Robert Adler Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award

Robert Adler, 2011 Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumnus

Department of Anthropology alumnus Robert C. Adler, AB ’72, DMD ’76, received the Washington University Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award in spring 2011.

The 14th Annual Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony bestowed four Distinguished Alumni Awards as well as the Dean's Medal. Hosting the ceremony were Gary S. Wihl, dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences and the Hortense and Tobias Lewin Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, and the Arts & Sciences National Council, led by Chair Barbara Schaps Thomas, AB '76. The alumni awards recognize graduates who have exemplified the ideals embodied by an Arts & Sciences education and have brought honor to Washington University through their lives, work, and service.

Adler was an anthropology undergraduate who went on to earn a degree from the university's School of Dental Medicine. He conducted research and practiced dentistry in St. Louis until 1983, when he was recruited to be co-investigator on a grant examining the neuroscience of pain at UCLA. Adler then founded Pain Management Associates, one of the first multidisciplinary pain-management practices in Southern California, where he continued his practice until retiring in 2006.

In retirement, Adler launched a voluntary, independent effort to build a pillar for peace in the Middle East. He has worked with Palestine's Ministry of Health to implement state-of-the-art health care based on the latest technology and Israel's efficient health system.

Adler and his wife, Alexis Deutsch Adler, also strongly support children, youth, and families through many organizations, including Phoenix House, Every Child, and International Medical Corps, and they provide extensive service to Washington University.