Exploring Clinical Research Through the Eyes of an Intensivist

Adam Green, MD, MBA, has built a career in medicine marked by leadership, education, and an evolving passion for clinical research. As an associate professor of medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and a full-time intensivist at Cooper University Hospital, he plays a vital role in critical care medicine. Green also serves as the director of research for the Division of Critical Care Medicine for Cooper University Hospital. His journey to this role has been one of exploration, growth, and continuing education.

After earning a joint medical degree (MD) and a master of business administration (MBA) at Drexel University, Green completed his internal medicine training at North Shore University Hospital, followed by a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. 

Green joined Cooper University Health Care in 2017, quickly establishing himself as a leader when he became the site director of an affiliate hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) within nine months of starting. Over the next several years, he oversaw a 36-bed ICU, leading teams through complex medical cases and operational challenges.

Initially, administration seemed like a natural fit. With his MBA and leadership role, Green worked to shape hospital policies and the systems that support patient care. However, over time, he realized that his true passion lay in clinical research and medical education.

A pivotal moment came when Green sought to build his research expertise through the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program at Harvard Medical School. The program provided a structured foundation in clinical research methodologies, study design, and biostatistics — skills that allowed him to elevate his work beyond clinical practice. It also equipped him with the expertise to engage more effectively in clinical studies and enhanced his ability to write compelling grant proposals for new research.

Recalling his decision to apply, Green shares, “The goal was really to understand study design and data management for overarching research philosophy and thought processes.”

A key component of the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program is the immersive capstone project in which students complete a formal research proposal ready for funding submission. As an intensivist, Green’s professional interests lie in mechanical circulatory support and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 

“I was interested in building a model to help predict who could be taken off veno-venous ECMO,” he says. “The capstone component of the program really helped in giving me feedback from Harvard faculty, refining the idea, and making it feasible to bring into action.” 

Participating in the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program was a transformative experience, reinforcing Green’s belief in the power of research to drive meaningful change in medicine. The program not only sharpened his technical skills but also connected him with a global network of like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing health care through evidence-based practice. 

As Green expands his research initiatives and mentors aspiring physicians, he exemplifies the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. He is actively shaping the future of critical care and inspiring a new generation of clinician-scientists.

Written by: Meredith Faxon