The Board of Directors of The Physicians Foundation deeply grieves the loss of fellow Board member, Karl M. Altenburger, M.D., who passed away on Sunday, August 10, in Ocala, Florida, after a long illness. 

Dr. Altenburger joined The Physicians Foundation Board of Directors in 2008 and was a passionate advocate for the organization’s mission to advance the work of practicing physicians and help facilitate the delivery of healthcare to patients.  Dr. Altenburger was steadfast in his support of efforts to strengthen the physician-patient relationship. His thoughtfulness, depth of insight, generosity and warm sense of humor were cherished by his colleagues at The Physicians Foundation. His presence is already greatly missed.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Altenburger served the Ocala/Marion County, Florida, community in the treatment of adult and pediatric allergies and asthma. In addition to his role on the Board of The Physicians Foundation, Dr. Altenburger was President of the Florida Medical Association (FMA) from 2007 to 2008.  In speaking to his legacy with the organization, the FMA stated that Dr. Altenburger was a tireless physician advocate and a giant of the FMA whose leadership touched every corner of the organization. In addition to his service as President, Dr. Altenburger was President of the FMA PAC from 1998 to 2000 and FMA Foundation President from 2012 to 2013.

Dr. Altenburger was also a Past President of the Florida Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Society and the Marion County Medical Society. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Professionals Resource Network.

The Board of Directors of The Physicians Foundation sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Altenburger – including his wife, Carol, and their daughters, Laura, Ashley, Elizabeth and Allison – as well as to his many friends and colleagues in Florida and across the United States.