"I've studied brain development for many years," explains Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, MD, associate professor of neuroscience and cell biology, and pediatrics at RWJMS. "I love to teach research because science is just so exciting. Physician-scientists have the opportunity to define important problems, and then we are privileged to sit in the lab, come up with solutions and test them out. However, to make this really happen, we engage the bright, energetic, young minds of students like Ian Rossman. Ian is a very special person with an unusual pairing of qualities. He's won awards for being an outstanding humanist and was one of only 29 chosen to go to Russia with Dr. Patch Adams. Imagine someone so on fire about practicing pediatrics who would then want to do ground-breaking research."

There are two very different sides to this student and not just because
of his MD/PhD. Winner of a National Institutes of Health fellowship for his investigations into the role of an autism-associated gene during postnatal brain development, he is excited about being part of the only team in the world researching the genetic locus of this neuro-developmental puzzle. Yet, he’s also enjoyed playing the clown whether that means running a child’s birthday party here in New Jersey or visiting Russian orphanages in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Becoming a doctor, in fact, is the only career that could ever tie together his need for real personal interaction, especially with children, and a love for advanced science.

My Degrees: A PhD from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and a medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Class of 2009. I’m hoping to be a pediatric neurologist and combine a clinical practice with basic science research. It just takes some flexibility.

Proudest Achievement: Traveling to Russia during my second year at RWJMS with Patch Adams, MD. His Gesundheit Institute is dedicated to the healing arts and social change globally. I was part of an international group of clowns. Very few medical students get to experience the healing power of laughter. This was an absolutely life-altering trip spent visiting orphanages and cancer hospitals dressed as a clown and making children laugh in spite of language barriers. These kids’ lives have few bright spots. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to bring this insight with me into my last two years of clinical training.

Best Educational Experience: “Introduction to the Patient” during my second year of med school. All the studying made sense when I put it together to diagnose a patient. I could also see how far a little extra attention would go to make a patient more comfortable. I chose RWJMS because of its facilities and commitment to growth and in the five years I’ve been here, we have really succeeded in attracting top tier clinicians and scientists.

Biggest Challenge: Planning a wedding while trying to make progress in the lab. I proposed to my wife during the 2004 Society for Neuroscience convention in San Diego. It was my first big meeting. My scientific poster was successful, as well as my sunset proposal.

Favorite Clinician: My family doctor, Dr. Joseph Cohn, patient-oriented, sincere, independent — a wonderful physician and friend — he still makes house calls here in New Jersey when necessary.

Saddest UMDNJ Moment: When Ira Black, chair of the RWJMS neuroscience department, died very suddenly. The emotional and logistical vacuum here is still evident. I’m lucky to have been a part of his scientific family.

Most Memorable Patient: A 98-year-old woman who had just recovered from pneumonia and was ready to be released from Cooper Hospital in Camden. I felt honored to interview her and take her history.

 My story. Our university.