Paul Rothenberg, M.D.
“West Virginia has numerous health disparities, especially within vascular surgery. This makes our training always feel specialized for our patients and our region, which has been a great benefit to my education.”
Why did you choose the WVU School of Medicine to continue your training?
I chose to come to WVU for a multitude of reasons, including the clinical opportunities afforded here, along with it being a new and exciting location for me.
What would you tell your MS1 self as you reflect on where you started in medical school?
I would encourage myself to continue taking the time to learn and apply knowledge. Throughout my medical studies I’ve found that learning information and developing skills both come with time and continued dedication to your studies.
What has been your most memorable experience at the WVU School of Medicine so far?
My most memorable experiences here would either be representing WVU by presenting at a national conference or getting to work with and teach the medical students who are on surgery rotations.
What’s next for you after you complete your training here at WVU
I’m currently a third-year resident in the General Surgery Residency Program and am also a research fellow in a new one-year research fellowship offered through the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute. Upon completing these programs my goal is to complete a fellowship program in vascular surgery.
Who are your biggest supporters, and what would you tell them?
My parents and my wife are definitely my biggest supporters. With both of my parents working in healthcare, and my wife also working as a resident, there isn’t much to tell them about the experience that they haven’t also experienced themselves. It’s great to have a support network of people who also understand what it’s like to be in this field.
What is the most interesting thing about your specialty?
In vascular surgery, the conditions we commonly treat have a substantial impact on a patient’s quality of life. Being in a position to provide treatment for these conditions, either surgically or non-surgically, and to have the opportunity to drastically improve their quality of life is an incredible responsibility, but also my favorite aspect of vascular surgery.
Does your specialty have any particular significance to West Virginia?
West Virginia has numerous health disparities, especially within vascular surgery. This makes our training always feel specialized for our patients and our region, which has been a great benefit to my education.
How would you describe the culture of your program?
New! I am the first fellow in this new research-focused fellowship program. I am not historically a trailblazer, but I wanted an opportunity where I would be challenged in a different way than residency. This is an opportunity for simultaneous personal growth and developing the role of a research fellow.
Tell us something unique or interesting about you that others may not know.
In my free time, I have taught myself how to play the guitar and a lot about photography.