Dr. Carmen Robinson, MD

Dr. Carmen Tabrielle Robinson is a woman of conviction.

A dedicated physician, community leader, and accomplished vocalist, she has spent her life balancing science and art, faith and reason, service and leadership. Her journey reflects resilience, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and a deep passion for uplifting others.

Early Life and Foundations of Excellence

Born into a family that prized knowledge and spirited debate, Dr. Robinson grew up in an environment that fostered intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. Her parents, Ted and Beverly Robinson of North Carolina, instilled in her the values of diligence and faith. Her brother, a Navy veteran and surgical technician, added to the household’s rich atmosphere of discussion and debate, whether on scientific, theological, or philosophical matters. From an early age, she learned to think critically, work tirelessly, and pursue her goals with unwavering determination.

Education was a pillar in the Robinson household. Dr. Robinson attended Pine Forge Academy, one of the four remaining historically Black boarding academies in the United States. She then continued her education at Oakwood (College) University and Winston-Salem State University, both historically Black institutions, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology. With an innate love for science and a calling to serve, she earned her medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine, a journey that tested her in ways she never could have imagined.

Medical Journey: Triumph Over Adversity

Dr. Robinson believes that the obstacles we encounter and overcome are not just personal victories; they are opportunities to help others navigate similar challenges. This belief fuels her passion for mentorship, especially for students of color who may face similar barriers in the medical field. She is a firm advocate of using her experiences to guide, mentor, and uplift those who come after her, ensuring that others avoid the pitfalls she endured and empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to succeed despite adversity.

From the time she could remember, Dr. Robinson knew she wanted to be a healthcare professional. She pursued every opportunity—science camps, summer programs, advanced coursework—to prepare herself for her dream career. However, medical school proved to be one of the most challenging periods of her life. Facing systemic racism and institutional adversity, she was forced to fight for her place in the profession. The resulting depression and anxiety she experienced nearly cost her education. She encountered those who doubted her capabilities and attempted to derail her journey, but she also found mentors and allies who advocated for her and helped her navigate the trials she endured.

There were moments of doubt, moments when she questioned whether medicine was truly her calling. But through faith, perseverance, and the consistent support of her family and community, she overcame. Despite the setbacks, she not only completed her medical education with honors, but was also elected Chief Resident during her residency at Baylor College of Medicine. After obtaining her board certification, she went on to serve as Assistant Professor in the family medicine department, where she cared for patients, precepted medical students, and taught in the residency program.

Today, Dr. Robinson serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Western NC Community Health Services. She directs all clinical operations, ensuring that the highest standards of care are met, particularly for underserved communities. Her leadership in healthcare spans multiple organizations where she has spearheaded quality improvement initiatives and expanded access to essential services in marginalized communities.

Beyond administration, she is deeply involved in mentorship, guiding new medical professionals, and advocating for policy changes that enhance healthcare access for all. Her work has been instrumental in transitioning healthcare organizations into value-based care models, ensuring sustainable, patient-centered medical services for the communities she serves.

A Passion for the Arts: The Singing Doctor

While medicine is her profession, music is her passion. Dr. Robinson is a classically trained lyric soprano who has traveled across the country as a soloist and ensemble member. She has performed with esteemed organizations such as Piedmont Opera and the Asheville Symphony Chorus, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and emotive performances.

Her love for music is deeply intertwined with her holistic approach to well-being. She believes in the therapeutic power of music, understanding its ability to heal, uplift, and inspire. Whether in the clinic or on the stage, she is dedicated to nurturing the human spirit.

Community Involvement and Service

Dr. Robinson is not only a healer and an artist but also a committed servant leader. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated, two esteemed organizations dedicated to service, sisterhood, and social impact. Through these affiliations, she engages in initiatives that support education, health advocacy, and community development, particularly for Black communities.

In addition to her organizational involvement, Dr. Robinson is a sought-after speaker at community events, churches, and conferences, where she empowers individuals to take responsibility for their health. She is dedicated to improving health outcomes in her community by fostering awareness, education, and preventive care strategies. By bridging the gap between medicine and public engagement, she works to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their well-being and make informed healthcare decisions. A proponent for mental health, Dr. Robinson stresses the importance of therapy, medication when needed, and physical activity. She leads through example by exercising regularly, meditating, leaning into her faith, and seeing her own therapist twice monthly.

Additionally, her involvement in medical associations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, NC Academy of Family Physicians, and the National Medical Association, ensures that she remains at the forefront of healthcare advancements and advocacy efforts.

The Intersection of Medicine and Advocacy

As a primary care physician and Chief Medical Officer of a federally qualified health center, Dr. Robinson has the honor of caring for patients who have been historically marginalized. These are often individuals of lower socioeconomic status, those with low literacy, and those at higher risk of morbidity and mortality from complex chronic medical conditions. Her patients include Black and brown communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people living with HIV, those with substance use disorders, immigrants and refugees, the uninsured and underinsured, and the unhoused.

Though working in this space has always presented challenges due to the complexities of the healthcare system, Dr. Robinson recognizes that we are now in an unprecedented political and cultural climate. The restriction of information in science and medicine, threats to public health grant funding, and increasing hostility toward marginalized groups present new and alarming obstacles. Misinformation has contributed to the return of previously eradicated illnesses, posing a dire threat to public health.

Dr. Robinson firmly believes that there is no corner of society that will remain unaffected by these issues. She calls upon healthcare professionals, policymakers, and everyday citizens to take action—to not stand idly by as these injustices unfold. Advocacy, education, and vocal opposition to systemic barriers are imperative.

Balancing Motherhood and Medicine

Among Dr. Robinson’s most cherished roles is that of being a mother to her five-year-old daughter and an aunt to two amazing nephews, along with a host of young cousins. Parenthood and family connections have brought a new dimension to her understanding of healthcare, deepening her commitment to advocating for policies that support families, children, and working parents. As a physician, she strives to create a world where access to quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege, ensuring that future generations, including her daughter’s and the young members of her family, inherit a more just and equitable society.

Vision for the Future

As she continues her journey, Dr. Robinson envisions a future where healthcare is more equitable, where young professionals of color are empowered to break barriers, and where the arts and sciences coexist to enhance the human experience. She remains steadfast in her mission to uplift, heal, and inspire—whether through medicine, mentorship, or music.

For the people of western North Carolina and beyond, Dr. Carmen Tabrielle Robinson is more than a physician—she is an example of strength, leadership, and resilience. Her story underscores that success is never a solitary journey—it is shaped by dedication, perseverance, and a clear sense of purpose, but equally by the guidance, support, and encouragement of those who believe in our potential. Her journey illustrates that true success is a collective effort—built on perseverance, faith, and the willingness to advocate for others, ensuring that progress extends beyond oneself and into the lives of future generations.