Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Apr 3 2024

In his final days as the medical director of St. Joseph Home for the Aged, Dr. Robert Hammer reflected on his decades of service to the elderly residents with deep gratitude and humility. Recalling his journey, Dr. Hammer expressed, "I consider my medical practice a ministry. I was called to be a physician. That was God’s will. He called me and directed me into primary care, I’m convinced."

Throughout his tenure at the home, Dr. Hammer's family also received care from the Little Sisters of the Poor. He shared, "Because of the care they received, there’s nothing I can do for the Little Sisters that will repay them." Despite his imminent departure, he acknowledged, "I get so much more from the residents than they get from me."

Dr. Hammer's commitment to the residents was unwavering, as he mentioned, "We try to take care of as many of their needs in-house." He recognized the unique challenges faced by the low-income population at the home, stating, "They’ve not had the medical care like what I’m used to providing to my other patients."

Describing his service as a calling, Dr. Hammer emphasized, "Serving them was a calling, just like being a physician was a calling." Little Sister of the Poor Mary Richards commended Dr. Hammer's exceptional dedication, noting, "I’ve never been in a home where the medical director has been so available and kind."

As a tribute to his exemplary service, Dr. Hammer was honored by the Little Sisters with their Jeanne Jugan Award, recognizing his embodiment of their mission and values. Reflecting on this recognition, Mother Richards shared, "As a congregation, we try to discern a person who embodies those things and lives them out in their daily lives. We thought of Dr. Hammer."

Dr. Hammer's selfless dedication to the elderly residents at St. Joseph Home for the Aged serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to compassionate care and service, leaving a lasting impact on all those he has touched.