing scholarships at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing.

“I like the idea of the Foundation working in collaboration with existing community organizations,” he says. Bob is excited to be more involved with BJC Community Health Improvement’s Community Wellness Hubs, which are being established in trusted places in underserved St. Louis neighborhoods to connect community members with essential programs and services to advance health equity, improve health outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

True to his strategic background, Bob aims to learn about needs before advocating for solutions. “I’m listening right now,” he says. “I think that’s the role of a new board number. I have good intentions. It’s a worthy cause. I’m willing to help. There’s compelling need. I just want to try to make the most out of our time and our treasure."