Joel Roffman, MD

Class Year: 1975

Specialties: Cardiology

Current practice: 
I still work every day as part of a group. I take more time off than I did, and still enjoy practice very much.

Do you remember what motivated you to make your first gift to BUSM?
I actually didn’t have to think about it much. It seemed perfectly natural and expected that I would donate to the institution that was responsible for educating me to be a physician.

Why do you continue to give to BUSM?
I am most grateful that I was chosen into a program that provided me an education, enabling me to have a profession that has given me untold satisfaction and fulfillment. It is a blessing to be in a position to be able to donate. It is an honor to be asked. It is a privilege to help others. As with so many such endeavors, the donor gains much more than the recipient.

What would you tell current students about the importance of giving back to BUSM?
Showing appreciation by donating sends a powerful message to those “in the pipeline.” I remember as a student, seeing alumni come back to campus and admiring them for helping the next generation of doctors by generously giving back to the school.

Fond memory of BUSM:
Too numerous to count. Perhaps my highlight was being chosen by my classmates to give the graduation speech at our graduation.

Favorite professor or course at BUSM:
Elizabeth Moyer, of blessed memory – first year anatomy. A strong woman with a passion to teach.

What else would you like to share?
My message to the students is the final sentence of my graduation day speech:
British writer Thomas Huxley: “It is only a very strong person who can appreciate the charm of a landscape while toiling up a steep hill.” Appreciate the gift of each day!