Joseph "Joe" Robertson

Joseph "Joe" Robertson, M.D., M.B.A., former President of Oregon Health & Science University, a dedicated physician, visionary leader, and beloved mentor who devoted more than four decades of service to advancing health care, education, and research across the state, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the age of 73.
Dr. Robertson was a graduate of Brownstown Central High School, Yale University, and Indiana University School of Medicine. He first came to OHSU in 1979 as a resident in ophthalmology and joined the faculty in 1985. A skilled retinal surgeon, he was part of an international research team that developed a groundbreaking treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that once caused blindness in premature infants but today can be successfully treated. Even after rising to the highest levels of leadership, he remained committed to patient care, often reading ultrasounds on evenings and weekends at the Casey Eye Institute.
Recognized early for his leadership, Dr. Robertson served as director of the Casey Eye Institute and later as dean of the School of Medicine. In 2006, he was appointed the fifth president of OHSU, a role he held until 2017, when he stepped down following his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. During his presidency, OHSU experienced dramatic growth and innovation. He guided the university through landmark achievements, including the successful conclusion of the $1.2 billion Knight Cancer Challenge, the expansion of the South Waterfront campus, and the establishment of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and the Campus for Rural Health. His vision extended OHSU's reach to every corner of Oregon, ensuring that the academic health center served all of the state's 98,000 square miles.
Dr. Robertson embodied the spirit of servant leadership, leading with humility, listening deeply, and empowering others to create meaningful change. In recognition of his legacy, the Collaborative Life Sciences Building was renamed the Robertson Life Sciences Building in 2018. His accomplishments were far-reaching. He oversaw an increase in OHSU's research funding from $307 million to $410 million annually and guided the growth of the OHSU workforce by more than 4,500 employees and nearly 1,000 faculty. He played a critical role in opening the Center for Health & Healing, the Collaborative Life Sciences Building, and the Portland Aerial Tram, while also expanding OHSU's global partnerships, interprofessional education, and clinical collaborations throughout the state. He also served Oregon beyond the university through his work on the Oregon Health Policy Board, The Ford Family Foundation board, and as Chair of the Portland Branch Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Rob's impact was not only professional but deeply personal. As Oregon Governor Tina Kotek shared, "Today, Oregon mourns the passing of a visionary leader, a healer, and a tireless advocate for health equity across our state." U.S. Senator Ron Wyden remembered him as "a terrific leader and friend," while former Senate President Peter Courtney once remarked, "You can't describe health care in this state very long without mentioning Dr. Joe Robertson."
Born on July 24, 1952, in Brownstown, Rob was the son of Joe E. and Virgina (Baxter) Robertson, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Patricia Fisher, and she survives in Oregon.
Dr. Robertson is also survived by one son, C.J. Robertson of California; and many friends, colleagues, and countless patients, students, and communities, whose lives he touched. His legacy endures not only in the institutions he helped build, but in the spirit of service and compassion that defined his life's work.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Robertson was also preceded in death by one daughter, Katie Robertson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Donor's choice through Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Brownstown.
Online memories and condolences may also be given at www.spurgeonfh.com.