Who is Dr. Beale?

Robert S. Beale, Jr., M.D. was born in Prairie View, Texas, grew up in Durham, North Carolina, and received his high school education at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.  He received both his Bachelor of Science (Zoology) and Medical Degrees at Howard University in Washington, DC. In February 1971, after serving in The United States Public Health Service, he opened an office for the private practice of family medicine in the Washington, DC suburb of Glenarden, Maryland. Dr. Beale became interested in specializing in weight reduction in 1974 because he realized that many of the illnesses that he was treating such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cholesterol and arthritis were either caused by or worsened by being overweight. In 1977, he joined the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP), an organization of physicians dedicated to the ethical treatment of obesity and eating disorders. Dr. Beale has specialized training and more than 30 years experience in treating obesity and related overweight conditions. Dr. Beale is conversant in Spanish and fluent in Portuguese.

Sadly my father was killed in an automobile accident on November 13, 2004. He was a weight loss pioneer for over 30 years and I am proud that we have been able to continue his legacy of caring. This site was designed by my father and so I have left it as when he was alive.  To hear his voice about our program, please call our recorded message 202-889-4489.  For a little more insight into the man that Dr. Beale was, you may read Thoughts From Daddy's Little Girl.  Please feel free to call me directly at the office if you have any questions or concerns.

Lisa Beale

Dr. Horace Laster

Horace Laster, MD is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC He is a surgeon and former Assistant Medical Director of Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. He has been working with Dr. Beale since 1993 and has much experience and additional training in dealing with the overweight patient.  Dr. Laster is a Member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP).

Mrs. Idelle Leavy

Idelle M. Leavy, a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has attended McNeese State College in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has been Dr. Beale's office manager since 1971 and his Diet Counselor since 1974. As such she has more experience in dealing with overweight patients than any other non-physician in the Washington, DC area. She is widely known for her sympathetic personality, ability to relate, unselfish devotion, and helpful suggestions that aid the overweight person in losing weight. She has attended numerous seminars and training sessions in order to gain the knowledge necessary to aid in weight reduction. Mrs. Leavy is conversant in French and Creole.

Ms. Lisa M. Beale

Lisa M. Beale, Dr. Beale's older daughter, has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Howard University and a Master of Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University. She had been an entrepreneur in the computer business for many years when she was asked by her father to leave Los Angeles and return to Washington, DC to help with his weight reduction practice. As Dr. Beale's daughter, she "grew up" with the practice and worked in the office in many capacities as a youth. Lisa was glad to return to the practice and to the service of humanity, as she was not being fulfilled spiritually working primarily with machines. She holds the titles of Director of Operations and Assistant Diet Counselor. She is an Affiliate Member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP). Lisa has received and continues to receive organized training in weight reduction counseling.

Other Staff Members

Other staff members are receptionists and medical assistants. They are chosen for their skill and sympathy in dealing with the patients. All medical assistants are excellent at drawing blood. We realize that an overweight person often has small veins, so we are very good at drawing blood on the first attempt. Two staff members speak fluent Spanish and English.