Dr. Fortuna received his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School and his masters in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health. He completed residency training in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Brigham and Women's Hospital, MGH, and Children's Hospital Boston and subsequently completed a general medicine fellowship at the Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Fortuna enjoys caring for families and people of all ages. He is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.

Dr. Fortuna is accepting pediatric patients only.

Faculty Appointments

Professor - Department of Medicine, Primary Care Physicians (SMD)

Professor - Center for Community Health and Prevention - Joint

Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Harvard University. 2006 - 2008

Residency, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Harvard University. 2003 - 2006

Internship, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Harvard University. 2002 - 2003

Education

MD | Dartmouth Medical School. 2002

Awards

United Hero - Patient Satisfaction. 2022

Excellence in Quality Improvement, UR Department of Medicine 2020. 2020

Outstanding Quality of Care -- Comprehensive Approach to Opioid Management in Primary Care. 2020

UR Department of Medicine Excellence in QI - 2019. 2019

ICARE Bronze Star 2019 - 5 or more Strong Stars. 2019 - 2019

ICARE Bronze Star 2018 - 5 or more Strong Stars. 2018

Harvard Med-Peds Visiting Professorship in Population Medicine. 2017 - 2017

Recognition for Leading High Performing Team | 4th Annual Institute for Innovative Education Team Based Care Summit. 2017

Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards. 2016

Community Impact Award. 2012

Lawrence A. Kohn Senior Teaching Fellow. 2011 - 2012

Class of 2011 Med-Peds Teaching Award. 2011

Finalist, National Milton W. Hamolsky Awards Junior Faculty Award. 2010

Lawrence A. Kohn Senior Teaching Fellow. 2010 - 2011

Nominee, Harvard Medical School Prize for Excellence in Teaching. 2007

Good Physician Award. 2002

MD with Honors. 2002

Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. 2002

Ohiyesa Fellowship. 2001

Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. 1997

Engineering Scholarship, National Starch and Chemical Company. 1996

Research

Dr. Fortuna is a health services researcher focused on the intersection between general internal medicine, education, and research. His scholarly pursuits have spanned many areas of primary care, population health, and quality improvement.

Publications

Journal Articles

Longitudinal Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Utilization of Hemoglobin A1c Testing in Outpatients

Zha, L; MacLeod, S; Love, T; Fortuna, RJ; Victoria Zhang YV.

Clin Chim Acta

Continuity and Health Outcomes in Resident Clinics: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Margaret J. Connolly MJ, Weppner WG, Fortuna RJ, Snyder ED.

Cureus. 2022; .

The Presence 5 for Racial Justice Framework for anti-racist communication with Black patients

Brown-Johnson C, Cox J, Shankar M,Baratta J, De Leon G, Garcia R, Hollis T, Verano M, Henderson K, Upchurch M, Safaeinili N ,Shaw JG, Fortuna RJ, Beverly C, Walsh M, Somerville CS, Haverfield M, Israni ST, Verghese A, Zulman DM.

Health Services Research. 2022; .

Perspectives of internal medicine residency clinics: A national survey of US medical directors

Fortuna RJ, Tobin DG, Sobel HG, Barrette EP, Noroha C, Laufman L, Huang X, Staggers KA, Nadkarni M, Lu LB.

Educ Health. 2022 May-Aug;35(2):58-66. 36647933. 2022; .

Perspectives of internal medicine residency clinics: A national survey of US medical directors.

Fortuna RJ, Tobin DG, Sobel HG, Barrette EP, Noroha C, Laufman L, Huang X, Staggers KA, Nadkarni M, Lu LB

Education for health : change in training & practice.. 2022 35 (2):58-66. Epub 1900 01 01.

Association Between Physician Risk Assessment, Hierarchical Condition Categories, and Utilization of Medical Services.

