Dr. Joel Ross has devoted nearly 40 years to medicine as a physician, clinical researcher, teacher, lecturer, and author. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to patient care, medical education, and clinical research. Over time, he has been named Teacher of the Year, became the first geriatrician to practice in New Jersey, and created the first geriatric fellowship program in the state. He was also recognized as a Best Doctor in New Jersey and contributed to the development of FDA-approved oral and transdermal medications for Alzheimer’s disease. He is the founder and CEO of J&D Pharmaceuticals LLC in Monmouth, New Jersey.
His clinical focus is geriatric medicine, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with aging. This includes the care of patients with cognitive disorders and the management of complex medical conditions across later life. His approach emphasizes careful evaluation, evidence-based treatment, and long-term continuity of care.
On a personal level, Dr. Ross has been happily married for nearly 47 years and remains highly active. He is ranked number one in the country at the highest level of expertise in men’s doubles pickleball, ages 70-74, and is ranked in the top 5 nationally in men’s singles. His record includes many gold, silver, and bronze medals earned in both singles and doubles competition.
Dr. Joel Ross received his undergraduate education at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he earned a BA in Biology. He obtained his Medical Degree from Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and later became chief resident at Nassau County Medical Center. He completed a Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York under the mentorship of Dr. Robert N. Butler, the first Director of the National Institute on Aging.
Following his training, he was chosen as the first Medical Director of the Anna Alexander Greenwall Geriatric Program at Monmouth Medical Center, an endowed position. He also served as Director of the Geriatric Fellowship Program at Monmouth Medical Center, which became the first geriatric fellowship program in New Jersey and trained physicians who later opened practices throughout the state and the United States.
He later served for seven years as Director of the Geriatrics Section in the Department of Internal Medicine at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. In 2000, he opened the Memory Enhancement Center of America in New York and New Jersey, where multidisciplinary teams provided care for patients with cognitive disorders and conducted clinical research related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Joel Ross has also been active in pharmaceutical development and research leadership. He co-founded RN NanoPharmaceuticals, LLC, in Monmouth Beach, and in 2023, founded J&D Pharmaceuticals, continuing his focus on translating research findings into potential treatments for severe medical conditions.
Through this work, he and his collaborators completed an animal study on traumatic brain injury at the University of Oklahoma. In that study, proprietary compound JD-005 reduced acetylated tau levels and significantly improved neurological outcomes in rats following head trauma.
Dr. Ross and his colleagues are currently working with the University of Florida in Gainesville on clinical research examining acetylated tau as a biomarker in traumatic brain injury patients. J&D Pharmaceuticals has received three Orphan Drug Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for compounds JD-004 and JD-005, including for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Progeria and related laminopathies, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dr. Joel Ross also remains deeply committed to education and service. He has lectured widely, authored peer-reviewed publications, holds several patents, and volunteers at Parker Health Center in Red Bank, where he provides free medical care to underserved populations. His career reflects sustained dedication to patients, research, and community service.
