August 2, 2007

Akron’s ‘PA Bob’ Ends 42-Year Career in Medicine

Robert Watson, a Certified Physician Assistant at the Akron Mercy Medical Clinic in Akron, Iowa, will retire in September after a career in the medical field that spans four decades.

Known by his patients and Akron area residents as “PA Bob,” Watson joined the Akron Mercy Medical Clinic more than 19 years ago.

In 2003, Watson was honored as Iowa’s PA of the Year by the Iowa Physician Assistant Society.

Watson began his career in medicine in 1965 as an Air Force medic. After tours of duty in South Dakota, Vietnam, and North Dakota, he was selected by the Air Force to attend its physician assistant training program. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Nebraska in Omaha with a Bachelor of Science degree in medicine and surgery. He then continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force until his retirement in May 1988. He would then move to Akron the following month.

“PA Bob has been a stabilizing influence on the continued availability of medical care in the Akron area,” said Lori Heeren, the clinic’s manager. “He is living proof of the very important role that mid-level providers play in the field of health care.”

“He has delivered excellent care with great compassion and personal attention. He will be truly missed, but we wish him the best for a happy, health-filled retirement. After looking after others for so long, he certainly has earned time for himself,” Heeren added.

The Akron Mercy Medical Clinic will host special retirement open house to honor Watson on Friday, Aug. 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the medical clinic, which is located at 321 Mill Street. Members of the public are cordially invited to attend the event.

Watson’s colleagues, Dr. Cindie Wolff, Dr. David Wolff, and Dr. Allison Schoenfelder, will continue to serve patients of the Akron Mercy Medical Clinic.