CAFP family, we are heartbroken to share with those of you who don't know that CAFP Past President Dave Bazzo passed away this past Saturday morning after a more than two year battle with glioblastoma. Dr. Bazzo was an extraordinary human being and an incredible family physician. Those of you who knew him, were trained by him, served in leadership with him, or were just able to spend time with him, know the incredible person he was. CAFP’s current President Dr. Anthony Chong shares a memory below…
A Mentor, a Friend, a Leader
During my time at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, I was fortunate to meet Dr. David Bazzo, who graciously accepted my request to hood me at graduation. At the time, I didn’t realize just how significant and impactful that relationship would become—both personally and professionally.
After medical school, I matched into the UCSD Family Medicine Residency Program, where I had the privilege of sharing my continuity clinic with Dr. Bazzo. Throughout residency, he was an essential mentor and a trusted friend. Even after residency, he continued to guide me and encouraged my involvement in organized medicine. In fact, he was instrumental in helping me get involved with the San Diego Academy of Family Physicians, the CAFP Foundation, and ultimately, the CAFP Board and Presidency.
But my experience was far from unique. Dr. Bazzo was a powerful influence on every student, resident, and physician he encountered. How many students chose to become family physicians because of him? How many residents and young doctors became involved in organized medicine through his encouragement? How many future leaders did he inspire and mentor?
Dr. Bazzo was also deeply committed to his patients and community. He loved caring for them, and it showed in everything he did—from his thoughtful attention to detail to the time he took to truly listen. His patients adored and respected him not only for his clinical skill, but for his compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to their well-being. He built lasting relationships that went far beyond the exam room, and his presence in their lives made a real and lasting difference. His impact even extended to my high school alma mater, when his daughters and my children also attended. As the school’s team physician, he left a meaningful impression—supporting and inspiring student-athletes with the same warmth and dedication that defined his approach to care.
His tenure as CAFP President was truly one-of-a-kind. He led during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when in-person meetings were impossible. Yet that did not deter him. Dr. Bazzo embraced the challenge, becoming our “Zoom President,” and found creative ways to continue impacting family physicians across the state.
Dr. Bazzo was a leader and a tireless advocate—for patients, for medical students, and for family medicine. But he was also a warm, vibrant personality: a friend, a storyteller, and a connoisseur of good food, fun, and laughter. When you were with Dr. Bazzo, he went out of his way to make you feel welcome—as if you were already a part of his circle of friends. I will always cherish my fond memories of my dear friend and mentor.
