Meet Lou Rotkowitz, MD: Online MPH Student

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 28, 2021) – Throughout the pandemic, online MPH student Lou Rotkowitz has been working to treat COVID-19 and complete his MPH studies. Rotkowitz’s hard work has not gone unnoticed, as he has been recognized as a “Student Who Rocked Public Health in 2020” by the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice.    

Rotkowitz works as a full-time practicing emergency medicine physician in Queens, NY. “As a full-time emergency room physician, working in a hectic inner-city community hospital, you will face public health concerns as a daily challenge. Working together with colleagues and staff is of paramount importance for a successful workday” says Rotkowitz.    

Rotkowitz is also an Honorary Surgeon for the New York City Police Department and serves as a Ringside Physician for the New York State Athletic Commission. He also dedicates his time as a Medical Control Physician for the New York City Fire Department.    

While intubating a patient with COVID-19 in March 2020, Rotkowitz contracted SARS-CoV-2 and became severely ill. Although he has largely recovered, he still struggles with debilitating symptoms. Rotkowitz explained that his experiences motivated him to finish his master’s degree in public health in order to help patients like himself.    

While working through the pandemic, Rotkowitz has learned that, “what has become equally important with ability is the communication between staff to continuously support each other during this arduous time.”    

When reflecting on his experience in the MPH program, Rotkowitz described how the learning that occurred through the program helped him gain additional leadership skills for communicating with his staff. Rotkowitz explained that, “motivating members of his care team during the intense situations became a top priority decision-making technique that he had to implement without delay.”