Fortuna RJ, Clark JS, Johnson WE, Bajorska A, Solan LG, Pesis-Katz I, Stetzer A, Judge SR

Population health management.. 2021 April 24 (2):249-254. Epub 05/18/2020.

A mixed-methods analysis of younger adults' perceptions of asthma, self-management, and preventive care: "This isn't helping me none".

Mammen JR, Turgeon K, Philibert A, Schoonmaker JD, Java J, Halterman J, Berliant MN, Crowley A, Reznik M, Feldman JM, Fortuna RJ, Arcoleo K

Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology.. 2021 January 51 (1):63-77. Epub 10/18/2020.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): An Unusual Case of Galactorrhea.

Easton L, Vaid S, Nagel AK, Venci JV, Fortuna RJ.

Am J Case Rep. 2021; 8(22).

Differences in Rates of High-Value and Low-Value Care Between Community Health Centers and Private Practices.

Oronce CIA, Fortuna RJ

Journal of general internal medicine.. 2020 April 35 (4):994-1000. Epub 11/19/2019.

Going mobile with primary care: smartphone-telemedicine for asthma management in young urban adults (TEAMS).

Mammen JR, Schoonmaker JD, Java J, Halterman J, Berliant MN, Crowley A, Reznik M, Feldman JM, Fortuna RJ, Frey SM, Turgeon K, Philibert A, Arcoleo K.

J Asthma. PMID: 33064038. 2020; .

Addressing Medication Costs During Primary Care Visits: A Before-After Study of Team-Based Training.

Carroll JK, Farah S, Fortuna RJ, Lanigan AM, Sanders M, Venci JV, Fiscella K

Annals of internal medicine.. 2019 May 7170 (9_Suppl):S46-S53. Epub 1900 01 01.

A community-wide quality improvement initiative to improve hypertension control and reduce disparities.

Fortuna RJ, Rocco TA, Freeman J, Devine M, Bisognano J, Williams GC, Nagel A, Beckman H

The journal of clinical hypertension.. 2019 February 21 (2):196-203. Epub 01/04/2019.

Ambulatory Training Program to Expand Procedural Skills in Primary Care.

Robbins BW, Nead K, Scofield S, Caiola E, Bingemann T, Pulcino TL, Wagoner G, Messing S, Marston B, Fortuna RJ

Journal of medical education and curricular development.. 2019 6 :2382120519859298. Epub 07/01/2019.

Health conditions, functional status and health care utilization in adults with cerebral palsy.

Fortuna RJ, Holub A, Turk MA, Meccarello J, Davidson PW

Family practice.. 2018 December 1235 (6):661-670. Epub 1900 01 01.

Patient Experience With Care and Its Association With Adherence to Hypertension Medications.

Fortuna RJ, Nagel AK, Rocco TA, Legette-Sobers S, Quigley DD

American journal of hypertension.. 2018 February 931 (3):340-345. Epub 1900 01 01.

Patient Experience with Care and its Association with Adherence to Hypertension Medications

Fortuna RJ, Nagel AK, Rocco TA, Legette-Sobers S, Quigley D.

American Journal of Hypertension. 2017; 31(3): 340-345.

Factors Associated with the Accurate Diagnosis of Obesity.

Miller EO, Stanistreet B, Ruckdeschel E, Nead K, Fortuna RJ

Journal of community health.. 2016 December 41 (6):1257-1263. Epub 1900 01 01.

Factors Associated With Resident Continuity in Ambulatory Training Practices.

Fortuna RJ, Garfunkel L, Mendoza MD, Ditty M, West J, Nead K, Robbins BW

Journal of graduate medical education.. 2016 October 8 (4):532-540. Epub 1900 01 01.

Health Conditions and Functional Status in Adults with Autism: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation.

Fortuna RJ, Robinson L, Smith TH, Meccarello J, Bullen B, Nobis K, Davidson PW

Journal of general internal medicine.. 2016 January 31 (1):77-84. Epub 09/11/2015.

