Ralph F. Józefowicz, MD is Professor of Neurology and Medicine and Associate Chair for Education in the Department of Neurology at the University of Rochester, and has served as the Neurology Residency Program Director between 1996 and 2021. He has also served as the director for the second year medical student “Mind, Brain and Behavior” course between 1998 and 2020, and the third year Neurology Clerkship between 1994 and 2019. In 2003 he was made an Honorary Professor at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, one of the oldest Universities in Europe.

His many teaching accomplishments include two Fullbright Scholar Awards for Lecturing in Neural Sciences and Clinical Neurology from the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland in 1993 and in 2022; the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education from the Alumni Association of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1998; the Distinguished Teacher Award from the American Neurological Association in 1998; the Robert J. Glaser Alpha Omega Alpha Distinguished Teacher Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2002; the A. B. Baker Lifetime Achievement Award for Neurologic Education from the American Academy of Neurology in 2010; the Edithe J. Levit Distinguished Service Award from the National Board of Medical examiners in 2011; the Merentibus Medal “for great services rendered to the Jagiellonian University” in 2014; the Chair’s award from the American Brain Foundation in 2015; the President’s Award from the American Academy of Neurology in 2016; the Leading in Excellence through Mentorship award from the American Academy of Neurology in 2018; and the Alumni Service Award from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2018.

Dr. Józefowicz has held numerous leadership positions in national medical societies and has served on the boards of directors of the National Board of Medical Examiners, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. He is presently a member of the board of directors of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dr. Józefowicz received his BA degree in Biology, with honors from the Johns Hopkins University in 1975 and his MD degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1979. A member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha, he completed residencies in Internal Medicine and in Neurology, as well as a fellowship in Neuromuscular Diseases at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Certified Specialties

Internal Medicine - American Board of Internal Medicine

Neurology - American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology

Faculty Appointments

Professor (Part-Time) - Department of Neurology (SMD)

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Neuromuscular Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1985 - 1987

Residency, Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1982 - 1985

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1980 - 1982

Internship, Internal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. 1979 - 1980

Education

MD | Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. 1979

Awards

President's Award. 2016

Distinguished Fellow of the Collegium of Eminent Scientists of Polish Origin and Ancestry. 2015

American Brain Foundation Chair's Award. 2015

"Merentibus" Medal. 2014

Distinguished Service Award. 2012

Edithe J. Levit Distinguished Service Award. 2011

American Academy of Neurology. 2010

American Academy of Neurology Consortium of Neurology Program Directors Recognition Award. 2009

Best Doctors in America. 2009

Best Doctors in America. 2008

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 2007

Outstanding Instructor in Clinical Education. 2007

Best Doctors in America. 2007

Paul Griner Dean's Senior Teaching Scholar Award. 2007

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 2006

Best Doctors in America. 2006

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 2005

Keith Miner Ford Award for Excellence in Teaching. 2005

Outstanding Instructor in Clinical Education. 2005

Outstanding Success in Encouraging Medical Students to Elect Careers in Neurology. 2005

Mayor's Renaissance Award. 2005

Best Doctors in America. 2005

Herbert W. Mapstone Award for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 2004

Harry L. Segal Prize for Excellence in Third Year Teaching. 2004

Neurology Senior Faculty Award. 2004

Herbert W. Mapstone Award for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 2003

Commendation for Excellence in Third Year Teaching. 2003

Honorary Professor of Jagiellonian University. 2003

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 2002

Robert J. Glaser Alpha Omega Alpha Distinguished Teacher Award. 2002

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 2001

Commendation for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1998

Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education. 1998

Distinguished Teacher Award. 1998

Commendation for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1997

Manuel D. Goldman Award for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1996

Manuel D. Goldman Award for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1995

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 1995

Manuel D. Goldman Award for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1994

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 1994

Commendation for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1993

Commendation for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 1993

Commendation for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1992

Fullbright Scholar Award: Lecturing in Neural Sciences, Neuromuscular Diseases and Clinical Neurology. 1992 - 1993

Manuel D. Goldman Award for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1991

Herbert W. Mapstone Award for Excellence in Second Year Teaching. 1991

Commendation for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1990

Manuel D. Goldman Award for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1988

Manuel D. Goldman Award for Excellence in First Year Teaching. 1987

Publications

Journal Articles

Curriculum Innovations: Enhancing Medical Student Neuroscience Training With a Team-Based Learning Curriculum.

Tarolli CG, Józefowicz RF

Neurology. Education.. 2023 March 2 (1):e200037. Epub 01/05/2023.

Managing Neurophobia: How Can We Meet the Current and Future Needs of Our Students?

Tarolli CG, Józefowicz RF

Seminars in neurology.. 2018 August 38 (4):407-412. Epub 08/20/2018.

Author response: Education Research: Positive effect of scheduled faculty modeling on clerkship student bedside skills exposure and learning.

