GARY GOODMAN, MD '00

Inspired by a popular 1970s TV show, “Emergency,” Dr. Goodman always had an interest in practicing medicine. However, as his initial interest was in law, he deviated from these plans and initially pursued a pre-law Bachelor of Arts degree. It wasn’t until his time as a New York State Paramedic at the State University of New York at Buffalo and subsequently, the Nassau County Police Department, that his desire to become a physician was solidified. 

During his post-baccalaureate pre-medical studies, his Academic Advisor recommended that he consider pursuing an allied health profession, as he was an older application for medical school. However, in a serendipitous moment after leaving this meeting, he saw a flyer for Ross University School of Medicine on a nearby bulletin board. And at 27 years old, his journey to becoming a doctor began. He started his first semester at Ross University School of Medicine in April of 1996.

On the medical sciences campus, Dr. Goodman was very involved in the student community. Given students were far away from their homes and loved ones, it became important for students to develop bonds and assist one another. The Ross University School of Medicine community supported each other in many ways, including: study groups, faculty mentoring, and blowing off steam between hours of studying. One of his favorite memories was organizing and emceeing the annual semester student-run talent show, which served as a light-hearted faculty “roast” and brought much appreciated comedic relief to students and colleagues.

Once Dr. Goodman finished his basic sciences phase of medical school, he began his clerkship rotations in the New York metropolitan area.  He felt that Ross University School of Medicine gave him and his peers a very strong advantage. He adds, “We were resilient, hungry, eager to learn, and soak up the experience.”

After completing his clinicals and graduating in 2000, he secured a residency appointment in Internal Medicine at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.  However, still eager to work in the emergency medicine field after his extensive experience in EMS, Dr. Goodman applied and was accepted as a resident in Emergency Medicine at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.

In 2005, he attended the New York American College of Emergency Physicians (NY-ACEP) medical conference and job fair. From there, he later accepted a position in the Orlando, Florida area where he has remained ever since. In his nearly 20-year career in emergency medicine, he has helped develop a Level 2 Trauma Center program.  He has taught countless medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty.  He has served as an emergency medicine expert in the healthcare community and for multiple media (internet, news, radio, and television) outlets.  He has won multiple awards, including inclusion in the 2017 “Best Doctor” list from Orlando Magazine. He has also been appointed as a Fellow with the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP), where he is also serves as a National Spokesperson for the College.  Dr. Goodman also holds the academic title of Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at University of Central Florida, College of Medicine.

With great pride, Dr. Goodman shares, “Ross University School of Medicine gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world!”