Robert Joseph Mathieson was born stardate 2326 in London's east end to parents who dreamed of a better life in a better place, but usually developed their dreams in London's pubs. As a child, Mathieson swore he would never end up like his parents, and used every resource in his grasp to change his chances in life. Nature was not kind - Mathieson had a diminutive stature in a tough neighborhood, and each step towards his freedom was earned tooth and nail. Completing elementary education at Dombey Grade School, he took the first opportunity to go offworld by shaking the hand of a Starfleet Marine recruiter.

Mathieson completed training and was quickly assigned to USS Covington on the Federation/Cardassian frontier. A mission undertaken to move a colony that contained Federation citizens changed the young private, who resigned from the marines and undertook a new vocation - medicine.

Mathieson proved a bright study despite his background. After graduating from Starfleet Medical, he was assigned to the fleet once more, this time on the USS Cheyenne. Under CMO deGraaf, Mathieson was exposed to more hands on medical experience in eight years than most doctors see in twenty, preparing him well for further advancement on Starbase 23 and the USS Centaur.

Doctor Mathieson quickly developed a reputation of being an outstanding medical officer and surgeon, but also as one of the biggest mouths in the fleet. "Candor" and "tact" are soft skills the good doctor seemed to have little patience or use for.

In 2368 Mathieson was decorated with the Legion of Aesculapius for his efforts in discovering a cure for Chetheen Leprosy and was promoted to Lt. Commander and assigned to the USS Centaur, beginning the 'roller-coaster' series of promotion and demotion that would characterize his career.

Mathieson received Starfleet's Commendation for Medical Excellence in 2366 for his performance during the Cardassian-Federation War. The event seemed to be the pinnacle of his career, as conflict with the captain of the USS Centaur resulted in demotion to Lieutenant and reassignment as an instructor at Starfleet Medical.

As mentioned above, Doctor Mathieson is an excellent physician, but a terrible administrator. The posting lasted until 2371 when he told the Chief of Starfleet Medical where he could go with the overdue paperwork and, specifically, how to get there.

The doctor proved to be as capable an instructor as a surgeon, but the experience was cut short by the escalation of the Dominion War. Mathieson served near the front on Deep Space Nine and Bajor during the conflict.

Robert Mathieson seems to have hit rock bottom in his Starfleet career, but professionally has never seemed more capable or content. Due to stand down in under ten years, the physician is happy to watch others toil under the burden of administrative 'ghouls' while he practices the core of his profession. He continues to teach, whenever and wherever possible.