VCU Department of Neurology announces that Dr. Robert DeLorenzo, the George B. Bliley Professor of Neurology, will retire on June 1, 2022.
Dr. DeLorenzo joined VCU in 1985 as Professor and Chair of the Department, a role in which he served until 2000. Dr. DeLorenzo received a BS in Biology from Yale University prior to completing an MPH in Epidemiology and PhD in neuropharmacology and neuroscience also at Yale. He pursued neurology residency at Yale, where he remained on faculty prior to moving to VCU. During his time as Chair, he established the VCU Epilepsy Monitory Unit and with Dr. Jack Pellock, founded the VCU Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. He directed the Neurology Residency Program for many years, establishing VCU’s national reputation for education and clinical excellence.
A Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Dr. DeLorenzo also serves as the Director of the Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory. His deep understanding and experiences across disciplines give him an unparalleled vantage point to translate science from the bench to the patient’s bedside. His research has been directed towards understanding the pathophysiology of status epilepticus and severe seizures with the goal of developing new treatments and understanding of epilepsy. With support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), his research has earned numerous honors, including a Javits award. He has published over 275 papers and 250 abstracts, and he has been continuously funded by NIH since arriving at VCU, a remarkable achievement. It is because of his leadership and accomplishments that VCU is recognized as a national leader in epilepsy care and research.
Over the years, Dr. DeLorenzo has served in numerous leadership roles in a broad spectrum of professional societies, editorial boards, and NIH committees. For example, he chaired the Professional Advisory Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and was elected to the Professional Advisory Board of the National Stroke Association.
Dr. DeLorenzo leaves an enduring legacy of clinical and academic excellence at VCU. His work has transformed the care of patients with epilepsy across the world and he has inspired generations of academic neurologists.