Whether or not he realized it, Rob Friedman had always been on a path toward Emory. As a high school student in New Jersey in the late 70s, he applied for admission at his father’s behest. He was waitlisted (and jokes he’d never get that close today). In the early 80s, Emory Healthcare helped save his father’s life through a complicated triple-bypass surgery, which was rare at the time.

As Friedman worked to determine his estate plans in his early 50s, he wanted to support a cause that could generate the highest societal good. He suspected Emory School of Medicine would fit the bill. After touring the School of Medicine and visiting with its leadership, Friedman made up his mind.

“I knew before the plane landed on my flight home. I was so impressed by the incredible brainpower at the medical school, their commitment to continuous improvement, their passion for their goals, and their humanity,” he recounted.

Friedman subsequently endowed a scholarship to provide financial assistance for medical students pursuing a career in primary care—a need throughout the country. Still concerned about the debt load for medical students, he also volunteered to support the School of Medicine’s financial workshop for fourth-year students. His symposium on Warren Buffett’s intrinsic-value investment principles was a hit with students and a great experience for Friedman.

He has expanded his philanthropic giving to support Emory’s artificial intelligence (AI) health institute, EmPAtHi, helmed by Anant Madabhushi, PhD. “I am particularly excited by Professor Madabhushi’s vision to innovate, deploy and translate AI technologies in medicine and health within the Emory Healthcare ecosystem, while at the same time positively impacting health disparities with these powerful technologies.” 

“The potential of this work is limitless,” Friedman continues. “Most insidious diseases are incredibly complex, but with AI, we can combine enormous amounts of patient data with powerful computing power to develop truly individualized medical treatment. With this new capacity, we have a chance to come up with less toxic treatments and even outright cures. Some of the worst diseases—Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer—could become things of the past.

Friedman’s enthusiasm and optimism for a brighter future in health made him a natural choice to co-chair the School of Medicine’s 2O36 campaign efforts.

“Not only do I want to expand my personal philanthropic support for the School of Medicine, but I want to connect more potential benefactors with this work,” he says. “And while donations are essential, I’m also looking for people who can inspire. We’re trying to do extraordinary things through 2O36, especially when it comes to cancer and brain health. So many of Emory’s alumni are very accomplished, with tremendous life experiences. They have a lot to offer. Let’s tap into the full potential of their support.”

“Not only did I want to expand my personal philanthropic support for the School of Medicine, but I wanted to connect more potential benefactors with this work,” he says.“We can do extraordinary things through philanthropy, especially when it comes to cancer and brain health.