Robin Wright, MD, earned her medical degree from the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. Her pediatric residency took her to the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she subsequently joined the Department of Pediatrics faculty in 1997. Her clinical work has spanned several UW Health clinics — and landscapes, as she has a strong and active interest in wilderness medicine.
Wright will retire this month. She wrote the following retirement message to her colleagues and new faculty members.
Robin Wright, MD, looks back on 28 years
I started as a UW pediatrician right out of residency (in the 1900s!), working for a branch of the UW SMPH that no longer exists, University Community Clinics. Throughout my career I have witnessed many organizational transformations, including mergers, separations, and re-mergers. With all of these changes I have had the privilege to work alongside colleagues who strove to keep compassionate patient care at the forefront of everything we do. Amy Plumb, MD, was my first and most influential teacher, modeling what an outstanding pediatrician looks like. Patricia Staats, MD, who retired from the UW in 2019, was the understated fount of knowledge that kept me up to date before the software was developed. Gail Allen, MD, was the force for driving evidence-based quality initiatives so we could all provide exemplary care. I have learned to embrace change as the driving force toward progress. I started out writing notes on paper and reading x-rays from plastic films. The technological advancements have been astounding. I think we all have a love/hate relationship with Epic, but it sure beats trying to read the tiny script handwriting of Kok-Peng Yu, MD!
As I look back after 28 years as a pediatrician, I am proud of successfully combining my personal passion with my professional abilities. As an undergraduate biologist and the sister of a National Park Ranger, I have always been interested in the outdoors and the need for scientific exploration of our world, climate, and wildlife. I have done additional training in expedition medicine, obtaining an International Diploma in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow. I have supported scientists conducting their field work in remote locations in Mexico and Belize. I am also a program leader, bringing UW undergraduates to Tanzania twice a year for field work in health, education, and culture. In my retirement I plan to continue Expedition Medicine and hope to accompany an exploration group to Antarctica.
I would advise new physicians to always prioritize compassion and empathy. Medicine goes beyond diagnosis and treatments: it is about understanding your patients as individuals. The biggest joy in pediatrics is the privilege of assisting parents in raising healthy, happy, well-adjusted young adults. It’s essential to cultivate genuine relationships, to listen with intent, and to remember that every patient you encounter is an opportunity for you to make a difference to them and for you to grow in your own knowledge. Above all, have compassion and empathy for yourself; you cannot do it all professionally and still have adequate time for self and family. Self-care is as important as patient care.