Neurologist Joined NJ Sharing Network Advisory Board
A neurointensivist from Montclair will now offer expertise on severe brain injuries to the organ recovery nonprofit.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Stroke
Live Poll
Have you registered to be an organ donor?
Dr. Ram Gowda, a neurologist and neurointensivist, has joined the Advisory Board of the NJ Sharing Network. The appointment aims to leverage his specialized knowledge in treating acute brain injuries to support the organization's statewide efforts.
Why it matters
The collaboration integrates critical care expertise into the organ donation process, which is essential for the 3,000 New Jersey residents currently awaiting transplants. Enhancing clinical counsel can help ensure that donor recovery is managed with the highest level of neurological oversight.
In 2025, New Jersey donors achieved a record 2,026 organ, cornea, and tissue donations. While this reflects significant regional engagement, the impact of the new board appointment on future donation rates remains to be seen.
The players
Dr. Ram Gowda
A Montclair resident and neurologist who serves as an associate professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and co-directs the neuro-ICU at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
NJ Sharing Network
A New Providence-based nonprofit organization that manages organ and tissue recovery efforts through partnerships with 56 hospitals across New Jersey.
The details
The NJ Sharing Network coordinates with 56 partner hospitals to facilitate tissue and organ recovery across the state. As a neurointensivist who co-directs the neuro-ICU at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Dr. Gowda provides specialized guidance on the complex clinical care required for patients with severe acute brain injuries. This expertise is vital for navigating the medical protocols necessary to identify and maintain potential organ donors within a hospital system.
Timeline
2025 was the year New Jersey reached a record of 2,026 organ, cornea and tissue donations.
October 4, 2026, was the date Dr. Ram Gowda was announced as a new member of the NJ Sharing Network Advisory Board.
Health Landscape
This appointment reflects a growing integration of sub-specialized neuro-critical care into the organizational oversight of organ procurement networks. It underscores a broader trend of leveraging specialized clinical expertise to optimize donation protocols and improve outcomes for waitlisted patients.
Those interested in becoming donors or understanding the donation process can find resources through the NJ Sharing Network. If you have questions about how acute care and organ donation protocols overlap, this is a topic to discuss with your primary physician or a neurologist.
The takeaway
The addition of specialized neurological oversight to transplant boards reflects a commitment to improving the clinical complexity of the organ recovery process. Residents interested in donation can review their registration status through official state programs or regional health networks.
Further reading
For more on clinical advancements in neuro-critical care and recovery, visit Stroke.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Montclair Local News.
Live Poll
Have you registered to be an organ donor?
