Obituary of Michael Robbins

Kernersville – Michael E. Robbins, 58, passed away on November 23, 2012 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. A memorial celebration will be held 12:00PM Friday, November 30, 2012 at Babcock Auditorium on the campus of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Visitors should enter on the parking deck A and park on the blue level. Shuttle and parking passes will be available. Mike is survived by his wife Pam Scordas Robbins of the home; mother Liliane Classen Robbins of Kenilworth, England; brother Mark and Teresa; sister Monique and Jim. Mike was preceded in death by his first wife Lucy, father Bill Robbins, and sister Maryse. Mike was born in London, England and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1976 and PhD in 1980 at Thames Polytechnic in Woolwich, London, England. Mike spent his career researching the effects of radiation on normal tissues and held positions in England and the University of Iowa. He was recruited to the Wake Forest School of Medicine in 2001 as a Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Section Head of Radiation Biology. During his tenure at Wake Forest, Mike developed a world-class research program in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced brain injury and was a senior leader in the Thomas K. Hearn Brain Tumor Center of Excellence. At the time of his death, Mike was principal investigator (PI), co-PI, or collaborator on 13 research grants from entities such as the National Cancer Institute, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Mike published 21 book chapters and over 120 research articles and mentored 20 graduate and post-doctoral students. His outstanding leadership and commitment to his colleagues in the laboratory created an atmosphere of genuine collaboration which led to the success of his team nationally and internationally. Mike lectured worldwide in his areas of academic expertise and was the recipient of numerous honors and awards. Mike, a beloved friend and colleague to many, will be greatly missed. He had a passion for racing/sport motorcycles, WWII history, traveling, and hiking with his wife and dogs Dash, Chase, and Stella. Everyone who knew Mike enjoyed his dry sense of humor. Pam extends special thanks to the many doctors and staff at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest as well as Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Medical ICU who were involved in his care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Lucy Robbins Graduate Fellowship Fund, c/o Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157. Family, friends, and colleagues may sign the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com. Directions for Mike's Memorial Celebration: Take Business 40 to Exit 4A Cloverdale Avenue Turn right onto Cloverdale At the first light, turn left onto Medical Center Boulevard Turn left and turn into Patient & Visitor Parking Deck A Park on the Blue Level Shuttle and parking passes will be available Service Information