Q&A: The Man Behind the Endo Memes
Compiled by Rae Burach
Dr. Ross Rosenblatt is a practicing endodontist in Norfolk, Va., who recently became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. He may be better known, though, as the mastermind behind @evidence_based_endo_memes, an Instagram account that posts endo-related memes that the layperson likely wouldn't understand. That's what makes the page a community for endodontists-- a place where they can laugh about their shared experiences and find solace in one another. Originally hiding his true identity and revealing it about a year ago, Dr. Rosenblatt took some time to chat with us about @evidence_based_endo_memes, which now has 19,500 followers, and what this social media journey has been like for him.
AAE: When did you start @evidence_based_endo_memes and what inspired you to do so?
RR: I started the account with some of my co-residents at Midway Airport in Chicago while we had our flight delayed coming back from APICES 2019. It was really born out of the trials and tribulations of residency. It’s just grown from that journey into what it is today.
AAE: Where do you get inspiration for content? Are you active on social media personally/do you always have a good sense of current trends and memes?
RR: Working in endodontics and dentistry in general certainly gives you no shortage of material! As far as the templates go, I’m pretty chronically online for better or for worse. Even outside of running the page I’m constantly sharing and making memes with my friend groups.
AAE: Congratulations on your recent Board-certification! Between exam prep and practicing, was it hard to find free time to post?
RR: Thank you! It’s such an honor to join the ranks of those who have achieved Board-certification. Posting definitely felt a bit more like a chore while I was deep in exam prep, but running the page is a labor of love so it didn’t feel like much of a burden at all.
AAE: Your bio encourages folks to submit their own endo memes for posting. Do you get a lot of submissions?
RR: A fair amount! I try my best to post all submissions that come through and give appropriate credit. I like to say that @evidence_based_endo_memes is all of us, so I’m always welcoming submissions. It’s been so much fun interacting with and engaging this community that we’ve collectively built.
AAE: You revealed your identity on Instagram during AAE23. Why did you decide to originally keep it a secret, and what prompted you to ultimately reveal yourself?
RR: Early on it was easier to remain anonymous, especially while I was still in residency. As the page started gaining momentum more and more, people would inquire who was behind it. Some over-zealous people even tried to pinpoint who I was using whatever clues I let slip. AAE23 felt like a good time to go public with it because at that point it had built up a decent following and I was eager to make actual connections with all of the amazing people who are part of the community. I also have to give a big shout out to those who knew my identity but kept it under wraps until the announcement came!
AAE: You currently practice in Virginia—are you originally from there? Give us a brief timeline of your journey.
RR: Yes! I was born in the Pittsburgh area but moved to Virginia when I was little. I was raised in Springfield- a small city not too far from DC. I went to college in Richmond, Va., and then journeyed out of state to Philadelphia for my dental education and training. Once that wrapped up my then girlfriend/now-wife and I decided to move to Norfolk, Va., and we’ve fallen in love with it. I’ve gotten to experience living all over the state. Two-up, two down! (If you know, you know.)
AAE: How do you enjoy spending your free time?
RR: In my free time I like working out, improving my culinary chops, and taking in as much of Norfolk as possible. My cat likes to demand an inordinate amount of my attention. I’m also almost always listening to music when I have time to myself.
AAE: Do you have any advice for endos who want to become more active on social media or build a larger following?
I think just as with anything, consistency is key. As far as the endodontic community, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a tighter and more supportive group of people, so the support will always be there. If you do decide to go for it just be sure it’s a passion. Whether it’s sharing cases, making jokes, or teaching, it won’t be fulfilling unless you’re doing it because your heart is in it.