He Followed His Dreams
Dr. Paul Wetter, surgeon and innovator, is well known for advancing minimally invasive and robotic surgery to improve patient outcomes
By Debby Teich
Photography by Trent Bell
The scholarship donation by Dr. Paul Wetter and his wife, Janis, is intended to encourage medical students to be forward thinkers.
P
aul Wetter, B.S. ’71, M.D. ’75, an OB-GYN specialist, has been an innovative and visionary leader in medicine through his collaborations at the Miller School and worldwide. His pioneering surgical techniques and instrument development have led to significant advances in robotic and minimally invasive surgery.
Wetter became interested in medicine at a young age while visiting his sick brother in hospitals. He was also fascinated with engineering and finding creative ways to make things work better. He combined both passions to revolutionize the surgical field throughout his career.
“My medical education gave me the foundation to develop innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Wetter, clinical professor emeritus at the Miller School, who completed his residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System.
In the 1980s, Dr. Wetter grasped the potential of the cutting-edge work gynecologist Kurt Semm was doing in Germany in pelviscopy, also known as pelvic laparoscopy. Dr. Wetter helped revolutionize surgical techniques in the United States by performing many of the first advanced laparoscopic surgeries in North America.
“We used the technique in gynecological surgeries that had previously required large incisions,” Dr. Wetter said. “It resulted in shorter hospital stays, less pain and fewer complications.”
His interest in design and innovation contributed to many of the early and current laparoscopy instruments used in several fields. He brought together multiple surgical specialties to start the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons and has dedicated much of his career to promoting the benefits of minimally invasive surgery worldwide through education and technology.
“I have been fortunate to help train a generation of laparoscopic and robotic surgeons,” Dr. Wetter said.
To help encourage medical students to be forward thinkers, for nearly 50 years Dr. Wetter and his wife, Janis, have donated to the John K. Robinson Medical Scholarship, named for the longtime associate dean for student affairs at the medical school, who was one of Dr. Wetter’s mentors. Since 2021, the Wetters have also awarded scholarships to OB-GYN and surgery senior residents who are applying to fellowships that teach advanced laparoscopy and robotics.
“I relied on scholarships to afford my medical school education, and I want to help the next generation of physicians facing financial hurdles,” Dr. Wetter said.
Although Dr. Wetter is officially retired, he continues to influence innovations in medicine through his work as a clinical advisor to international organizations and companies.
His advice to future physicians: “Leave things better than you find them. Continue to take small steps to improve your work and care of patients and the practice of medicine. Do more than you are asked to do. And follow your dreams.”
To support the John K. Robinson Medical Scholarship, click here. 
