- Dr. Robert Carter
Although a Texan by birth, I consider myself a native Californian as my family moved to Huntington Beach, CA when I was two. By age 12, I was spending all summer every summer at the beach and in the water as a Junior Lifeguard, which ultimately lead to an early career as an ocean lifeguard on one of the busiest stretches of coastline in the US. I worked in Huntington Beach as a Lifeguard for 13 years, with my career ending between 1st and 2nd year of medical school.
That job got me through high school and college, where I completed a BS in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and a BA in Spanish. I was initially considering Marine Biology/Ecology, but soon realized that medicine was the trade I wanted to learn.
I completed my degree for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA in May 2003 with financial help from the Navy's Health Professions Scholarship Program. Post-doctoral training to this point includes a categorical pediatric internship at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego. After internship, I was selected for UMO/DMO (Undersea/Dive Medical Officer) training in Groton, CT and Panama City, FL.
After UMO/DMO school, I was sent to the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL, far from the ocean, where I am currently serving to provide medical screening for recruits for special undersea duties, which include submarine, nuclear field, dive and special warfare.
My wife, 2 daughters and I now reside in Illinois (far from the ocean), where I am seeking out any and all diving opportunities (including Lake Michigan!) and am thankful for the opportunity to serve in support of Dr. Lindholm and his team.
The Aquarius Program is outstanding, with the highest quality professionals working hard to ensure a safe and productive opportunity for research of the undersea world. I look forward to any opportunities in the future to work with this quality team as they continue to further scientific knowledge and understanding of this fragile and critical ecosystem.
