Karen H. Rothenberg

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Marjorie Cook Professor Emeritus of Law and Former Dean, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics

Karen H. Rothenberg has dedicated her career to shaping health care policy and educating the next generation of legal professionals at the intersection of law and medicine.

As the former dean of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and current Marjorie Cook professor emeritus of law, Rothenberg founded the Law & Health Care Program in 1984, recognizing early that health care law was an emerging field requiring specialized expertise.

“Lawyers would need to have special expertise working with health care professionals, social workers and health policy experts to address complex issues,” Rothenberg said.

Her research and advocacy have influenced state and federal policies on HIV testing, emergency care requirements, genetic privacy, nondiscrimination and the inclusion of women in clinical trials. She currently serves as a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics.

One of Rothenberg’s pivotal accomplishments came during her tenure as dean when she helped secure funding for a new law school building. The facility, which opened in 2002, was designed to incorporate emerging technology and promote accessibility. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg delivered the dedication speech at the building’s opening.

“It was imperative to consider what the future of legal education would be and address the need to enhance the integration of technology as well as promote accessibility for all throughout the building,” Rothenberg said.

The Law & Health Care Program she established has now trained multiple generations of lawyers who work at the National Institutes of Health, major regulatory agencies, medical centers, congressional committees and private practices across the country.

Before joining the Maryland Carey Law faculty, Rothenberg practiced health law and policy. Her experience in the field helped shape her vision for creating specialized legal education programs that would prepare attorneys to navigate the complex intersection of health care and law.

Throughout her career, Rothenberg has focused on issues including reproductive health rights, dignity surrounding death and dying and the regulation of emerging technologies. Her work at both Maryland Carey Law and the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has allowed her to make lasting contributions to health and science policy.

The Montgomery County resident continues to influence health care law and policy through her current roles while building upon her legacy of preparing legal professionals to address the evolving challenges in health care law.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.