Paragon of gynecologic oncology retires from Meritus

Dr. Neil Rosenshein started with the health system in 2000

When Victoria Giffi, M.D., was a medical student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, part of the training was for students to spend time in the operating room with Neil Rosenshein, M.D.

“He would go around the room asking students question after question after question,” recalled Dr. Giffi, who is an oncologist with Meritus Hematology & Oncology Specialists. “We were all scared of him. His questions were tough.”

Finally, after being in the operating room with him for days, Dr. Rosenshein asked her a question that she answered correctly.

“He looked up at me, as if he was a little surprised I’d answered correctly,” she said. “And to this day, I still remember the question and answer.”

Dr. Rosenshein is retiring after nearly 25 years with Washington County Hospital and Meritus.

Dr. Giffi began working with him a decade ago at Meritus and said that “he is just so supportive and approachable.”

He graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida, in 1969. He then did his residency in gynecology and obstetrics at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, as well as a fellowship in gynecologic oncology and a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

During Dr. Rosenshein's extensive career, he has authored books, published articles, conducted medical research and won numerous awards. Most recently, he has been the director of Meritus Gynecologic Oncology Specialists.

Known nationally and locally as a champion of women's health, his passion has been to educate women outside major urban areas about ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer.

“I think the reason his patients adore him is because he listens,” Dr. Giffi said. “He also listens to his colleagues. And he has a mind like a steel trap. He remembers patients he met decades ago.”

Dr. Rosenshein’s patients have been sad to hear the news of his retirement, but many, like Sarah Thomas, say they are grateful to have had him as their doctor.

“He saved my life,” Thomas said.

She had cancer that was at stage 1-A — the earliest form — when it was discovered. Her gynecologist referred her to Dr. Rosenshein, who saw her within a week and performed surgery to remove the growth by the next week. It was at stage 1-B when he removed it.

“That was six years ago,” Thomas said. “Every year I’ve been to him since then, he’s just been a sweetie.”

At her last visit, she asked to take a photo of him. He insisted she be in the picture, too.

“So we ended up taking a selfie of both of us. I’ll treasure that always.”

For his part, Dr. Rosenshein is humble when talking about himself. The Smithsburg resident took the opportunity of his retirement to thank all those who have supported him in his quest to advance women’s health in the tristate region.

“I've been honored to be part of the health system, first at Washington County Hospital, and at Meritus Health,” he said. “It has been a rewarding experience for me to deal with such wonderful patients and superb support staff throughout the hospital.”

Dr. Rosenshein’s final day at Meritus was Dec. 19.