OHSU President Joe Robertson Announces Retirement After Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

Roberston will stay on at the helm of the university in a reduced capacity through the end of the 2017-2018 academic year.

Portland Aerial Tram and Oregon Health & Science University (Christine Dong)
By Katie Shepherd

Oregon Health & Science University President Joe Robertson will retire at the end of October after being diagnosed with Multiple Scerosis, or MS, six weeks ago.

Robertson will stay on at the helm of the university in a reduced capacity through the end of the 2017-2018 academic year. He had been president of the university since 2006 after serving the hospital for 21 years as a retinal surgeon.

"My diagnosis was a shock to me and my family," Robertson said in a statement. "While my doctors assure me that I could continue to execute my role as president, this news has compelled me to re-evaluate my future and my family's well-being."

Robertson led the expansion of the Southern Waterfront campus and oversaw significant fundraising efforts that brought in more than $1 billion for cancer research.

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