Robert Shulman, M.D.

Funeral Service Information:

Robert B. Shulman, M.D. died on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the age of 69 after battling cancer. Bob was the loving husband of Sarah for 42 years and the beloved father of Rachel, Rebecca, and Benjamin. He is also survived by his brother Mark, sister Cindy Cassidy, several cousins and in-laws, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Bernard H. Shulman and Phyllis Mann Shulman.

Bob grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, as a talented athlete and dedicated Camp Ojibwa summer camper. He attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he met his wife and soul mate Sarah. In college Bob developed a love of soccer, which continued throughout his life as he coached his children and played goalkeeper in games and tournaments like the World Masters Games. Bob and Sarah returned to Illinois so he could attend the Chicago Medical School (now Rosalind Franklin Medical School) followed by his residency in psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago where he became the chief resident and then board certified in psychiatry and neurology. Following his residency in 1991, he joined his father in practice in Skokie for many years which was a joy for both of them. He was appointed the Chairperson for the Department of Psychiatry at the former Rush North Shore Hospital from 2003-2008 and became nationally and internationally known for his gifted clinical skills and innovative approaches in the management of treatment resistant mood disorders and collaborative management of other difficult-to-treat conditions. He was a lecturer and mentor to clinicians nationally and internationally, and published his work on the unmet needs of difficult-to-treat patients. He also served as a consultant around mental health issues since 2015 for the Chicago White Sox and other professional sports teams.

In 2012, Bob rejoined Rush University Medical Center as the Associate Chair of Psychiatry and Director of Clinical Services, where he continued his academic career as a teacher, mentor, and gifted clinician. By January of 2020, he became the Chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University. Through the pandemic and beyond, he successfully provided optimal treatment for patients and maintained training of young clinicians with his leadership, passion, and dedication to patient care. He was known to work above and beyond to take on the challenges as an administrator, teacher and physician, and approached his work with great wisdom, humor, and an optimistic view of the future. Bob was always willing to accept a new patient who was suffering and unable to receive quality care, and he impacted the lives of many with his knowledge and compassion. He built a legacy of clinical excellence in mental health care and remains a role model for countless clinicians who had the opportunity to work under his guidance.

Bob made everyone’s lives richer for being in it. He made colleagues and patients feel like they were the most important person while in his presence. He was generous, always helping family, friends, colleagues, and patients. His care for others was a hallmark of his personal and professional lives. Bob approached the world with wit, humor, and optimism, bringing smiles to everyone around him. Within their chosen paths, his children are honoring lessons learned from Bob’s example. Family was of the utmost importance to him, and his impact will forever be that of a cherished husband, father, and friend.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 1 pm at Makom Solel Lakeside Congregation, 1301 Clavey Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. A reception will immediately follow. A memorial service at Rush will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made honoring Dr. Robert B. Shulman’s impact: A Memorial in support of the RUSH Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. Please send memorial checks, made out to "Rush University Medical Center" to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or visit https://rushgiving.com/psychiatryfnd.

Clergy:

Rabbi Isaac Serotta

Burial is private.