Illinois Medicine

Focus on the Cornea— and Leadership UNDER ROSENBLATT'S WATCH, the department increased its clinical volume, recruited talented clinicians and scientists, and innovated wherever possible from the residency program to the research labs—including his own. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, Rosenblatt leads groups of scientists investigating the mechanisms of peripheral nerve regeneration in the cornea, one of the most sensitive parts of the eye, following injury or disease. His research also focuses on the use of nanoengineered biomaterials to deliver stem cells to the ocular surface. One of his initiatives involves the development of a transparent contact lens made of silk protein. "Imagine a bandage that could help the eye heal after a chemical injury or some other trauma to the eye," he explains. Nothing excites Rosenblatt more than "doing important new things" and encouraging others to join him. He is credited with developing the Orbit Lab within UIC's Innovation Center. An interdisciplinary effort featuring faculty, staff and students from bioengineering, business, design and medicine, the lab serves as an accelerator for developing leading- edge ophthalmic medical devices. As dean, he continues to harness the power of thinking outside the box. "With the rapid pace of technology as well as data science, we need to take advantage of innovation to impact human health and welfare," says Rosenblatt. "And we need to look for ways to bring innovation to the people who need it. This might include creating portable diagnostic devices that could be brought to patients, or even creating wearable devices that could continuously monitor for diseases such as arrhythmia." As a leader, Rosenblatt's thoughtful approach to the big picture as well as small impresses those who have directly worked with him. "I've seen firsthand the tremendous growth in the department because of his leadership. He's someone you inherently trust to always do the right thing for everyone," says Chan, who is also director of the Pediatric Retina and Retinopathy of Prematurity Service. "He is truly a consensus builder who listens, weighs every side of an issue and makes informed decisions that benefit the whole enterprise." Diversity Essential AN AUTOGRAPHED, FRAMED DRAWING of former Chicago Bulls player Dwyane Wade hangs on the wall of Rosenblatt's office. A pediatric ophthalmology patient created the piece while participating in a UIC/Bulls-sponsored vision screening at the United Center. While the childlike image looks nothing like the basketball player, it accurately captures the spirit of the COM's outreach to its neighbors. "The event was a wonderful way to connect with our very own community, one that is rich with diversity," Rosenblatt says. The life-threatening effects of COVID-19 on marginalized populations only further underscores Rosenblatt's aim to boost underrepresented students, faculty and staff due to gender, ethnicity and social economic status. Whether at urban or rural locations or somewhere in between, Rosenblatt intends to better represent the world at large in the COM community. Long a focus at the COM, further increasing the diversity of medical school graduates will greatly enhance the health of the citizens of Illinois and beyond, he believes. "Studies show that patients get well quicker when they are cared for by physicians who are more like them," says Rosenblatt. "Last academic year, one-third of our entering class—more than 100 students—come from underrepresented groups. This is the highest number we've ever seen. It means a lot to us." Looking Ahead IN 2021, AS THE NATION AND WORLD ROLL OUT their COVID-19 vaccination programs, Rosenblatt sees hope on the horizon for some semblance of normalcy returning to the College. Last June, UI Health's hospital and clinics welcomed back a limited number of medical students for in-person clinical education. While all of the College's students have now returned to campus, there is still significant teaching that is done remotely. With the growing availability of the vaccine, Rosenblatt looks forward to the day when all students can fully return to campus. "There is still value in human interaction that technology and e-learning just can't re-create," he says. "We have been missing that sense of community we experience through interpersonal relationships and face-to-face communication." Rosenblatt's top-level leadership group, born out of the need to rapidly respond to the pandemic, now meets three times a week. However, as the coronavirus crisis eventually winds down, Rosenblatt doesn't plan to disband the highly diverse and effective group anytime soon. "This was an exceptional group with many dimensions that helped vastly improve communication and teamwork across COM and the health system," he says. "This level of collaboration and problem-solving will serve us well moving forward, as we tackle the many issues that face the College, including issues of ongoing systemic racism and health disparities and their impact on public health." 10 | Spring 2021 " " Dean Rosenblatt is an exceptional leader who leads by example and encourages members of our UI Health community to collaborate and think creatively. Robert Barish, MD, MBA Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs University of Illinois at Chicago

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