René is a pediatrician, having lived and practiced pediatrics here on the Central Coast since 1986. A graduate of the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Dr. Bravo did his internship and residency at Stanford University Medical Center.
A longtime advocate for children and families, René is currently in private practice in San Luis Obispo. Active in many community endeavors, he has served as the Chief of Pediatrics at Sierra Vista and French Hospitals. He was the past Chief of Staff at SLO General Hospital.
Locally, René has served on many community boards including leadership positions in the American Cancer Society, the Partnership for the Children of San Luis Obispo County and the San Luis Obispo County Foundation for Public Libraries (past-President). He is past Chairman of the State of California’s Medical Drug Use Review (DUR) Board in Sacramento appointed by Gov. Wilson to help design, develop and implement the nation’s largest DUR program for the State’s MediCal recipients.
René is especially passionate about children's health issues and has served as President of the Partnership for the Children of San Luis Obispo County and assisted in the initial vision and development of the Clinic de Tolosa Dental Clinic in Paso Robles serving low income families. He currently serves on the San Luis Obispo County Children and Families Commission (First Five Commission). First Five has been a powerful vehicle to affect children's health and welfare as they work with various entities in the community. He was the founding President of the Children's Health Initiative of San Luis Obispo County, bringing together a widespread coalition of private, public and government organizations to found and support a universal health care network for all children in San Luis Obispo County.
René is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A family man, René lives in San Luis Obispo with his wife and their five sons.