Black History Month 2025: A Spotlight on African Americans and Labor
Dr. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., has over 30 years of experience as a senior leader in the United States Military Healthcare System which led to his 2007 confirmation as the 36th Surgeon General of the United States Navy.
As the first African American Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Robinson served as the primary advisor on all health care issues and policies for the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He led a team of 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel in over 220 healthcare facilities throughout the world. He served the Navy for 37 years, retiring in 2011.
Dr. Robinson entered the Navy as a general medical officer and is a first generation servicemember as no other member of his family served in the military, and today, he is a Veteran serving Veterans with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Robinson was appointed Executive Medical Center Director at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System August 2020. He has a commitment to ensuring the men and women who have worn the uniform of our U.S. Armed Forces receives quality VA care. Prior to his appointment in Hawaii, Dr. Robinson served as Director of the VA Maryland Health Care System in Baltimore, MD and Chief of Staff, leading a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals providing Veterans with comprehensive health care.
Dr. Robinson is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and a noted humanitarian and expert in disaster relief. “As a physician, I have devoted myself to helping people in need,” he explains. “As a military officer and Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy, I learned the commitment of service,” said Dr. Robinson.
He is a Certified Physician Executive of the American College of Physician Executives and the author of numerous publications, holding a fellowship in the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Dr. Robinson’s personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various service and campaign awards.