Rabie Shanti Returns to RSDM to Shape Cancer Care and Pay it Forward

Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Rabie Shanti is no stranger to Rutgers. After finishing his DMD at Harvard University, he came to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for his MD and later became a resident at RSDM’s oral and maxillofacial program.

“When I came to interview for residency, I was just blown away by the program,” said Shanti, because of its intensive clinical experience and rigorous curriculum. “It's hard to describe how much Dr. Vincent Ziccardi, [chair of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department], invested in developing such a strong residency program that is nationally recognized and is one of the most sought-after programs in the country. And this was my number one choice.”

Years later, Shanti has now returned to RSDM to join Ziccardi’s team as the new director of the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency training program and the inaugural director of maxillofacial oncology. Previously, he was an assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

“When the opportunity came up at Rutgers, I was excited because it is a place, an institution that was very special to me,” said Shanti. “Right now is a really exciting time within the university because there's a lot of growth.”

An expert in head and neck tumors with a focus on oral cancer, jaw tumors, and salivary gland tumors, he hopes to contribute to the school’s growth by establishing an oral oncology practice. “As an oral maxillofacial surgeon, I feel like we have to be involved in the care of cancer patients because we bring a unique perspective because of our background in dentistry, surgery, and medicine,” he said.

Shanti is now a provider at RSDM’s faculty practice, Rutgers Health University Dental Associates. He is also affiliated with University Hospital Newark, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Dentistry, cancer care, or academia weren’t where Shanti pictured himself growing up.

It all began with his hometown orthodontist’s positive impact on his life. Shanti planned to follow his dentist’s footsteps, but meeting RSDM alum and oral maxillofacial surgeon Thomas Flynn ’76 in dental school changed his course.

“I didn't even really know what oral maxillofacial surgery was [until then],” Shanti said. Flynn not only introduced him to the field but also invited him to the operating room and became his research mentor. The more Shanti learned, the more he liked it, leading him to RSDM’s residency program.

All along the way, he continued with research, too. He already published over 90 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He received grants from the National Institutes of Health, Osteo Science Foundation, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation for his projects as well. “When we think of the future, it's going to be really scientific investigation and research,” he said, “which will define how we look at cancer as a whole and better target the tumor in treatment.”

At RSDM, he will continue this pursuit and create research opportunities for students. Moreover, he aspires to guide the next generation into their careers.

“I've gotten here by having some really exceptional mentors and educators that have invested in me,” he said. “I really want to pay it forward.”