Robert J. Cordes
Pediatrician
DO, FAAP, FACOP
I am privileged to play a role in the most important job there is: raising children.
Medicine is often described as an art based on science. I believe evidence-based practice should be balanced with empathy needed to meet each family where they are.
About me
Dr. Cordes was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where, always interested in science, he wanted to be an astronaut. However, he became more interested in medicine during high school.
While earning his undergraduate degree from Ursinus College and medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Cordes intended to practice family medicine. It wasn’t until he returned to Pennsylvania for his internship that he learned how much fun pediatrics is and made an end-of-year decision to pursue the unique joy of caring for patients from birth through adolescence.
During his almost 30 years as a pediatrician in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Dr. Cordes was given the ultimate compliment and privilege that a pediatrician can receive- to care for second-generation patients! Dr. Cordes is excited to now live in Oregon and meet the families at Pediatric Associates of the Northwest. Dr. Cordes practices in our Portland office.
Interests
Beyond medicine, Dr. Cordes and his wife share a passion for service and animals. Together, they’ve volunteered in hospitals and libraries with their beloved Australian Shepherd, Balto, a certified therapy dog who also competes in canine agility.
Dr. Cordes has always considered himself a dog person, even though he didn’t have one as a child. His mother used to say, “When you get your own house, you can get a dog.”
That moment came full circle when years down the road, he went on a blind date with someone who said, “I love dogs.” He later married her!
Family
Dr. Cordes and his wife recently moved 3,000 miles to Portland from Pennsylvania with his mother-in-law and faithful dog, Balto.
A proud father of two, Dr. Cordes’s approach to medicine is shaped by the joys and challenges of raising his two sons. His oldest shares Dr. Cordes’s love of planes and is a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. His youngest son, an AmeriCorps NCCC alum, moved to Oregon for college before settling in Portland. He and his wife are thrilled to be in Oregon not only for the joy of being closer to family, but also more opportunities to indulge in one of Dr. Cordes’ favorite pastimes—whale watching along the Pacific coast.
Patient Advocate
Dr. Cordes is known for going above and beyond so his patients have the care and resources they need.
Dog-Person & Trainer
His beloved dog, Balto, is a certified therapy dog. Dr. Cordes and Balto also compete together in canine agility events.
Photographer
He most enjoys photographing airshows and wildlife, especially whales.
