Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Robert F. Saul
The 1972 Virginia Wesleyan graduate enjoyed a 43-year career in medicine
University News | December 4, 2023
Alumnus Dr. Robert Saul majored in biology while at Virginia Wesleyan during the institution's early years. After graduation in 1972, he continued his education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine where he graduated as a doctor of medicine in 1976 with Board Certification in Neurology & Vascular Neurology, and as a Fellowship-Trained Neuro-Ophthalmologist.
After 43 years in the medical profession, Saul is now retired from his role as a professor of neurology at Virginia Tech’s Carilion School of Medicine and neuro-ophthalmologist at Carilion Clinic, a not–for–profit health care organization based in Roanoke, Va.
He says that his time at Virginia Wesleyan greatly impacted his career success. “It solidified the fact that I learned best in smaller venues and I had really good mentors along the way.” His best memories are of the many friendships he established, biology fieldtrips, graduation day and the dedicated, caring professors at Virginia Wesleyan, especially Drs. Verne Keefer, Robert Hufstedler, and Laurence Ferreri.
What would he most want current students to know? “The importance of continued lifetime learning beyond the degree in your chosen occupation is vital if you want to be successful and achieve self-satisfaction in what you have accomplished.”