Mark Robson, PhD, MPH, SPH professor of environmental and occupational health, is a UMDNJ Master Educator who savors his connections with students. "Being a good teacher means leaving a lasting impression on your students," according to Robson. As a result, he can pull out reams of correspondence, piles of invitations, and thousands of emails asking for his advice on everything from a career change to help in understanding the radon testing report for a new home, which all illustrate a Robson educational factor that goes beyond pure classroom exchanges. "James is the type of student who makes teaching such a wonderful vocation."

In high school, he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a heart condition, and underwent an expensive, corrective, cardiovascular procedure at a nonprofit hospital. When insurance didn’t completely cover the bill, his Ocean, NJ, family was told to ignore the remainder of the balance due. The bill had been exorbitant. His family had only limited coverage. He describes this experience as a patient in just one word: “Thankful.” Now, in his career choice, he intends to help others receive access to medical care regardless of financial considerations. And, he wouldn’t be surprised to find himself traveling the world because of medicine.

My Degrees: Two, earned simultaneously in 2006: a medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a master’s degree from the School of Public Health. This MD/MPH program was a big attraction for me, especially because I received a tuition-reimbursement scholarship, essentially earning the MPH for free, while saving a year’s time in my education.

On My Wish List: To help others experience the relief of knowing they can receive medical attention in spite of the cost. There is just so much need, and I see how people struggle to make ends meet. I’d love to become a government health commissioner or work for an agency but I also want to stay close to primary care so I can reach the largest number of individuals.

Best Educational Experience: This past year. After years of preclinical training, I was finally interacting with patients who called me “Doctor.” This is what I’ve always wanted to do.

Most Memorable Patient: I delivered a baby during my ob/gyn clerkship. It was absolutely amazing to welcome a newborn into this world.

Turning Point: I was uncertain about what my next step would be after graduation from medical school and then I learned about the three-year Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars’ Fellowships, funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and offering advanced work in public health with a focus on the social, ethical, economic, and legal issues facing American medicine and society. I’ll be at the University of Michigan studying for my future in community health and health policy.

Why UMDNJ: Because of RWJMS’s flexibility in curriculum and support for my interests in community and urban medicine, I was able to tailor my educational experiences towards serving poor populations. I spent school breaks with the Summer Medical Institute (SMI) along the 1,248 mile U.S./Mexican border in the south Texas colonias, local immigrant communities with no zoning laws or public works. We would vaccinate and screen children for anemia, lead poisoning, asthma, as well as provide HIV, diabetes and hypertension checks for adults.

Proudest Achievement: Graduation from UMDNJ. I was 11 when my father died. He emigrated to the U.S. from Korea and hoped to become a doctor here. I didn’t go into medicine just for him but this moment of my life is so much sweeter knowing how proud he would have been.

 My story. Our university.