From ER to Latin Luminary: How Dr. Ron Roessler Blends Medicine & Classics
- Ella S
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
What do ER medicine, ancient Rome, and national championships have in common? Dr. Roessler!
When you think of emergency medicine, Latin probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But for Dr. Ronald Roessler, an emergency physician with 20+ years of experience, the connection runs deep.
From Princeton classics major to Northwestern Feinberg MD, Dr. Roessler has built a career that bridges ancient wisdom and modern medicine. In this inspiring interview, he shares how his journey, from aspiring neurosurgeon to ER doctor to Latin coach, has shaped his approach to medicine, mentorship and lifelong learning.
Finding His Calling: From Neurosurgery to Emergency Medicine
Dr. Roessler’s path to medicine wasn’t straightforward. As a kid, he dreamed of being a doctor, but he didn’t know which kind. By college, he locked in on neurosurgery, the most prestigious, high-stakes specialty.
But when he saw the intense, all-consuming lifestyle of neurosurgeons, he had to rethink everything.
“I had an identity crisis. I had built my whole idea of medicine around neurosurgery. But then I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me.”
It wasn’t until he became an EMT that he discovered emergency medicine.
“I saw what ER doctors actually did, the teamwork, the pace, the variety and everything just clicked. This was what I wanted.
That moment shaped the rest of his career.
Inside the ER: Controlled Chaos & Teamwork
TV dramas make emergency medicine look like an endless string of heart-stopping, life-or-death moments. But according to Dr. Roessler, that’s only part of the job.
“The ER is chaotic: overcrowding, patients in hallways, psych cases, people under the influence. But the hardest part isn’t always the critical cases. Sometimes, it’s the ones where you don’t have a clear diagnosis. You have to navigate uncertainty.”
Despite the chaos, he thrives on the teamwork.
“The ER is never just you. It’s nurses, pharmacists, specialists, everyone working together to help the patient.”
That collaboration is what keeps the ER running, and what makes the job so rewarding.
Why Studying Latin Made Him a Better Doctor
Dr. Roessler’s love for classics started in high school, leading him to major in Latin at Princeton before heading to med school. While most people see classics and medicine as two separate worlds, he sees them as deeply connected.
“Studying classics helps you connect with people. In the ER, you only have a few minutes to build trust. Being able to truly listen, interpret symptoms and communicate well is just as important as medical knowledge.”
His background in Latin even led him to co-author Arbor Medicinae: The Tree of Medicine, a book that explores medical terminology through its Latin roots.
“If you understand the roots of medical terms, you remember them better. It makes learning medicine easier, and it’s fun!”
Coaching Latin: A Legacy of Mentorship
Beyond the ER, Dr. Roessler is a dedicated Latin coach and educator. He founded Elite Latin Coaching and has led Brookfield Academy’s Certamen team to countless national & state wins.
“Coaching Latin isn’t just about winning. It’s about teaching life skills: speed, patience, teamwork, resilience. These skills apply far beyond the classroom.”
For him, mentorship is everything.
“I want to leave a legacy of helping students grow, whether it’s through Latin or medicine. My goal is to inspire the next generation.”
Advice for Aspiring Doctors
“Pick a specialty that excites you. Don’t chase prestige or money, chase what actually interests you, because medicine is a lifelong commitment.”
Dr. Roessler also encourages students to study what they love, even if it’s outside of science.
“Major in something you enjoy: classics, philosophy, English. Critical thinking and communication skills will make you a better doctor.”
Final Thoughts: Medicine, Mentorship & Lifelong Learning
Dr. Roessler’s journey proves that medicine is more than just science; it’s about connection, problem-solving and lifelong curiosity. From the ER to the Certamen stage, he’s shaping the next generation of doctors and scholars.
Want to dive deeper into the connection between classics & medicine? Check out his book, Arbor Medicinae: The Tree of Medicine, available on Amazon & Henschel House Books.
Don’t miss the full interview! Watch it now: https://youtu.be/3cDo_TX3i-0
And if you’re inspired by his story, don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more interviews with incredible medical professionals! Note: Quotes may be paraphrased based on the interview.
Thank you, very informative!