Jong M. Rho, MD

In Memoriam:

1955-2026

Dr. Jong Rho completed his undergraduate degree in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry at Yale University before receiving his MD at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He then completed residencies in Adult Neurology and Pediatric Neurology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, CA. For over two decades, Dr. Rho worked and conducted basic-translational research in the field of developmental neurosciences, initially with a focus on the basic mechanisms of anti-seizure medication action, and later followed by investigations into metabolism-based treatments for neurological disorders (i.e., ketogenic diet or KD) with a focus on brain mitochondria, human surgically-resected hypothalamic hamartomas, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His contributions to this burgeoning area of investigation can be divided into two broad domains: (1) collaborative basic-translational research; and (2) leadership in the field of neurometabolism and neurological disorders, through a combination of administrative and organizational roles in international societies, foundations, and funding agencies.

As Section Chief of Child Neurology, Dr. Rho led a group of faculty members in our mission of delivering the highest quality care to patients and their families at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and was responsible for sustaining and expanding robust programs in clinical care, research, education and quality improvement. This included growing programs in epilepsy/epilepsy surgery, neurocritical care, movement disorders, neurogenetics, neuromuscular disorders, neuro-oncology and neuroimmunology.