Robert E. Schmidt, MD, PhD

2024 Dean’s Impact Award Recipient

Robert E. Schmidt, MD, PhD, began his career at Washington University as an undergraduate and was one of the earliest MD/PhD students in the Medical Scientist Training Program. He has led the neuropathology division and fellowship for over three decades. His legacy is evident in the more than 30 neuropathology fellows who have benefited from his mentorship, including two current pathology department chairs and two dozen faculty who are active physician-scientists practicing across the United States. His ability to recruit, train and mentor future neuropathologists is enhanced by his affable personality, ever-present sense of humor and dedication to teaching. He is always available to review challenging neuropathology cases and to advise faculty and fellows on research projects. Schmidt has published over 200 papers, book chapters and review articles, the majority being with trainees he has mentored during his long tenure at WashU Medicine. The commitment Schmidt continues to show to assist trainees and faculty with their careers is a trait all can aspire to emulate. His career exemplifies dedication to service as an educator, neuropathologist and scientist.