Factors Associated with Resident Continuity in Ambulatory Training Practices

Fortuna RJ; Garfunkel L; Mendoza MD; Ditty M; West J; Nead K; Robbins BW.

Journal of Graduate Medical Education (GME). 2016; .

Factors Associated with Resident Continuity in Ambulatory Training Practices

Fortuna RJ; Garfunkel L, Mendoza MD, Ditty M, West J, Nead K, Robbins BW.

Journal of Graduate Medical Education. 2016; .

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention to improve hypertension control in an urban underserved practice.

Fortuna RJ, Nagel AK, Rose E, McCann R, Teeters JC, Quigley DD, Bisognano JD, Legette-Sobers S, Liu C, Rocco TA

Journal of the American Society of Hypertension : JASH.. 2015 December 9 (12):966-74. Epub 10/26/2015.

Do clinicians recommend aspirin to patients for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease?

Fiscella K, Winters PC, Mendoza M, Noronha GJ, Swanger CM, Bisognano JD, Fortuna RJ

Journal of general internal medicine.. 2015 February 30 (2):155-60. Epub 1900 01 01.

Get screened: a randomized trial of the incremental benefits of reminders, recall, and outreach on cancer screening.

Fortuna RJ, Idris A, Winters P, Humiston SG, Scofield S, Hendren S, Ford P, Li SX, Fiscella K

Journal of general internal medicine.. 2014 January 29 (1):90-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

The impact of neighborhood socioeconomic status and race on the prescribing of opioids in emergency departments throughout the United States.

Joynt M, Train MK, Robbins BW, Halterman JS, Caiola E, Fortuna RJ

Journal of general internal medicine.. 2013 December 28 (12):1604-10. Epub 1900 01 01.

Internet Access and Patient Portal Readiness Among Patients in a Group of Inner City Safety-Net Practices

Sanders MR, Winters P, Fortuna RJ, MD, Mendoza M, Berliant M, Clark L, Fiscella K.

The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management. 2013; .

Internet access and patient portal readiness among patients in a group of inner-city safety-net practices.

Sanders MR, Winters P, Fortuna RJ, Mendoza M, Berliant M, Clark L, Fiscella K

The Journal of ambulatory care management.. 2013 36 (3):251-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Health outcomes in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome

L Robinson, J Zarcone, R Fortuna, K Nobis, J Meccarello, PW Davidson.

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 2012; 56(7).

Delayed transition of care: a national study of visits to pediatricians by young adults.

Fortuna RJ, Halterman JS, Pulcino T, Robbins BW

Academic pediatrics.. 2012 12 (5):405-11. Epub 06/17/2012.

The influence of social networks on patients' attitudes toward type II diabetes.

Mani N, Caiola E, Fortuna RJ

Journal of community health.. 2011 October 36 (5):728-32. Epub 1900 01 01.

Prescribing of controlled medications to adolescents and young adults in the United States.

Fortuna RJ, Robbins BW, Caiola E, Joynt M, Halterman JS

Pediatrics.. 2010 December 126 (6):1108-16. Epub 11/29/2010.

Dependence on emergency care among young adults in the United States.

Fortuna RJ, Robbins BW, Mani N, Halterman JS

Journal of general internal medicine.. 2010 July 25 (7):663-9. Epub 03/20/2010.

Dependence on emergency care among young adults in the United States.

Fortuna RJ; Robbins BW; Mani N; Halterman JS.

J Gen Intern Med. 2010; 25(7): 663-9.

Rochester Community-Wide Practice Guidelines

Ambulatory care among young adults in the United States.

Fortuna RJ, Robbins BW, Halterman JS

Annals of internal medicine.. 2009 September 15151 (6):379-85. Epub 1900 01 01.

Reducing the prescribing of heavily marketed medications: a randomized controlled trial.