Thompson Stone R, Tollefson T, Epstein R, Jozefowicz RF, Mink JW

Neurology.. 2017 November 789 (19):2023. Epub 1900 01 01.

Education Research: Positive effect of scheduled faculty modeling on clerkship student bedside skills exposure and learning.

Thompson Stone R, Tollefson T, Epstein R, Jozefowicz RF, Mink JW

Neurology.. 2017 June 1388 (24):e236-e239. Epub 1900 01 01.

Formal faculty observation and assessment of bedside skills for 3rd-year neurology clerks.

Thompson Stone R, Mooney C, Wexler E, Mink J, Post J, Jozefowicz RF

Neurology.. 2016 November 2287 (21):2266-2270. Epub 10/21/2016.

Neurophobia: a chronic disease of medical students.

Solorzano GE, Józefowicz RF

Neurology.. 2015 July 1485 (2):116-7. Epub 06/12/2015.

Introducing the neurology milestones.

Lewis SL, Józefowicz RF, Kilgore S, Dhand A, Edgar L

Journal of graduate medical education.. 2014 March 6 (1 Suppl 1):102-4. Epub 1900 01 01.

The globalization of US and Canadian neurology residency training: is it just about the money?

Józefowicz RF, Birbeck GL

Neurology.. 2014 January 1482 (2):100-1. Epub 12/06/2013.

Diagnosis and treatment of somatoform disorders.

Smith JK, Józefowicz RF

Neurology. Clinical practice.. 2012 June 2 (2):94-102. Epub 1900 01 01.

Trends in American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology specialties and neurologic subspecialties.

Faulkner LR, Juul D, Pascuzzi RM, Aminoff MJ, Crumrine PK, Dekosky ST, Jozefowicz RF, Massey JM, Pirzada N, Tilton A

Neurology.. 2010 September 2175 (12):1110-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurology education: current and emerging concepts in residency and fellowship training.

Stern BJ, Józefowicz RF, Kissela B, Lewis SL

Neurologic clinics.. 2010 May 28 (2):475-87. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurologic complications of respiratory disease.

Dreibelbis JE, Józefowicz RF

Neurologic clinics.. 2010 February 28 (1):37-43. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurologic Complications of Respiratory Disease

Dreibelbis JE, Józefowicz RF.

Neurol Clinics. 2010; 28: 37- 43.

Neurology Education: Current and Emerging Concepts in Residency and Fellowship Training

Stern BJ, Józefowicz RF, Kissela B, Lewis SL.

Neurol Clinics. 2010; 28: 475 - 487.

The ABPN Maintenance of Certification Program for Neurologists: Past, present and future.

Faulkner LR, Tivnan PW, Johnston MV, Aminoff MJ, Coyle MD, Crumrine PK, DeKosky ST, Józefowicz R, Massey JM, Pascuzzi RM.

Neurology. 2008; 71: 599-604.

Neurology residency training in the US and Poland.

Józefowicz RF

Nature clinical practice. Neurology.. 2007 October 3 (10):586-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurology Residency Training in the US and Poland

Józefowicz RF.

Nature Clin Prac Neurol. 2007; 3: 586-587.

Advances in neurological education: a time to share.

Galetta SL, Józefowicz RF, Avitzur O

Annals of neurology.. 2006 April 59 (4):583-90. Epub 1900 01 01.

Update in neurology.

Holloway RG, Józefowicz RF

Annals of internal medicine.. 2006 March 21144 (6):421-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

The challenges of residents teaching neurology.

Frank SA, Józefowicz RF

The neurologist.. 2004 July 10 (4):216-20. Epub 1900 01 01.

The neurology clerkship core curriculum.

Gelb DJ, Gunderson CH, Henry KA, Kirshner HS, Józefowicz RF,

Neurology.. 2002 March 2658 (6):849-52. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurologic complications of respiratory disease.

Kirsch DB, Józefowicz RF

Neurologic clinics.. 2002 February 20 (1):247-64, viii. Epub 1900 01 01.

The quality of in-house medical school examinations.

Jozefowicz RF, Koeppen BM, Case S, Galbraith R, Swanson D, Glew RH

Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.. 2002 February 77 (2):156-61. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurologic Complications of Respiratory Disease

Kirsch DB, Józefowicz RF.

Neurol Clinics. 2002; 20: 247-264.

How much neurology should a medical student learn? a position statement of the AAN Undergraduate Education Subcommittee.

Charles PD, Scherokman B, Jozefowicz RF

Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.. 1999 January 74 (1):23-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurophobia: the fear of neurology among medical students.

Jozefowicz RF

Archives of neurology.. 1994 April 51 (4):328-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Myofibrillar protein synthesis in young and old men.

Welle S, Thornton C, Jozefowicz R, Statt M

The American journal of physiology.. 1993 May 264 (5 Pt 1):E693-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Effect of testosterone on metabolic rate and body composition in normal men and men with muscular dystrophy.

