Dr. Jarrod P. Kaufman, a highly regarded surgeon from Toms River, New Jersey, tragically passed away Thursday morning after his vehicle veered off the Garden State Parkway in Lakewood. Kaufman, 54, was a founding member of Premier Surgical in Brick and had an impressive career in the medical field, with a focus on laparoscopic surgery, surgical oncology, and innovative medical treatments.
The crash occurred around 7:10 a.m. near milepost 88.2 on the northbound side of the Parkway. Kaufman’s Tesla Model Y, which was traveling at the time, unexpectedly left the roadway and crashed into a briar patch, according to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron. Despite rescue efforts, Kaufman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary reports suggest that Kaufman may have suffered a medical episode while driving, though the crash remains under investigation. His sudden passing has left the medical community and his family in shock, as he was known for his dedication to his patients, his profession, and his community.
Kaufman was widely respected in his field, not only for his clinical expertise but also for his contributions to advancing surgical practices. He was a clinical faculty member at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was involved in cutting-edge research on minimally invasive surgery and cancer treatment. Kaufman’s biography described him as a laparoscopic surgeon, public speaker, and cancer prevention advocate who had devoted his career to the advancement of surgical techniques and patient care.
In addition to his work at McGowan, Kaufman had served as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Temple University School of Medicine. He also held a leadership position as the chairman of surgery at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus Hospital, where he was highly regarded by both colleagues and patients. His career extended beyond local practice, as he had significant roles in national medical organizations. Kaufman was the New Jersey chair of the Commission on Cancer for the American College of Surgeons and served as the emeritus chair of the Melanoma Workgroup for the NJ Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection & Treatment.
Kaufman’s educational background further underscored his commitment to medicine. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1993. Following this, he attended the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he earned his medical degree in 1997. His global education and professional experience shaped his approach to medicine, blending cutting-edge techniques with a compassionate and patient-centered philosophy.
Outside of his professional life, Kaufman was a beloved figure in his community, known for his philanthropic work and leadership in the medical field. His death has been deeply mourned by colleagues, patients, and friends who remember him as a passionate advocate for health and well-being.
Kaufman’s legacy as a surgeon and mentor will live on through the many lives he touched. His commitment to improving the quality of life for his patients and advancing the medical field will continue to inspire those who worked with him.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the medical community and the wider Toms River area reflect on Kaufman’s extraordinary career and the impact he had on healthcare. His contributions to surgery, cancer prevention, and medical education remain a lasting testament to his work and dedication to advancing medicine.
