Robert Kirby graduated Salutatorian of the Unity class of 1962. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Illinois, graduating with honors in Liberal Arts and Sciences.  At the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, he graduated Valedictorian of his graduating class with high honors. Dr.Kirby completed an additional three years of residency training at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the specialty of Internal Medicine; completed two years of military service, where he was Director of Outpatient Services at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, California.  He subsequently completed advanced clinical training in the subspecialty of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Albert Chandler Memorial Medical Center, University of Kentucky. Dr.Kirby practices medicine at Carle Clinic in Urbana, and serves as faculty for the University of Illinois, College of Medicine as Clinical Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, Graduate and Continuing Medical Education.  He oversees educational programs for students and physicians.

Awards from local and national organizations include Fellowship in the American College of Physicians, Fellowship in the American College of Endocrinology, Outstanding Educator-Carle Hospital, Outstanding Clinical Teacher-University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Kirby likes to quote a famous physician teacher in giving advice to young people: “Take no thought for tomorrow.  Live neither in the past nor in the future, but let each day’s work absorb your entire energies, and satisfy your wildest ambition.”