University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
09/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2024 12:06
UW Oshkosh biology alumnus Robinson will receive 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Aaron Robinson '12, center, is medical director of Hennepin (Minnesota) Emergency Medical Services.
Aaron Robinson, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a 2012 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduate with a bachelor's degree in biology, is an emergency medicine physician with Hennepin County Medical Center. Robinson, who grew up near Winneconne, will be honored by UWO next month with a 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Following graduation from UWO, Robinson earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin. He serves as an assistant professor of emergency medicine and medical director of education and critical care and serves the National Football League in Minneapolis as visiting team medical liaison.
Dr. Nick Simpson is chief medical director of Hennepin Emergency Medical Services and emergency medicine faculty member at the Hennepin Healthcare System and is assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He helped oversee Robinson's EMS fellowship.
Aaron Robinson '12, , left, who graduated with a UWO degree in biology, continued his education and is an emergency medicine physician in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"He (Robinson) is the proverbial 'triple-threat' (outstanding clinical, teaching, and research abilities) that is highly recruitable in academic medicine," Simpson said. "It is my opinion that most physicians looking to start their academic careers strive to aim for this triple combination skill set. Aaron has already achieved it as his baseline from which to launch the rest of his career."
Simpson said Robinson distinguished himself by being an excellent source of clinical information for the medical students, residents, nurses, and paramedics that work with them and was sought out for his easy communication style and non-judgmental instruction.
Simpson praised Robinson's significant research abilities and efforts locally, regionally and nationally. He said he would be "remiss" if he did not call attention to the emergency medicine academic contributions Robinson has provided to the underserved, Native American population. He noted his Native American ethnicity has allowed him to connect with many in the local community and he's served as a medical outreach ambassador, providing education in areas including addiction, overdose recognition and emergency bystander treatment. He's been a mentor to other Native Americans interested in pursuing careers in emergency medicine.
"I can think of no better candidate to submit for recognition as an outstanding alumnus. His future is very bright indeed," Simpson said in a 2023 letter of support.
Aaron Robinson, left, enjoys spending time with his family, along with lifting weights, playing drums, recording music and serving on the board of directors for the Native American Community Clinic.
Dana Vaughan Merriman, professor of biology at UWO, and three other faculty members, provided a lengthy letter of support for Robinson in 2011, in his application for medical school.
Merriman noted how Robinson, after asking how he could do better following a B grade, took every piece of advice to heart and followed by earning A grades on all subsequent exams and a perfect 100% on the recitations portion of his course grade.
Robinson was called one of the finest students Merriman has taught and advised-she estimated the number of pre-med students she evaluated in depth to be well over 1,000-between her time at UWO and a previous position at Utah State University.
"Aaron Robinson is in the Top 10 individuals (top 0.01%) in terms of his motivation and suitability for medicine, not just clinical medicine but also medical research," Merriman said, adding that it is rare to see his combination of qualities in any student.
Robinson said he is thankful to work with an incredible group of talented, motivated individuals to bring cutting edge care to the patients that come to their hospital.
He credited Merriman (nee Vaughan) with helping lead to his success.
"Dr. Merriman was an incredible mentor during my undergraduate years. She helped shape me as a person and allowed me to grow and be successful in my medical career. She has mentored so many students on their journey and she has impacted countless lives from her mentoring."
The UW Oshkosh Alumni Association will celebrate the talents and successes of 13 alumni during Homecoming weekend Oct. 18-19. There are four receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, two recognized with Alumni Outstanding Service Awards and seven, including Robinson, being honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Learn more:
UWO Police Chief Tarmann to be honored for his volunteer efforts, energy and leadership
UW Oshkosh psychology alumna Blair Braun earns 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award
International studies, political science alumna Dahse earns 2024 UWO Outstanding Young Alumni Award
UW Oshkosh nursing alumnus Carter to be honored with 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award
13 UWO alumni to be honored at Alumni Awards Celebration Homecoming weekend