This week we’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Era Murzaku, a board-certified dermatologist and Monmouth County mom of two, who recently joined Little Silver Dermatology. After completing her training and practicing across the country — including at one of the nation’s top dermatology programs — Dr. Murzaku and her husband returned home to New Jersey to raise their children near family and friends.
In our latest Meet-a-Mom feature, Dr. Murzaku shares her journey from growing up in Sparta to building both a family and a career here in Monmouth County, what she loves most about this community, and how she’s blending motherhood with her passion for caring for others every day.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I grew up in Sparta, New Jersey. I attended Seton Hall University for my undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson for medical school. I completed my internship in Philadelphia at Pennsylvania Hospital and my Dermatology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, one of the top programs in the country. I practiced in Dallas for 6 years, after which my husband, Mark, a Monmouth County native, and I decided to return home to New Jersey to raise our kids surrounded by family and friends.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have a daughter, Julia, who just turned 4, and a son, Luke, who will turn 2 in November!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I have lived all over the world! Both my parents are professors- my mom is a historian and Chair of Catholic Studies at Seton Hall and my dad is a linguist- so their work and research has brought us all over, especially to Italy, Albania, and Germany. I have a deep love of traveling and
learning about new cultures as well as passion for the humanities- history, theology, art, and foreign languages. I am fluent in both Albanian and Spanish.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband, Mark, is a wonderful father and friend. We met in medical school and have navigated a long-distance relationship during our medical training, being new parents during Covid, and a cross-country move with two young kids. We are also very fortunate to have both
of our families nearby. My in-laws helped us with the move from Texas, while my parents now live in Philadelphia and have been an incredible support system, regularly helping to watch the kids and providing us with some much-needed date nights! We have so much fun visiting them in Philly! Most of my husband’s family is in Monmouth County- his sister, cousins, aunts, and uncles. We are lucky to have so many loved ones nearby! In addition, we both have many friends from college and medical school locally! It has been so fun to re-connect with friends we had not seen in years.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
We love to spend time outdoors! Some of our favorite places include Victory Park in Rumson, Dorbrook Park in Colts Neck, and Divine Park in Spring Lake. We also enjoy going to the beach and know the joys of wrangling small children in attempts to apply sunscreen all too well!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am a board-certified dermatologist and practice medical and cosmetic dermatology. I recently joined Little Silver Dermatology, working alongside Dr. Kenneth Grossman and Dr. Christine Schafer. We just moved to a beautiful new office space at 680 Branch Avenue in Little Silver! I am thrilled to be part of such a well-respected practice with a longstanding reputation for providing superb, personalized, evidence-based care. It is a truly special place where we really get to know our patients and provide care to generations of families, some of whom have been in
the practice for 40 years! I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and service to our community.
Visit www.littlesilverdermatologist.com for more information or call 732-842- 5222 for an appointment.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Our wonderful patients at Little Silver Dermatology have been incredibly sweet and welcoming. I also have amazing colleagues and local friends who have been beyond helpful in getting us situated- from recommending an amazing pediatrician, to helping us find a wonderful pre-
school, to sharing their favorite places in Monmouth County!
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
I have quite the sweet tooth! I love bakeries- my favorites are the Baker’s Grove in Shrewsbury and the Scone Pony in Spring Lake. I am also a huge fan of all things pumpkin. The pumpkin cold brew at Rook and the pumpkin ice cream at Nicholas Creamery are both to die for
and…dangerously close to my office!
What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County?
There wasn’t much of a fall in Dallas, so my kids are loving the fall weather and activities so much this year! We just had the best time going apple picking at Eastmont Orchards (though the kids got a little carried away and we ended up with 20 pounds of apples!) followed by a stop for
apple cider donuts at Delicious Orchards!
What are your Mom Goals?
I want my kids to be kind and humble, to find joy and fulfillment in their lives, to be generous, and to make a meaningful difference in their community. I want them to find their passion, work hard, and be the best version of themselves, while always making time to have fun! I hope they live a life surrounded by love.
680 Branch Ave, Suite A Little Silver, NJ 07739
