Welcome from the Chair - Robert G. Holloway, M.D., M.P.H.

Welcome to the Department of Neurology
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry

Welcome to the Department of Neurology of the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry! Rochester Neurology has a long-standing tradition as one of the premier training programs in the world. Established by Dr. Robert Joynt in 1966, our training programs have always been the heart and soul of the Department. 

I know this first-hand—I was a neurology resident here from 1990 to 1993, and those years remain among the most meaningful and enjoyable of my professional life. The reasons for that success continue to thrive today.

Outstanding Leadership

Our faculty are deeply committed to teaching and education. This commitment begins with our exceptional educational leadership team—including the Associate Chair for Education and the Program Directors of our Adult and Child Neurology Residency Programs—who have built innovative and highly effective educational offerings across all levels of neurologic training.

Dr. Ralph Jozefowicz, a visionary educator who helped elevate our programs to national prominence, continues to be an active and inspiring mentor to students, residents, and faculty. The passion and skill our faculty bring to teaching neurology is truly unparalleled—and their enthusiasm is infectious. You must experience it to believe it, and I know legions of our alumni would agree.

Curricular Innovation

Our teaching philosophy is forward-thinking and learner centered. At the undergraduate level, we engage students consistently throughout their medical education, with a curriculum that is both dynamic and inclusive.

At the residency level, we’ve implemented a dedicated half-day block teaching model, ensuring that all residents have protected time every Wednesday afternoon for in-depth learning together. Our curriculum goes beyond traditional lectures to include active learning strategies and collaborative approaches designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.

Mentors in all Fields, for all Careers 

With over 120 faculty across 13 divisions, we offer 12 clinical fellowships and a prestigious NINDS-funded T32 Training Program in Experimental Neurotherapeutics. Whether your goal is to become a master clinician, an inspiring teacher, or an innovative physician-scientist, we provide the resources, mentorship, and environment to support your personalized professional growth.

Mentorship is not just a value here—it is a cornerstone of our departmental culture.

Engagement and Enrichment

We are deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, safe, and collegial work environment for everyone. We believe that diversity of thought and experience enriches our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our mission.

In April 2024, we proudly launched the Unity Gallery, located in the Joynt Corridor—an innovative project that uses art to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and celebrate the many voices, faces, and perspectives that shape our department and the broader URMC community.

Welcome again to our Department. We have much to accomplish as we work to harmonize and reimagine clinical care, research, and education in service of our patients and their families. There has never been a more exciting time in neurology, and we hope you’ll consider joining us on this transformative journey. 

To learn more about our clinical and research programs, please visit the Department of Neurology website.

Meliora,
(Ever Better)

Robert G. Holloway, MD, MPH