Fortuna RJ, Zhang F, Ross-Degnan D, Campion FX, Finkelstein JA, Kotch JB, Feldstein AC, Smith DH, Simon SR

Journal of general internal medicine.. 2009 August 24 (8):897-903. Epub 05/28/2009.

Characteristics of medicine-pediatrics practices: results from the national ambulatory medical care survey.

Fortuna RJ, Ting DY, Kaelber DC, Simon SR

Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.. 2009 March 84 (3):396-401. Epub 1900 01 01.

Paediatric experiences with work-hour limitations.

Fortuna RJ, Palfrey JS, Shelov SP, Samuels RC

Journal of evaluation in clinical practice.. 2009 February 15 (1):116-20. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ambulatory care among young adults in the United States

Fortuna RJ; Robbins BW; Halterman JS.

Ann Intern Med. 2009; 151(6): 379-85.

Reducing the Prescribing of Heavily Marketed Medications: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fortuna RJ; Zhang F; Ross-Degnan D; Campion FX; Finkelstein JA; Kotch JB; Feldstein AC; Smith DH; Simon SR.

J Gen Intern Med. 2009; 8(8): 897-903.

Office Visits to Medicine-Pediatrics Physicians: Results from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey

Fortuna RJ; Ting DY; Kaelber DC; Simon SR.

Acad Med. 2009; 84(3)(84(3)): 396-401.

Pediatric Experiences with Work-Hour Limitations

Fortuna RJ; Palfrey JS; Shelov SP; Samuels RC.

J Eval Clin Pract. 2009; 15(1)(15(1)): 116-20.

Clinician attitudes towards prescribing and implications for interventions in a multi-specialty group practice.

Fortuna RJ, Ross-Degnan D, Finkelstein J, Zhang F, Campion FX, Simon SR

Journal of evaluation in clinical practice.. 2008 December 14 (6):969-73. Epub 05/02/2008.

Clinician Attitudes towards Prescribing and Implications for Interventions in a Multispecialty Group Practice

Fortuna RJ; Ross-Degnan D; Finkelstein J; Zhang F; Campion FX; Simon SR.

J Eval Clin Pract. 2008; 14(6)(14(6)): 969-73.

In vitro Activation of Human Monocytes by Silicones

Naim JO; van Oss CJ; Ippolito KML; Zhang JW; Jin LP; Fortuna R; Buehner NA.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 1998; 11: 78-86.

Rochester Community-Wide Practice Guidelines – 2014 Pediatric Preventive Care Guidelines. Monroe County Medical Society. Guideline Committee: Thomas McInerny MD, Robert Fortuna MD, MPH, David Sullo MD, Edward Lewis MD, Michael Jordan MD, Sandford Mayer MD. | May 2014

Rochester Community-Wide Practice Guidelines - 2014 Adult Preventive Care Guidelines. Monroe County Medical Society. Guideline Committee: Clint Koenig MD, Robert Fortuna MD, MPH, David Gandell, Nancy Bennett, Paul Frame, Dolores Tereault, Kevin Fiscella, John McIntyre MD, Diane Cunningham MD, Thomas Arnone, MD. | 2014

Books

Leading an Academic Medical Practice, 2nd Edition (2023)

Authors: SGIM

Publisher: Springer 2023

Maximizing Continuity in Continuity Clinic in Leading an Academic Medical Practice, 2nd Edition. (2023)

Authors: William Weppner, Reena Gupta, and Robert J Fortuna

Publisher: Springer 2023

Leading an Academic Medical Practice, 2nd Edition (2023)

Chapter: Population Health Management for Residents

Authors: Robert J. Fortuna, Halle Sobel

Publisher: Springer 2023

Leading an Academic Medical Practice, 2nd Edition (2023)

Chapter: Dashboards to Support Academic Practices

Authors: Robert J. Fortuna, Gail Berkenblit, Halle G. Sobel

Publisher: Springer 2023

Leading an Academic Medical Practice (2018)

