1961 - Jul 15, 2012

Robert Paul Colen, Age 51, an orthopedic surgeon at Botsford Hospital who specialized in trauma and fracture repair, died suddenly on Sunday, July 15, 2012.

Colen will be remembered for his surgical skill, his ability to connect and communicate with patients, his frequently articulated appreciation of his office and hospital staffs, and his acts of charitable giving to causes that interested him.

He did not take a traditional path to becoming a physician. Colen first served 13 years as an emergency paramedic in California. He graduated magna cum laude from California State University with a bachelor of science in chemistry. Colen went on to finish in the top 10 of his medical school class at Western University of Health Sciences. After finishing his internship and orthopedic residency at Botsford Hospital, he completed a year of trauma surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston. Colen served as guest lecturer for Harvard Grand Rounds, Michigan State University, and local orthopedic societies. His scientific writings have won multiple awards and have been published in medical journals.

Colen specialized in a wide variety of disorders of the musculoskeletal system including arthritis, sports, and work-related injuries to both the upper and lower extremities. In addition, he subspecialized in failed fracture fixation, limb deformity, major orthopedic infections and the repair of complex fracture resulting from high-energy trauma, including the pelvis and hip.

“I knew Rob for almost 20 years. He was more than a colleague; he was a treasured member of our Botsford family. Rob’s technical knowledge of orthopedic trauma surgery coupled with his respectful approach to people were instrumental in helping Botsford become a verified Trauma Center. He was an important member of our Trauma Team and gave wonderful care to severely injured patients that led them to the best possible outcomes. Rob will be deeply missed,” said Paul E. LaCasse, D.O. MPH, president and CEO of Botsford Health Care.

A wonderful communicator, Colen always took the time to thank the members of his practice’s staff at Novi’s Orthopedic Trauma Specialists and the Botsford Hospital staff for their effort on behalf of his patients. He lavished gifts on staff as well hosted them at the Autumn Gala, Botsford’s annual black-tie fundraising event.

Moreover, Colen supported institutions that had an impact on his life. For example, he was honored by Western University at its East West Scholarship Dinner for generously giving to the East West Scholarship at his alma mater where he was one of the first recipients of this Asian-American scholarship.

He was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was adopted at six months of age by Paul Colen and Grace Colen Berg, who lived in California. His favorite way to spend time was with his family, participating in water sports and winter sports or enjoying music together.

Dr. Colen is the beloved husband of Rita for 30 years; devoted father of Stephanie (Kelley) Brossy and Alex Colen; loving son of Paul Colen and the late Grace Berg; and dear brother of Barbara (Jerry) Higgins, Carol Martin, Jeannie (Dennis) Lieb and Cindy (Harry) Bier.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Botsford Foundation.