Meet Our Donors
Dr. Robert and Mrs. Marjorie Smink
Dr. Robert and Mrs. Marjorie Smink - Supporting the Surgeons of Tomorrow
Dr. Robert and Mrs. Marjorie Smink create a legacy that continues their dedication to supporting the Lankenau general surgery residency program far into the future.
When Dr. Robert Smink was looking for a rotating internship in 1965, Lankenau Hospital came highly recommended by the Dean of Case Western Reserve Medical School. So, he chose Lankenau and they moved to the Philadelphia area. Over the next four decades, Dr. Smink, a U.S. Army veteran, became instrumental in raising the profile and excellence of surgery at Lankenau. As both Chief of General Surgery for Main Line Health and Chief of Surgery for Lankenau, he led the general surgery program across the entire health system. With numerous publications and a faculty appointment at Jefferson, he set a high standard for academic, as well as clinical accomplishment.
"Lankenau has been a marvelous place to work," said Bob. "It was always one of the finest non-university hospitals in the Philadelphia area, and its stature has increased."
Bob's career as a general surgeon covered all aspects of his specialty although he focused on breast cancer surgery in the latter part of his tenure. As the residency program director, he also developed a talent for finding and training promising young surgeons. Many of these surgical residents became like sons and daughters to the Sminks. Some of these stars remained and enhanced surgery at Lankenau as attending physicians, the positive ripple effect of outstanding clinical training and education. Yet, the Sminks have remained highly aware of the recruitment challenges Lankenau faces due to its proximity to Philadelphia's many academic health systems.
Ned Carp, MD, Lankenau's current Chief of General Surgery, shared his perspective: "Bob's well-deserved reputation as an excellent surgeon was matched by his exceptional capability as a teacher. His wisdom and patience were instrumental in shaping my career and my own desire to serve as a mentor to the next generation of surgeons." Breast surgeon Robin Ciocca, DO, who trained under Dr. Smink, adds: "Bob served as a paradigm for his residents in many ways. His compassionate devotion to patients, which I strive to emulate in my own practice, left a strong impression on me."
Recently, the couple decided to make a leadership gift to help Lankenau continue attracting and recruiting the best. "Giving back has always been part of our married life," said Marge. College sweethearts who met at Bucknell University, they graduated together. Later, as alumni class fundraising chairman, Bob asked their classmates to give a dollar for every year since graduation, a starting plan for future giving.
"Bob and I developed the habit of giving to the organizations we valued," said Marge. "Lankenau was the place where he launched and fulfilled his career. It allowed him to grow as an individual and contribute so much to society."
The Sminks have given to Lankenau annually since their early years here, and many grateful patients and former residents have contributed in Bob's honor, as well. In 2021, the couple felt the time was right to make a legacy gift, and they named Lankenau Medical Center a residual beneficiary of their estate. This planned gift, together with an additional outright contribution, allowed the couple to establish The Robert D. Smink Director of Surgical Training Fund at Lankenau. While most funding will come from their eventual estate gift, the current donation allows them to see the impact of their generosity now.
"Lankenau is a thriving, ambitious medical center with more ideas for improvements than the budget can afford," said Bob. "Marge and I have dedicated much of our lives to encouraging the surgeons of tomorrow, and it's a real pleasure to see that work continue on through our philanthropy."