Robert Shields, MD

Robert W. Shields Jr., MD, was named Head of the Autonomic Laboratory, Department of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic, in 2003. He has served as a Staff Neurologist since 1988. Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic, he held a variety of positions at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital (MetroHealth Medical Center), including Director of the Adult Muscular Dystrophy Association, Director of the EMG Laboratory, Acting Director of the Department of Neurology, and Acting Director, Neurology Residency Training Program. He has also held several medical school appointments at Case Western Reserve University, primarily as Assistant Professor of Neurology, and spent 10 years as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine.

His specialty interests include electromyography, neuromuscular disease and autonomic disorders. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology with an added qualification in clinical neurophysiology, and in electrodiagnostic medicine; he is also a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners.

A Miami native, Dr. Shields graduated in 1970 from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1974. Dr. Shields served an internship in straight medicine at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital (MetroHealth Medical Center), where he was also a Junior Assistant Resident and Senior Assistant Resident in neurology, and completed his residency in neuropathology in 1978. Dr. Shields was also a Special Fellow in neurology, electromyography, at Cleveland Clinic in 1978 and a Clinical Fellow in muscular dystrophy at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital in 1978-1979.

Dr. Shields has been an investigator in more than 20 research projects. He is the author of several dozen journal articles, has contributed numerous chapters and reviews to various publications and is a frequent presenter at medical conferences around the world.

Dr. Shields is a member of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Library Advisory Committee and has also been active with the Cleveland Medical Library Association and the Cleveland Health Sciences Library, Case Western Reserve University.