With saddened hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Bernhard T. Mittemeyer, M.D., who passed away Wednesday, January 25, following a brief illness.
Dr. Mittemeyer's life was one of service to his patients, his university, and his
country. Despite a military countenance of poignant directness, he earned respect
by showing respect to everyone regardless of status.
He joined Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center on November 11, 1986, as a
Surgery (urology) Professor and its first Executive Vice President and Provost, providing
valuable leadership for the institution. As the university's top leader, one of Dr.
Mittemeyer's initial priorities was a public awareness campaign to promote the university
and its potential for advancing health care both in the region and statewide as well
as being an economic driver for our campus communities. During his four decades with
TTUHSC, he helped establish and then served as chief of the Division of Urology, which
became the Department of Urology. Dr. Mittemeyer also served as interim president
on two occasions and interim dean of the School of Medicine three times. In 2009,
the School of Medicine named the urology clinic in his honor.
Dr. Mittemeyer fought valiantly to ensure quality health care for veterans, providing
medical care at the Lubbock VA Outpatient Clinic and through his service at TTUHSC.
He also helped lead efforts for the clinic's relocation to a new facility, which opened
in 2021 across from our Lubbock campus, expanding services and specialty care.
Before he joined TTUHSC, Dr. Mittemeyer served his country for 28 years in the U.S.
Army, retiring as a Lieutenant General. He was appointed Surgeon General under President
Ronald Reagan, the highest position for physicians serving in the Army. Dr. Mittemeyer's
military honors include Distinguished Service Medal, the highest peacetime military
award, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star with V Device for Valor.
"Bernie," as he was known to many, lived as an example for us as a great leader and
humble servant. Yet, beyond his titles, accomplishments, and service, Dr. Mittemeyer
valued people. He often commented that people's skills and compassion are crucial
to quality health care.
On February 17, 2023, in Dr. Mittemeyer's honor, the TTUHSC flags on all campuses
will fly at half-staff. Additionally, a Celebration of Life event honoring Dr. Mittemeyer
is scheduled for March 22, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Academic Event Center
on the Lubbock campus.