CDR Dobbertien is the Director for Clinical Support Services at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. He is responsible for operational and clinical oversight of pharmacy, radiology, physical and occupational therapy and laboratory services at the hospital and 5 branch clinics (Curahealth Hospitals and Pharmacy). Dobbertien manages 240 staff and a budget of 37 million dollars.
Dobbertien received his Bachelor of Science degree in Preprofessional Studies from the University of Notre Dame in 1980, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1987. He completed general surgery specialty training in 1992 at the University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals before serving as staff surgeon at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. In 1993, Dobbertien served as Ship’s Surgeon aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) supporting U.N. and NATO operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise over Bosnia-Herzegovina and decommissioned the ship at the Naval Station, Mayport, Florida, 20 August 1994. He returned to Naval Hospital Jacksonville and established the first bariatric program in the Navy prior to finishing his active duty obligation and entering private practice in 1996.
Dobbertien practiced general surgery at Flagler Hospital in Saint Augustine, Florida for seven years prior to reentering active naval service in May 2003. While at Flagler Hospital, he served on the Medical Executive Committee and was President of the St. Johns County Medical Society and Delegate to the Florida Medical Association.
In 2003, he served as Ship’s Surgeon aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, he was assigned to the surgery clinic at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. In 2005, he deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq with CLB-2, 2D MLB (FWD) and provided surgical support to the Al-Asad Surgical Company and the STP/FRSS supporting the 2nd LAR at Camp Korean Village. He earned the distinction of being the first Naval Officer in CLB-2 history to earn the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer (FMFQO) warfare designation.
In 2007, Dobbertien was detailed OCONUS to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was selected to serve as Director of Surgical Services for the detention and Naval Hospital. Dobbertien was responsible for converting the operating room at the detention hospital from an expeditionary platform to a state-of-the-art fixed MTF. He provided surgical consultative services and procedures to 270 detainees and the entire island’s military and civilian population.
He returned to Naval Hospital Jacksonville in 2008 as a staff general surgeon. In less than one year, he was deployed to Forward Surgical Team Farah, Afghanistan and served as the OIC for the FST. Dobbertien served at a unique time in OEF when troops were surged and casualties were escalating. He provided role II damage control surgical care to more than 1500 local Afghans and was responsible for increasing triage capacity at the FST by 500%.
In 2010, Dobbertien began his fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at UF and Shands Jacksonville. His noteworthy scholarship resulted in published original clinical research, an authored book chapter and numerous presentations at national meetings. The fellowship was recognized by the Fellowship Council as one of the best in the nation.
Dobbertien returned to NHJ in 2011. He was quickly deployed to C5F to serve as the OIC of ERSS Team 8 and was responsible for providing role II surgical capability to the Combatant Commanders in CENTCOM and AFRICOM, ensuring 100% mission capability in support of antipiracy and antiterrorism operations. While serving on USS Momsen (DDG-92) and USS Nitze (DDG-94), he qualified as a Surface Warfare Medical Department Officer.
After returning from deployment in 2012, Dobbertien was selected as the Department Head of General Surgery at NHJ and was responsible for decreasing purchased care in the areas of bariatric, robotic and laser vein surgery. He was competitively selected as the Associate Director of Surgical Services and led the directorate through the CONUS Hospital Study implementing sustainable business practices to lead Navy Medicine metrics in OR utilization. He currently serves as the Director for Clinical Support Services.
Dobbertien is board certified and holds Fellow status in the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the Alumni Senate at Midwestern University, the Board of Trustees at St. Johns Country Day School, the Council of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and on the Board of Directors for the Duval County Medical Society.
Dobbertien’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.