A Conversation with Dr. Abdelrhman Maher Abo-Zed

Dr. Abdelrhman Maher Abo-Zed is a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, pulmonary, and critical care medicine, practicing at Penn Medicine Princeton in New Jersey.

Growing up in New Jersey, he balanced his academic pursuits with collegiate football, developing discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that would later define his medical career. He earned his medical degree with high honors from Ross University School of Medicine, completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and was named chief fellow during his fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

With expertise in advanced pulmonary procedures, critical care ultrasonography, and managing critically ill patients, he has played a key role in training the next generation of physicians. He teaches ultrasonography at the largest regional course in the country and has contributed to medical research with publications in CHEST, ACG, and AASLD. He also co-authored Rapid Response Events in Critical Care, a resource aimed at equipping physicians with essential emergency management skills.

His passion for patient care extends beyond the ICU. He founded Care Beyond ICU, a healthcare initiative dedicated to improving recovery for patients after critical illness. Outside of medicine, he enjoys cooking, hiking, experiencing different cultures, and maintaining an active lifestyle through sports and fitness.

What drew you to the field of critical care, and what continues to drive your passion for it?

The ICU is a place where medicine, teamwork, and high-stakes decision-making intersect. It’s a unique environment where the margin for error is small, and every second counts. I was drawn to this field because I thrive in high-pressure situations and wanted to be at the front line of patient care. The ability to intervene decisively and potentially save a life is incredibly rewarding.

What keeps me passionate about critical care is the constant evolution of the field—new techniques, technologies, and treatments are always emerging. It challenges me to stay sharp and continuously learn. But beyond the medicine, what truly drives me is the human element—helping patients and families navigate some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

You’ve co-authored Rapid Response Events in Critical Care. What inspired you to contribute to this resource?

During my training, I noticed that many young physicians, including myself at the time, often felt unprepared for rapid response events. These are critical moments when a patient’s condition deteriorates rapidly, and immediate, well-coordinated action is required. Without proper training, hesitation or miscommunication can cost lives.

I wanted to create a resource that provides a structured, practical approach to handling these situations. The book covers decision-making algorithms, real-world case studies, and hands-on techniques to help physicians build confidence and competence in emergent situations. The goal is to equip healthcare providers with the skills they need to respond effectively, minimize errors, and ultimately improve patient survival rates.

You’re an expert in critical care ultrasonography. How has this technology changed the way you practice medicine?

Ultrasonography has completely transformed critical care medicine. Unlike traditional imaging, which often requires patient transport and delays, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) provides real-time insights at the bedside. I can assess cardiac function, lung pathology, and fluid status within minutes, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses.

One of the most impactful applications is in cases of shock or respiratory failure, where we need to determine the underlying cause immediately. Instead of guessing, ultrasound allows us to see exactly what’s happening internally and tailor treatment accordingly.

Beyond patient care, I’ve made it a priority to teach ultrasonography to incoming fellows and residents. At the largest regional course in the country, I’ve worked alongside pioneers like Dr. Paul Mayo to train physicians in this essential skill.

What challenges do ICU patients face after discharge, and how does Care Beyond ICU help address them?

Many people think that once a patient leaves the ICU, their recovery is complete—but that’s far from the truth. Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a major issue, affecting a patient’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Patients may experience muscle weakness, memory loss, PTSD, and depression long after they leave the hospital.

Care Beyond ICU was founded to bridge this gap. The goal is to provide structured, multidisciplinary support to help patients regain their quality of life. We focus on rehabilitation, mental health resources, and long-term medical follow-up, ensuring patients aren’t left struggling after critical illness.

How do you handle the emotional toll of working in critical care?

Critical care can be emotionally intense—some days are incredibly rewarding, while others are heartbreaking. Seeing patients recover after a long battle is uplifting, but losing a patient despite your best efforts never gets easier.

To cope, I focus on the bigger picture—even when we can’t save someone, we can provide comfort, dignity, and support to families. I also rely on mentors, colleagues, and my family for emotional grounding.

Personally, I decompress through physical activity—hiking, working out, or even just stepping outside for fresh air. I’ve also learned that setting emotional boundaries is crucial. Compassion fatigue is real, and taking care of myself ensures I can continue providing the best care for my patients.

You’ve trained in some of the most demanding environments, including a top-ranked liver transplant and trauma center. What did those experiences teach you?

Training in high-acuity settings exposed me to some of the most complex and challenging cases in medicine. Liver transplant ICUs, for example, involve patients in multi-organ failure, requiring precise coordination between teams. Trauma centers, on the other hand, demand split-second decision-making in cases ranging from gunshot wounds to severe head injuries.

These experiences taught me the importance of adaptability and teamwork. You can be the most knowledgeable doctor in the room, but without an efficient, well-coordinated team, outcomes will suffer. It also reinforced that medicine is never black and white—sometimes, the best decision is based on instinct and experience rather than textbook guidelines.

What do you see as the biggest advancements coming to critical care in the next decade?

The next decade will bring major breakthroughs in AI-driven diagnostics, precision medicine, and remote monitoring. AI will play a crucial role in predicting patient deterioration, allowing us to intervene earlier and prevent complications. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, helping clinicians make more informed decisions.

Precision medicine will also expand, enabling personalized treatment plans based on genetic and biomarker analysis. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we’ll tailor therapies to the specific needs of each patient.

Another game-changer is the rise of telemedicine in critical care. Remote ICU monitoring—where intensivists oversee multiple ICUs from a central hub—will enhance patient care, particularly in underserved or rural areas.

How do you mentor young physicians and help them navigate the demands of critical care?

Mentorship is one of the most important aspects of my role. Critical care can be overwhelming for new trainees, and my goal is to help them build confidence while maintaining a patient-centered approach.

One thing I emphasize is structured decision-making. In high-pressure environments, it’s easy to become paralyzed by uncertainty. I teach my trainees to break problems into small, manageable steps, rely on evidence-based protocols, and trust their clinical reasoning.

I also encourage them to ask questions and seek feedback. Medicine isn’t about ego—it’s about continuous learning and improvement. The best physicians are the ones who acknowledge their limitations and strive to improve every day.

Outside of your medical career, what are some of your personal passions?

I’m passionate about cooking, traveling, and fitness. Cooking is my creative outlet—it allows me to unwind and experiment with different cuisines. Whether it’s Middle Eastern dishes from my heritage or something entirely new, I find it therapeutic.

Traveling is another love of mine. Experiencing different cultures and perspectives has shaped the way I approach medicine and life. It reinforces the idea that no matter where we come from, the human experience—our struggles, hopes, and values—is universal.

Fitness has always been a major part of my life, from playing collegiate football to maintaining an active lifestyle now. I believe that physical well-being directly impacts mental and emotional resilience, which is crucial in a field as demanding as critical care.