Robert J. Kaplan, MD, a Memphis dermatologist, philanthropist, and long-time patron of the University of Tennessee, was awarded the Jim and Natalie Haslam Presidential Medal during the 2017 University of Tennessee President’s Council awards dinner last month in Memphis. 

The medal is given to individuals who have a record of supporting the university through exemplary giving, volunteer leadership and service. Recipients also motivate others to support the University of Tennessee, and exhibit a personal history of integrity and excellence.

A 1973 graduate of the UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Medicine, Kaplan practices medicine at Kaplan Dermatology in Memphis, and holds multiple leadership positions at his alma mater. He serves on the UTHSC Foundation’s board of directors and the UTHSC College of Medicine Alumni Council. His philanthropic contributions to the College of Medicine allowed for the creation in 2005 of the Kaplan Clinical Skills and Assessment Center at UTHSC. Kaplan’s support and vision led to the creation the Kaplan-Amonette Department of Dermatology at UTHSC in 2013.