Chapter: Population Health Management for Residents

Authors: Robert J. Fortuna, Halle Sobel

Publisher: Springer 2018

Population Health Management for Residents (2018)

Chapter: Maximizing Continuity in Continuity Clinic

Authors: William Weppner, Reena Gupta, and Robert J Fortuna

Publisher: Springer 2018

Physical Health of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (2018)

Chapter: Cerebral Palsy

Authors: Margaret Turk, MD Robert J. Fortuna MD, MPH

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell 2018

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

4.7

Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

4.6

Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

4.7

Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care

4.7

Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

4.7

Patient Comments

5.0

Dr Fortuna has provided outstanding services always

Dec 13, 2024

3.4

He doesn't listen [...]. Very unprofessional.

Nov 03, 2024

5.0

Dr. Fortuna took a lot of time with me to hear my concerns, discuss options, etc. He's caring and present and clearly wants me to continue in good health.

Sep 24, 2024

5.0

It's a pleasure to see Dr. Fortuna. He always puts a smile on my face and also sits down and talks to me no matter how much time it takes He looks just straight in your eyes when speaking with me which is very pleasant

Sep 09, 2024

2.2

My primary concern was getting an answer to what the point of palliative care was, at this point for me Dr. [...] relinquished prescribing medications and all care to my primary physician Dr. Fortuna.This was a result of [...] and Dr. Fortuna coming to my rescue [...].

Sep 08, 2024

5.0

The doctor was helpful.

Aug 24, 2024

5.0

Dr Fortuna was wonderful as always

Jul 27, 2024

5.0

By far Dr. Fortuna is one of the best, if not the best provider any person can ask for.

Jul 04, 2024

5.0

I Always look Forward To Seeing My Primary Care Physician

Jun 19, 2024

5.0

Everyone is Always Welcome Me From The Moment I Arrive In The Office

Jun 19, 2024

5.0

I think at times providers feel frustrated with me due circumstances that can't be changed

Jun 07, 2024

5.0

It was a great experience!

May 24, 2024

5.0

Please continue to provide great customer service and support!

May 24, 2024

5.0

Dr. Fortuna is very professional and thorough in his analysis of my heath, mental and emotional state. We discuss my medications to assess where I am and how to proceed going forward. I appreciate his help and support.

May 24, 2024

5.0

I love this place, always ready to serve.

May 13, 2024

5.0

Dr. Robert Fortuna - has proven over the years he is a great doctor.

May 03, 2024

5.0

[...] All good.

May 03, 2024

5.0

All good.

May 01, 2024

5.0

Dr. Fortuna & Nurse Myelin (does immunization) have been so kind.

May 01, 2024

5.0

Very patient kind & reassuring. [...] is 4 months old and Dr. Fortuna and all residents have been awesome.

May 01, 2024

5.0

Dr. Fortuna called me at my home to discuss the results of an ultrasound he had ordered, and made sure I understood everything he had to say.

Apr 24, 2024

5.0

He listen and explain well

Apr 11, 2024

5.0

He deserve the prize

Apr 11, 2024

5.0

Very good [...].

Mar 24, 2024

5.0

Dr.Fortuna is a great doctor. He is responsible for all our family's care. Very attentive and responsive.

Mar 17, 2024

5.0

Always considerate, patient, and caring, asks my opinion on situations. I trust him completely.

Mar 07, 2024

5.0

Very good experience.

Jan 30, 2024

5.0

MY husband and I went together and had some complicated issues that effected both of us. It felt like we were both heard and that we truly had a partner concerned about our welfare with us.

Jan 27, 2024

5.0

I appreciate how Dr. Fortuna was receptive to other members of our family joining the practice so that we can work together on difficult issues that concern our health as we age.

Jan 27, 2024

5.0

Dr. Fortuna and the staff all deserve special recognition for their service and care.

Jan 18, 2024

5.0

I am happy that my child has had a good provider for the last 14 years.

