Treasure Coast Hospice

Our Physicians

Treasure Coast Hospice physicians are here for our patients and their families.

Treasure Coast Hospice physicians are involved in the day-to-day care of our patients. They are called upon to treat a full range of illnesses. "We experience the immense satisfaction that comes from doing wonderful work in concert with the entire hospice team."

While hospice physicians will not cure our patients' underlying disease, they do a tremendous amount of healing. They help patients and their families treasure life and play a vital role in delivering excellent medical care.

Hospice physicians make home visits. "We are privileged to be invited into the homes and the lives of patients and families. This is the most vulnerable and challenging time a person or family will face. We are here for them."


Meet Our Physicians


Bernice M. Burkarth, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

“I love working for hospice because it allows me to be a complete physician to my patients. I can address not only their physical concerns, but also their emotional and spiritual concerns as well. I love the team aspect of the care we provide and the comprehensive care that it allows.”

Prior to joining Treasure Coast Hospice in 2005 Dr. Burkarth was a practicing neurosurgeon. She achieved a bachelor of bcience in psychology from Brown University, her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and is an assistant clinical professor for the Florida State University College of Medicine.
 

Robert V. Anderson, DO

“For 12 years I maintained a successful, fast-paced family practice. I watched as the changing dynamics of our health-care industry forced many of us to increase our patient loads while decreasing time spent with each patient. This was not my style. As a hospice physician, I once again have the opportunity to offer patients and families the time, focus and quality of care each one deserves.”

Dr. Anderson is board certified in Family Medicine and has a Doctor of Osteopathy degree. He is the Associate Medical Director for St. Lucie County. Dr. Anderson has been with Treasure Coast Hospice since 1996. Prior to joining Treasure Coast Hospice he was in a private practice in Fort Pierce.

Dr. Anderson received an Academic Honors Award from University of South Florida. He has been an instructor at Indian River Academy, a Medical Technologist at St. Lucie Medical Center, a Practice Site Surveyor for the AHEC program for Southeast College of Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Professor for the FSU College of Medicine.
 

A. James Buttles, MD

“I consider it a privilege to work with Treasure Coast Hospice. The staff is superb! There is such dedication in caring for patients. It is a pleasure to come to work and be affiliated with a quality, loving, and happy team!”

Dr. Buttles joined the Treasure Coast Hospice team May 1, 2007, and continues to provide care to our patients in Martin County. He also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor for the FSU College of Medicine. We are grateful for his professional background in the medical field and excellence in quality care he brings to TCH.

Dr. Buttles spent his internship at Columbia Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and served his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. After moving to Florida in 1974, Dr. Buttles was with Stuart Medical Group and on staff with Martin Memorial Medical Center in a variety of capacities such as, Chairman of Medical Records and the Department of Medicine, Chief of Staff, member of the Hospital Board, and President of the corporation founding satellite and surgical outpatient facilities, along with the many other accomplishments during a 12-year period.

He also worked at Tampa General and University Community Hospital for a period of one year and then returned to the Treasure Coast in a position at Savannas Hospital in Port St. Lucie. In August of 1995, Dr. Buttles was employed by Martin Memorial Physicians’ Corp. and served as Medical Director of Port St. Lucie Nursing and Restorative until Martin Nursing and Restorative Care opened in April of 2007. He also served as the Medical Director of Stuart Nursing and Restorative Care from August 1995 to April 2007.

Dr. Buttles is a supporter of community service. He was the founding lay person of the Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church and served as the president for five years. He is also the founder of the Christian radio translator 90.3 FM and has served as president of the station.
 

 
John L. Simons, DO

“I knew I wanted to be a Hospice physician when I experienced first-hand the loving and compassionate way in which the hospice staff treated and cared for my mother. I have never experienced such a wonderful and dedicated group of professionals in my life and knew that I too wanted to be a part of such a wonderful program!”

Dr. Simons provides care for TCH patients in Martin and Okeechobee counties. He brings with him years of experience, including family practice serving patients in Martin County for many years. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor for the FSU College of Medicine.

In 1992, Dr. Simons completed his Doctor of Osteopathy Medical Degree at Nova Southern University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. His Internship was completed at Nova Southern as well. Dr. Simons attended Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas, and Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida to complete his residency.