William Schubert, MD

Still Going Strong – Like a Well-Tuned T-Bird

     Dr. William F. Schubert, who is 81 years young, has had a family practice in La Canada for more than 50 years. Born in Los Angeles, Dr. Schubert attended USC’s undergraduate and medical schools after serving as a medic in World War II. He graduated in 1954 and opened his own practice in 1956.

“Back when I first started, family doctors were the Emergency Rooms of today, with their black bags, and house calls at any time of the day – or night. We handled surgeries, births – whatever was needed. I still make the occasional house call and have known some families for years,” Dr Schubert said.

Dr. Schubert’s history with Verdugo Hills Hospital goes back to its very inception in 1972. He attributes the longevity of his career, and his ongoing loyalty and admiration for Verdugo Hills Hospital, to “its very qualified and collegial medical staff, helpful administration and the hospital’s consistently high quality of care.”

“Verdugo Hills Hospital has kept stride with advances over the last 35 years and has the latest in technology, surgical techniques, and instrumentation,” he said.

Dr. Schubert follows the same philosophy in his own practice – recertifying his general practitioner license every seven years to stay up to date on the latest technologies and practices. He is currently good to go until 2011! What is the secret to his long career?

It’s all about perspective. If you have energy and stay busy, you can do just about anything. Activities keep you young,” Dr Schubert said. In addition to running his practice, Dr. Schubert is a history and art buff, with a special love for his pair of 1955 and 1956 T-Birds. He also enjoys taking small-ship cruises around the world.

Chances are, as part of the community, you have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Schubert or, better yet, have been one of his patients during the past 50 years. He is well-known for his ever-present bow tie and his devotion to the Caduceus Club.

“Dr. Schubert is an icon. We all venerate him and he is well-respected and loved in this community,” said his colleague, Dr. Sharon Nelson.