Dr. Robert Burstein, retired head of obstetrics and gynecology at the old Jewish Hospital, died Saturday (Nov. 14, 2009) at his home in Ladue. He was 83.

His family said he had been battling pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Burstein figured he had delivered well over 5,000 babies. The last was in 1995, the child of a woman he also had delivered.

He graduated from University City High School, Washington University and the Washington University School of Medicine.

He met his future wife, Maurine Jacobs, on a blind date at the movies in 1949. They were married in 1951, two months before he was called to serve in the Army during the Korean War. He was an anesthesiologist in charge of a post-op ward in Korea and came out of the war as a captain.

He returned to Washington University, and because he had enjoyed delivering babies during his internship there, he decided obstetrics would be his field.

Starting out in private practice was a far cry from what it is now, he wrote recently. "No guaranteed salaries, no large referral sources and very few outside jobs." He managed to scrounge up research funds from drug companies for his studies of pregnancies and diabetes.

After a mild heart attack in 1995, he gave up surgery and deliveries but continued his practice until 2001.

A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. today at Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Road, Creve Coeur, followed by a reception at the temple. Burial will be private.

Among the survivors, in addition to his wife, are a son, David Burstein of Warson Woods; a daughter, Marianne Mullenix of Paris, France; and four grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Burstein, M.D. OB-GYN Library Fund, Attn: Washington University OB-GYN Department, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8064, St. Louis, Mo. 63110.