In Memoriam: Pediatric Anesthesiologist Mark Rossberg

Dear Colleagues,

It is with a profound sense of loss and sadness that we announce that pediatric anesthesiologist Mark Rossberg, M.D., passed away on Thursday, Dec. 15, of complications from prostate cancer. He was 50.

Known for his skill in handling some of the most challenging cases in anesthesia, Mark was a superbly talented anesthesiologist and a masterful clinician-educator. But above all, he was the consummate pediatrician. We will miss him dearly.

Mark was universally loved by patients, respected and admired by colleagues, and was a sought-after mentor to anesthesiologists-in-training.

He was as an old-school physician with traditional values and a relentless work ethic. He understood that being a doctor was a privilege that came with great responsibilities, a philosophy he imbued into a generation of house staff residents and fellows. That will be one of his most enduring legacies.

Mark always wanted to be a pediatrician, but he was also fascinated by the complexities of anesthesiology, so the combination of the two was a natural choice for him.

He was born and raised in the Bronx and received his medical degree from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan. He completed residencies in pediatrics and anesthesiology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, followed by a fellowship in pediatric anesthesia and critical care medicine at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

In the mid-1990s, Mark came to Johns Hopkins and made Baltimore his new home. Here, Mark discovered his special talent for teaching and working with residents. Mark's research interests and expertise included pediatric transplant anesthesia, anesthesia for children with congenital heart disease, mechanisms of neurological protection and fiber-optic intubation. He was considered a master of airway management in children and taught pediatric residents the intricacies of handling the airway during stabilization of critically ill and injured children.

With his characteristic dedication and iron discipline, Mark continued to teach throughout his illness and well after his cancer had spread. Known for his gregarious personality, Mark always lit up the room — an effect he had on colleagues and patients alike. Mark had a special gift for making children laugh in the often-terrifying few minutes before they fell asleep on the operating table. Patients bonded with him instantly.

In 2010, Mark was named Teacher of the Year by the anesthesiology house staff and fellows.

Please join us in extending sincere condolences to Mark's wife, Esti, and their five children.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to an educational fund for Mark's children, established by his colleagues. Anyone who wishes to make a donation can send a check Caitlin Garner, Fidelity Investments, 610 York Road. Towson, MD 21204 (529 Education Fund Acct# 620219606, please write, "Rossberg," in the memo section).

Sincerely,

Edward D. Miller, M.D.
Dean of the Medical Faculty
CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

John Ulatowski, M.D.
Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine