Robert F. Austin, Jr. ’54

After three years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Austin pursued a graduate degree in biology from Boston College and a doctor of medicine from Meharry Medical College. He completed his medical training with a pediatric residency at Upstate Medical Center, State University of New York, as well as with a fellowship in hematology from Tufts University, affiliated with Boston City Hospital. Following pediatric residency and fellowship in hematology, he established the pediatric hematology section at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, N.Y. Austin is president of R.J. Austin Consultant, Development, and Training in Houston, and has more than 46 years of experience as a pediatrician. He is founder of Project Medical Home through Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates and served for five years as director of the first center. He is also assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. He serves as the chairman of the advisory committee for the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions. He is on the board of directors for the Collaborative for Children. He received an honorary degree from Grinnell in 1996.