Dr. Zimmerman was a champion of interdisciplinary cooperation in aid of a child. With his colleagues in neurosurgery, neuropathology, and radiology, he helped to create and maintain the world-renowned Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology at CHOP. In honor of his extraordinary excellence and his years of dedication, CHOP created the Robert A. Zimmerman Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neuroradiology in 2018, presently held by Dr Larissa T. Bilaniuk.
Dr. Zimmerman’s research was recognized nationally and internationally. For decades, he was the featured speaker at national and international scientific meetings. For his work, Dr. Zimmerman received countless awards and honors, including the honorary membership of the Belgian Radiological Society in 2000 and the European Society of Neuroradiology in 2001, the Amerian Society of Neuroradiology Special Achievement Award (later designated the Gold Medal) in 2002, the Award for Special Contributions in Research from the American Society of Neuroradiology in 2012, and the honorary membership of the Italian Neuroradiological Society in 2016.