Jan 18, 2024

5.0

It is always comforting to know that Culver Medical will address any concerns for my child [...]

Jan 18, 2024

5.0

I love that Dr. Fortuna listens to my concerns or questions and then helps with answers.

Jan 18, 2024

5.0

Always is good and time spent was important to me

Dec 11, 2023

5.0

Physicians and staff have always provided outstanding service; the primary reason I've been in their care @ [...] Family Medicine (1998) and now Culver Medicine! I've been very impressed with their health care services.

Sep 25, 2023

5.0

Dr Fortuna is a wonderful practitioner. He listens, has clear opinions and has provided me with excellent care.

Sep 13, 2023

5.0

I was super impressed that I was contacted for the 3 follow-up referrals very quickly. 2 the next day and the 3rd the following day. I felt so well-cared for as occurred, as well, a fee months ago when I had a shoulder injury. I can't say enough about the quality of care and the concern all of the staff have for patients. It os one of the main reasons we have decided to stay in the [...] area rather than move somewhere else.

Sep 09, 2023

5.0

[...]. All fine.

Sep 09, 2023

5.0

Dr. Fortuna really listens - always does. When he suggested a medication that I was not comfortable taking, he pivoted to another method to address the issue.

Sep 09, 2023

5.0

Very good dr.

Aug 17, 2023

5.0

[...] everything is good.

Aug 17, 2023

5.0

Dr Fortuna is an amazing physician.

Aug 10, 2023

5.0

I call about a infected thumb around 8 am and I had an appointment scheduled later in the same morning. All the staff were personable and addressed all my concerns. Dr. Fortuna also encouraged me to call if I continued to experience infection or problems with the antibiotic. The front line staff and the nurse who took my vitals treated me well.

Jul 15, 2023

5.0

[...]. very good service/experience received. Very grateful.

Jun 10, 2023

5.0

Dr. R. Fortuna. Very pleasant & caring.

May 22, 2023

5.0

Dr. Fortuna is the best Doctor out there

Mar 27, 2023

5.0

Dr. Robert Fortuna is the best!

Mar 14, 2023

5.0

Everyone is very professional.

Mar 14, 2023

3.0

I was supposed to get a call back for my test results and never did. Very unsatisfied and upset about that.

Mar 05, 2023

5.0

Dr. Fortuna is consistently a wonderful provider. I feel so lucky to have him for a PCP. I always feel well taken care of, and cared for.

Feb 10, 2023

4.6

Dr. Fortuna was kind and I felt heard about my overall health.

Feb 10, 2023

I am very happy with my doctor and the care he provides.

Jan 19, 2023

5.0

Dr Fortuna always respectful kind and understanding

Nov 21, 2022

5.0

It's always great service when I go there

Nov 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Fortuna was amazing: he listened carefully to my list of questions and addressed every one completely, thoroughly, and with respect.

Oct 29, 2022

Dr.fortuna is the best

Sep 08, 2022

5.0

Actually everything is great

Jul 04, 2022

5.0

Dr. Fortuna and a basically all the staff they are an excellent group of Providers and Nurses!

Jul 04, 2022

5.0

[...] everything his all good to me

May 27, 2022

5.0

Dr Fortuna is thorough and very professional. He provides great care

May 10, 2022

5.0

No complaints

May 10, 2022

5.0

Dr. Robert Fortuna and all this is associate helper they are very polite understanding and pay attention to what you have to say I will not change my doctor for nothing

Apr 23, 2022

5.0

Dr Robert Fortuna is an excellent provider.

Apr 20, 2022

1.8

The doctor could spend more time listening, and be more helpful, and less dismissive.

Apr 13, 2022

5.0

Dr Fortuna was excellent

Mar 24, 2022

5.0

I am pleased with the care.

Mar 23, 2022

5.0

Dr. Fortuna was great

Feb 06, 2022