Aaron Friedman, MD, completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Wisconsin in 1976 and stayed on to complete a fellowship in nephrology. He went on to serve as a UW faculty member, moving through the ranks from assistant to full professor, and later led the department as chair of pediatrics from 1994 to 2005. Friedman then brought his leadership to the University of Minnesota, where he served as vice president for health services and dean of the medical school from 2012 to 2014. Since retiring in 2015, he’s continued to stay connected to both the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota as an emeritus professor.
What is your favorite part of your job? Helping others regain health and find success.
What skills or knowledge did you learn during your training at the UW that you found most useful in your career? Broad experience in pediatrics in general and excellent training in nephrology.
What advice would you give your fellow or trainee self? Always remain curious.
Are there any courses, professors, faculty members, experiences, or opportunities from your time training at UW that have had a lasting influence? Drs. [William] Segar and [Russell] Chesney taught me so much about nephrology, Dr. Hong taught me to stay curious, and Dr. [Norman] Fost taught me critical thinking and how to maintain a certain degree of healthy skepticism.
What is your best memory from your time in Madison? As a trainee: wonderful camaraderie, not only with fellow residents but also with faculty. As a faculty member: the ease with which faculty worked with each other. We loved living in Madison, and this is where our children grew up.