Welle S, Jozefowicz R, Forbes G, Griggs RC

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism.. 1992 February 74 (2):332-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Failure of dehydroepiandrosterone to influence energy and protein metabolism in humans.

Welle S, Jozefowicz R, Statt M

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism.. 1990 November 71 (5):1259-64. Epub 1900 01 01.

Mechanism of muscle wasting in myotonic dystrophy.

Griggs RC, Jozefowicz R, Kingston W, Nair KS, Herr BE, Halliday D

Annals of neurology.. 1990 May 27 (5):505-12. Epub 1900 01 01.

Neurologic manifestations of pulmonary disease.

Jozefowicz RF

Neurologic clinics.. 1989 August 7 (3):605-16. Epub 1900 01 01.

Effect of testosterone on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis.

Griggs RC, Kingston W, Jozefowicz RF, Herr BE, Forbes G, Halliday D

Journal of applied physiology.. 1989 January 66 (1):498-503. Epub 1900 01 01.

Effect of testosterone on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis

Griggs RC, Kingston WJ, Jozefowicz RF, Herr BE, Forbes G, Halliday D.

J Applied Physiol. 1989; 66: 498-503.

Disorders of Neuromuscular Junction Transmission

Jozefowicz RF.

Guthrie Journal. 1989; 58(5-13).

Neurologic Manifestations of Pulmonary Disease

Jozefowicz RF.

Neurol Clinics. 1989; 7: 605-616.

Myotonic dystrophy.

Jozefowicz RF, Griggs RC

Neurologic clinics.. 1988 August 6 (3):455-72. Epub 1900 01 01.

Myotonic Dystrophy

Jozefowicz RF, Griggs RC.

Neurol Clinics. 1988; 6: 455-472.

Levels and causes of stress among residents.

Schwartz AJ, Black ER, Goldstein MG, Jozefowicz RF, Emmings FG

Journal of medical education.. 1987 September 62 (9):744-53. Epub 1900 01 01.

Intrathecally administered natural human fibroblast interferon reduces exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. Results of a multicenter, double-blind study.

Jacobs L, Salazar AM, Herndon R, Reese PA, Freeman A, Jozefowicz R, Cuetter A, Husain F, Smith WA, Ekes R

Archives of neurology.. 1987 June 44 (6):589-95. Epub 1900 01 01.

Basal metabolic rate in myotonic dystrophy: evidence against hypometabolism.

Jozefowicz RF, Welle SL, Nair KS, Kingston WJ, Griggs RC

Neurology.. 1987 June 37 (6):1021-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Levels and Causes of Stress among Residents.

Schwartz AJ, Black ER, Goldstein MG, Jozefowicz RF, Emmings FG.

J Med Ed. 1987; : 744-753.

Multicentre double-blind study of effect of intrathecally administered natural human fibroblast interferon on exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.

Jacobs L, Salazar AM, Herndon R, Reese PA, Freeman A, Josefowicz R, Cuetter A, Husain F, Smith WA, Ekes R

Lancet.. 1986 2 (8521-22):1411-3. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience (2007)

Guidebook for Clerkship Directors (2005)

Chapter: Career Development for Medical Student Clinical Educators

Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience (2004)

Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience (2003)

Cecil Textbook of Medicine (2000)

Chapter: The Neurologic History

Cecil Textbook of Medicine (2000)

Chapter: Neurologic Diagnostic Procedures

Case Studies in Neuroscience (1999)

Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (1998)

Chapter: Neurology

Clinical Neurology (1995)

Chapter: Current Therapy

Clinical Neurology (1994)

Chapter: Current Therapy

Clinical Neurology (1992)

Chapter: Current Therapy

Clinical Neurology (1991)

Chapter: Current Therapy

Clinical Neurology (1990)

Chapter: Current Therapy

Ratings & Comments

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Ratings

Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

4.4

Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

4.4

Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

4.5

Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care

4.4

Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

4.4

Patient Comments

5.0

Dr. J was wonderful. He listened to me and answered all of my questions. He was warm and personable. He's very knowledgeable and I felt confident in what he recommended.

Sep 21, 2024

5.0

Dr J was excellent

Sep 03, 2024

5.0

Excellent doctor!

Aug 31, 2024

1.4

[...] Very rude & arrogant [...]

Aug 13, 2024

5.0

The doctor was very kind and caring and gave good advice

Aug 12, 2024

4.2

Dr was thorough, professional & took time to discuss his findings & opinion

Jul 18, 2024

5.0

[...]. I like this provider immensely better than my last. Really no comparison.

Mar 25, 2024

5.0

Dr J was very thorough, kind and caring. He explained everything so that I could understand.

Mar 25, 2024

1.3

He did not care what I had to say [...].

Mar 17, 2024

5.0

Dr. Jozefowicz listens carefully, examined me thoroughly and incorporated my thoughts into our treatment plan.

Nov 07, 2023