Robert Barlow, MD

Bio

Philosophy: I began my Vascular Surgery career in 1985 after 8 years of training. Now, with the perspective of 20 plus years of practice, I have pieced together the following four-point philosophy:

1. I try to individually balance the risks and benefits of each intervention.

2. I try to recognize and respect the unique perspective and wishes of each patient.

3. I try to focus on meticulous attention to detail both during the surgery and in the peri-operative period.

4. I try to use each member encounter as an opportunity to have a positive influence on the overall cardiovascular health of the individual.

During every visit we work towards prevention, risk reduction and lifestyle modifications that diminish the need for future interventions or serious events.

I encourage you to explore the vascular surgery link on this website. Here you will find helpful descriptions and diagrams of several of the most common vascular conditions, tests and treatments. Across the region we promote the cardiovascular program described under PHASE PROGRAM.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

Attracted by the opportunity to practice medicine and surgery without the trials of running a business, I joined Kaiser Santa Rosa in 2002. I was impressed with the people of this medical center, with the beauty of our campus and county, and with the direction and momentum of our organization.

Vascular Surgery frequently involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the arteries to the brain and to the legs. High blood pressure, cigarette smoking, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, lack of exercise and the passage of time may all contribute to the blockage of the arteries, or less frequently, to the weakening of the arterial wall (aneurysms).

I especially enjoy treating diseases of the carotid artery. The carotid artery carries blood from the heart to the brain and is associated with a high percentage of strokes when it becomes diseased. The most common site of abnormality is in the neck close to the skin surface; a location readily accessible to surgical correction. Performing surgery to decrease the risk of stroke or death has been one of the most satisfying aspects of my career.


I am also called upon to perform surgery to provide access for hemodialysis, as well as to treat problems with the vessels of the arms, intestines and kidneys.

Unrelated to cholesterol, and with its own set of risk factors, I also see members with problems of the venous system, including those with varicose veins or venous stasis ulcers.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I am member of several national vascular surgical societies. At our meetings, we present new information and findings, and debate new treatments. On a local level, our Northern California Kaiser Vascular Surgery Chief's meetings allow us to share resources, experiences and knowledge across the region so as to maximize benefits to our members.

An interesting story from my training:

In Nashville, Tennessee, we operated twelve hours a day with the continuous background music of classic Country and Western playing. After twelve months of this indoctrination, I not only could tolerate but grew to love Willie, Waylon, Dolly and the rest.

Interests

Currently reading:
Sports Illustrated, Road and Track, Journal of Vascular Surgery

My favorite book or author:
Rick Reilly

Great movie:
A Few Good Men, Top Gun, Out of Africa, Thelma and Louise

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My wife and I were born and raised in Canada. Attracted by all the things that draw people from the Midwest and East Coast to California, we headed west in 1988. We love the natural beauty of the area, the great weather, fresh food and the wealth of activities Northern California offers.

My children and people I care about:

Our life is overfilled most of the time with children's school functions, field trips, soccer and baseball teams, boy scouts and biking. We love getting together with friends for dinner parties. My favorite form of exercise is swimming.

Our prized pet is a German Shepherd dog named Boone.

Pet Photos:

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Pet 1

Travel

Favorite place in the world:

We make frequent trips to Canada to visit with family and friends. We wish they were closer. We have enjoyed adventures to Mexico. Our favorite destinations are Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. One memorable vacation was a car trip across Canada.

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

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photo 1

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