G. Canby Robinson, MD (1878-1960)

After serving in influential roles at Cornell and Washington University, Dr. Robinson joined Vanderbilt as chair of the Department of Medicine and dean of the School of Medicine in 1920.

Dr. Robinson is widely recognized as an agent of change. He led efforts to build a brand-new medical campus for Vanderbilt University. He is credited for establishing the “new” Vanderbilt as one of the nation’s foremost medical training facilities of its time, and on Sept. 25 1925, the magnificent new Vanderbilt Hospital and Medical School (the building now known as Medical Center North) opened its doors.

The advancements Dr. Robinson ushered in were not without controversy. As testament to his leadership and powers of persuasion, he was able to get community-based physicians to change their ways of practicing medicine to join the faculty full time. Further, he was able to persuade the university’s chancellor and board to provide $7 million, the equivalent of approximately $106 million today, for construction and related expenses for the new hospital.