FDU Forward Spotlight: Honoring Dr. Steven Kirshblum, BS’81, MD
Fairleigh Dickinson University will celebrate Dr. Steven Kirshblum, BS’81 (Metro), MD, at this year’s FDU Forward Celebration.
Steven Kirshblum, MD, BS’81
He will receive the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to Health at the gala, which celebrates alumni, friends and the University’s storied past and raises vital scholarship funds for students.
A graduate of the Metropolitan campus with a degree in Biology, Kirshblum has dedicated his life to advancing rehabilitation medicine, disability advocacy, and the mentorship of future healthcare leaders.
Kirshblum serves as the chief medical officer at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation, while also chairing the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. His leadership spans both clinical and research settings with a focus on improving outcomes and equity for people with physical and cognitive disabilities.
“Mentoring students and trainees, developing new treatments, and collaborating with colleagues who share a deep commitment to progress is what fuels my work every day,” he said. “It’s this intersection of advocacy, education, and discovery that gives me a profound sense of purpose.”
Kirshblum’s commitment to service was shaped at FDU, where personal experiences of mentorship and kindness left an unforgettable mark. Professors like David Lapin, Sol Weider [professor emeritus of physics], and the late Christopher Divine [professor emeritus of chemistry and philosophy] offered support going far beyond academics, modeling the compassion and care that now defines Kirshblum’s own approach to mentoring and leadership.
“Several individuals went out of their way—often beyond their formal responsibilities—to support me at critical moments,” he said. “That generosity taught me the power of recognizing when someone might be struggling, even if they haven’t asked for help.”
He also credits spaces like the campus gym as vital to his well-being and personal development, “It wasn’t just a place to play basketball—it was a space of release, camaraderie, and personal renewal. Growth isn’t just intellectual; it’s also emotional and physical.”
Kirshblum remains actively engaged with the University and the broader community through his roles with the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, United Spinal, and other organizations committed to disability innovation and inclusion. He’s inspired to give back to the community that shaped him and continues to encourage today’s students to embrace diverse perspectives, lead with empathy, and seek connection across difference.
In a powerful full-circle moment, Kirshblum also shares a professional connection with Eric LeGrand, FDU’s 2025 Commencement Speaker. As part of LeGrand’s rehabilitation team following his spinal cord injury, Kirshblum witnessed firsthand the resilience and impact that now define LeGrand’s own advocacy journey, making this year’s celebration a uniquely meaningful one.
“Some of the most meaningful moments in college came from conversations with friends who saw the world differently. We challenged each other, but we listened. I encourage today’s students to do the same—it’s one of the most valuable habits you can carry through life.”
As he continues to lead in rehabilitation medicine and advocate for equity in healthcare, Kirshblum remains a powerful example of what it means to live a purpose-driven life rooted in education, compassion, and service.
FDU Forward Celebration occurs on Thursday, June 5, 2025. For more information about event tickets and sponsorships, go to www.fdu.edu/forward.