Where Are They Now?

Alan Gandler, MD, ‘15

Dr. Alan Gandler is an assistant professor of Clinical Medicine (pulmonary, allergy, and critical care) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the director of the Asthma Program and Respiratory Care at Pennsylvania Hospital.  He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Boards. Prior to joining the University of Pennsylvania, he served as chief fellow for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. 

He is a lecturer and preceptor for many curricula and programs, including the Internal Medicine Resident Ultrasound curriculum, the Ambulatory Lecture Series, and the Medicine Morning Report. Care. He is the recipient of the Thomas Jefferson University Outstanding Teaching Fellow Award and was the graduation speaker for the Internal Medicine class at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. 

Dr. Gandler is a member of the American Thoracic Society, the American College of Physicians, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. In 2015, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He has authored and contributed to numerous publications and abstracts and is a member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. 

Dr. Gandler earned his medical degree from the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Environmental Biology from the University of California, Berkeley.

What’s a typical day like for you? 

I work out of Pennsylvania Hospital doing inpatient pulmonary consults as well as Medical ICU and Penn Medicine Washington Square for my outpatient clinic. Each week is a little different with this mix – some are all in the office, others all ICU, and some a mix of inpatient consults and office. I work with residents and medical students in each area. At work I enjoy my outpatient practice building relationships with patients and colleagues as well as building our asthma program.

On a typical day, I wake up early, get kids ready, have breakfast, and take the bus to work. I see outpatients in the office until about noon, eat some lunch, and go to the hospital and see patients there. Intermixed may be some resident-student teaching, meetings, procedures, and some socializing. Then I usually walk home, knock on the door so my 3-year-old son can let me in, have dinner, play with them, and do bedtime for kids, then relax with my wife, Maxine [Dr. Ames].

What attracted you to apply to a new medical school? 

I grew up in California and had not initially applied to the school when I first sent out medical school applications. However, I have an Aunt who lives in Long Island who called me to tell me about the school opening up near her. 

I think the sense of excitement at the school piqued my interest. I could tell it was an accumulation of years of work and thought into building the program. Case-based learning, integrated clinical, and less emphasis on memorization all sounded nice, but I think it was the overall atmosphere and excitement that sold it.

What was it like to be a member of the Zucker School of Medicine’s (then, the Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine) inaugural Class of 2015? 

It was special. We received a lot of attention, thought, and care. We did a lot of surveys. I got to know our classmates (many of whom I’m still in touch with) and teachers very well. Sometimes it felt like we were on a reality show, too bad they didn’t put in a confessional.

How did the Zucker School of Medicine help prepare you for what you are doing now?

It has prepared me for what I do now, especially when engaging with trainees. Having been exposed to cutting-edge medical education, I have also retained key aspects of patient care, including how to approach researching information for a case and techniques for speaking with patients. 

Has the school's awareness and reputation grown since you graduated?

Absolutely, it seems to be well-known and respected. I no longer get asked if it’s a new school either when someone finds out I went there. 

You met your wife, Dr. Maxine Ames, in medical school. What was your first encounter with her like? How did you navigate a new medical school together?

I met her on day one; our first encounter was great - we hit it off right away. Medical school together was great – we studied together, socialized, and took trips. The only time it got a little strange was when we ended up on our OB rotation at the same time, assisting with deliveries. Medical school match forces a decision about next steps, but by then, we were clear that we wanted to couple match together. 

Do you have any inspiring words or words of advice for our current students?

 Hofstra offers a lot of opportunities that will benefit you throughout your career. It’s a great time to learn and explore. Keep showing up and you’ll get there. Medicine has been a fulfilling career so far, and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, I think, set the stage well.