Michael B. Finkelstein, Md '84

INTERNIST

WHAT DROVE YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MEDICINE?
I remember as a youth being in awe of my childhood physician – Dr. Steve Gulotta. His demeanor, knowledge and compassion for others was mesmerizing. From then on, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and nothing was going to get in my way. I started my initial career in medicine as a physician assistant and after three years at the age of 28 decided to pursue my medical degree. I went on to become the first in my immediate family to finish college and ultimately become a doctor.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON ATTENDING RUSM FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL?
I actually chose Ross because of one of my friends. We were both working in the Bronx as physician assistants in geriatric medicine. He said there is an opportunity to get a medical degree at a new school in the Caribbean and we should go for it. We applied, we were accepted and the rest is history. Honestly speaking, at the age of 28 it was unlikely that I would have been admitted to a US medical school. Ross University, however, accepted me without hesitation. 

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE GRADUATING?
I currently am a Partner in a 50+ physician group in Scarsdale NY. I do Internal medicine and wound care; I am also certified in Hyperbaric medicine and did 20 years in emergency medicine.

IN WHAT DIRECTION TO YOU ENVISION RUSM MOVING OVER THE NEXT 40 YEARS?
I am speechlessly grateful for the opportunity RUSM gave me to practice medicine. My hope for RUSM is that it continues to do what it does so well which is to help individuals achieve their professional goals and ultimately achieve their dreams of becoming a physician.

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