Robert A. Schwartz, MD, MPH, NJMS professor and director of dermatology, is also a professor of medicine. “I find students stimulating and enjoy imparting my experience in medicine to them.” A political science graduate with an MPH in medical administration, he earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1974. Schwartz received the NJMS “Faculty of the Year” award in 2002. Chosen often as a “Top Doc” in the New York metropolitan area, he lectures all over the world and has been the recipient of numerous international awards. “Dermatology,” he says, “is the most interesting and competitive specialty of all.”

A graduate of Rutgers University School of Pharmacy, she worked in hospitals, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry before realizing that she wanted to continue challenging herself professionally. As a Tsunami Relief Benefit coordinator during her first year of medical school, she helped raise thousands of dollars and recalls the UMDNJ-wide support as “amazing.” Perhaps even more amazing is how this student’s commitment to her education has been built alongside her zeal for community service.

My Degree: Medical degree in New Jersey Medical School’s Class of 2007. Growing up, I always enjoyed science and many members of my family are pharmacists, so by high school, that’s where I thought I wanted to go. I was accepted into the six year combined undergraduate/graduate program at Rutgers and had various experiences in healthcare settings, but I discovered that I wanted to diagnose patients and handle their care, not just their prescriptions. When I found out I had been accepted to NJMS, it was a great moment.

Memorable Case: A patient in a north Jersey clinic who had contracted HIV from a partner who left him just weeks earlier. Here at NJMS we have hands-on patient experience starting in the first semester. This man’s health was worsening but he was non-compliant about his medication. The doctor in charge talked to him but couldn’t get through. I was asked to try. Afterward, I felt so sad because I’m not sure if I changed his behavior about taking his meds. What I realized then was that no matter what you do as a doctor, your patient has to be willing to help too.

On My Extra-Curricular List: SHARE — Student Health Advocates for Resources and Education supports six programs: Unite for Sight, which provides free vision screenings; Early Start Mentoring; the Student Family Health Care Center; the New Moms Program; Students Teaching Students; and Community 2000, a Newark outreach initiative. I was the curriculum coordinator this year and put together monthly electives for fellow students. Topics ranged from breast cancer awareness to domestic violence. Students who participated also fulfilled our 12 hour community service requirement. For AAPI, the American Association of Physician Indians, I was the public relations liaison. We run cultural programs every fall and I helped organize a dance because dancing is one of my favorite things to do.

Why UMDNJ: I grew up near Newark and was always aware of UMDNJ’s great reputation. It is also very close to my family and friends, who are very important to me. I was three months old when I came to New Jersey from India, but I've spent many vacations back in our village there.

Biggest Challenge: Absorbing the amount of information you need to learn in medical school because everything is so relevant and practical. This education is all about the human race, understanding how we work, what we think, and what we need. I absolutely believe that NJMS is preparing me to succeed.

 My story. Our university.