Robert Ernst

Robert Ernst is the Chief Health Officer and Associate Vice President of Student Life for Health and Wellness at the University of Michigan.1 He has been serving in these roles since July 2022 and June 2018, respectively.1

Dr. Ernst is a medical professional with extensive experience in healthcare administration and education. He received his BS in Biology from the University of Notre Dame and his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School.1

Throughout his career, Dr. Ernst has held several significant positions at the University of Michigan:

1. Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Medical School (August 2006 - Present)
2. Associate Chief of General Internal Medicine and Assistant Chair of Internal Medicine for Primary Care (January 2016 - June 2018)
3. Medical Director of University Health Service (September 2003 - December 2015)
4. Associate Residency Director in the Department of Internal Medicine (August 1996 - September 2003)

In his current role as Chief Health Officer, Dr. Ernst serves as a direct advisor to the university president on matters related to the wellbeing of the university community. His responsibilities include promoting health and wellness, managing diseases, and ensuring public health preparedness across all three campuses of the University of Michigan.1

Dr. Ernst has also played a crucial role in the university's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was appointed by the president to lead the U-M community through the pandemic as the director of Campus Covid-19 Response and chair of the Campus Health Response Committee.1

In addition to his administrative duties, Dr. Ernst maintains an active primary care practice as a clinical assistant professor at the U-M Medical School, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to patient care and medical education.1