In October, St. Luke’s Hospital bid a final farewell to two revered, long-time St. Luke’s physicians, Ernesto J. Puletti, MD, FACG, and David Haskins, MD.

A member of the St. Luke’s Medical Staff since 1966, Puletti had been chief of staff and a member of the Board of Directors since July 2004.  Previously, he had served as vice chief of staff for five years.  Puletti had a thriving gastroenterology practice on Valencia Street, having begun practicing in the Mission district in 1961.  His passion for medicine and dedication to his patients and the community was evident in his readiness to serve whoever needed him.  He was a valiant supporter of St. Luke's Hospital and the medical staff, always striving to preserve the mission of providing care to all in need regardless of ability to pay.

Puletti won numerous awards from the American Medical Association and the American College of Gastroenterology and was a member of many professional medical associations, including the San Francisco Medical Society, the California Medical Society and the Pan American Medical Society, where he was a past president.  He was also on staff at Seton Hospital. 

Born and raised in San Francisco, Haskin began practicing pediatrics in San Francisco in 1956 and joined St. Luke's staff in May of 1969.  Prior to coming to St. Luke’s, Haskin was director of the Mt. Zion Hospital Pediatric Out-Patient clinic.  During his tenure at St. Luke’s, he was an active supporter of many medical staff committees, serving on the Infection Control Committee from its inception, later assuming the chairmanship for 10 years and continuing to participate in its activities throughout his career.   He also maintained an active role on the Bylaws and Credentials Committees for many years up until his retirement.

Haskin was chief of pediatrics for 14 years, chief of staff from 1990-1994 and vice chief of staff from 2002-2004.  He retired in May of 2005, after nearly 50 years of service, touching the lives of many with his gentle nature, fatherly advice and compassionate care.

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