Robert DeLorenzo, MD PhD MPH

Biography

Robert J. DeLorenzo, MD, PhD, MPH
Finding answers to the toughest neurological cases

For Dr. Robert J. DeLorenzo, the best days are when he can apply decades of experience with how the brain and nervous system functions to pinpoint a diagnosis or develop a better treatment plan – and change a patient’s life.

“I often treat complex cases that haven’t been successfully treated previously,” says Dr. DeLorenzo, the George Bliley Professor of Neurology at the VCU School of Medicine. “Treating complex neurological cases that have been resistant to treatment is one of the most challenging parts of my job. Having the ability to treat difficult cases offers a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on a patient.”

Dr. DeLorenzo treats adult patients with general neurology conditions, including epilepsy, headaches, head and neck pain, and stroke. However, each condition is complex, and the specific form of a condition can be difficult to diagnose. Once he identifies the root condition, he can develop a plan tailored to the patient. For example, with epilepsy, he focuses on providing leading-edge treatment to control the presentation of seizures.

“Helping patients do the best they can with their neurological and medical conditions is very rewarding. That’s why I became a doctor,” he says. “I want to help patients and provide them with a better life.”

For every patient, Dr. DeLorenzo starts with a careful history of the neurological case. He then applies the most advanced treatments available, and VCU Health is at the forefront of care in the neurological specialty. “It’s important for all patients to find a physician they trust and have faith in to assist them with their condition,” he says. “I hope to be that physician for my patients.”

Yet Dr. DeLorenzo is more than a leading-edge neurologist. With a doctoral degree in pharmacology and toxicology, he is an equally talented researcher. He holds an appointment as a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. His deep understanding and experiences across disciplines give him an unparalleled vantage point to bring science from the research bench to the patient’s bedside.

His research looks at the causes and treatment of epilepsy, how to prevent the consequences that come after brain injury, and the development of new medications to treat neurology conditions. With support from the National Institutes of Health, his research has earned numerous honors across the broad medical field and within neurological organizations.

“Neurology is a challenging field of medicine. Many advances in understanding the nervous system are leading to new treatment options to make breakthroughs in patient care,” Dr. DeLorenzo says. At the same time, discoveries in neurogenetics and neuroscience down to the body’s individual molecules have dramatically expanded the scope of neurological care.

Dr. DeLorenzo also is actively engaged in training both medical students and neurology residents, as well as advising postdoctoral research fellows. “Playing a hand in contributing to the future of medicine gives me great satisfaction,” he says.

With identical twin sons and a daughter with their own families, Dr. DeLorenzo puts a lot of emphasis on family activities. They often travel together…but he also enjoys a date night out with his wife.

Medical, Scientific and Professional Memberships

American Academy of Neurology

American Neurological Association

American Medical Association

The Society of Neuroscience

American Epilepsy Society

Research Awards and Honors

International Scientist of the Year

America’s Top Physicians Award in Neurology

Magale Neuroscience Award in Neurology and Neuroscience

Who’s Who Albert Nelson Marquis Life Time Achievement Award

Distinguished Scholar Award, Hans Berger Society

Milken Foundation American Epilepsy Society Clinical Investigator Award

NIH Jacob Javits Award