Fox Cities News

Dr. Aaron Robinson, a 2012 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) graduate with a bachelor's degree in biology, will receive the 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from his alma mater next month. Robinson currently serves as the medical director of Hennepin Emergency Medical Services in Minnesota and is an emergency medicine physician at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Robinson, who grew up near Winneconne, pursued further education after graduating from UWO. He earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin. Additionally, he holds positions as an assistant professor of emergency medicine and medical director of education and critical care. He also works with the National Football League in Minneapolis as a visiting team medical liaison.

Dr. Nick Simpson, chief medical director of Hennepin Emergency Medical Services and an emergency medicine faculty member at the Hennepin Healthcare System, oversaw Robinson’s EMS fellowship. Simpson praised Robinson's clinical, teaching, and research abilities: “He (Robinson) is the proverbial ‘triple-threat’ (outstanding clinical, teaching, and research abilities) that is highly recruitable in academic medicine.”

Simpson highlighted Robinson's role as an excellent source of clinical information for students, residents, nurses, and paramedics due to his communication style and non-judgmental instruction. He also commended Robinson’s significant research contributions locally, regionally, and nationally.

Robinson has made notable contributions to underserved Native American populations through his outreach work in areas such as addiction education and overdose recognition. His efforts have included mentoring other Native Americans interested in careers in emergency medicine.

Dana Vaughan Merriman, professor of biology at UWO, recalled how Robinson excelled academically after seeking advice on improving his grades during his undergraduate years. Merriman described him as one of the finest students she has taught: “Aaron Robinson is in the Top 10 individuals (top 0.01%) in terms of his motivation and suitability for medicine.”

Reflecting on his career achievements thus far, Robinson expressed gratitude for working with talented colleagues to provide advanced patient care. He credited Merriman for her mentorship during his undergraduate studies: “She helped shape me as a person and allowed me to grow and be successful in my medical career.”

The UW Oshkosh Alumni Association will honor 13 alumni during Homecoming weekend on October 18-19. Four will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award; two will be recognized with Alumni Outstanding Service Awards; seven others including Robinson will be honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.