Integration Update: June 2024

June 25, 2024

Change is inevitable in every walk of life, particularly in today’s world of higher education. Sometimes it’s within our control. But most often, it’s not. Change stirs within us a mix of emotions: from excitement and uncertainty to exhilaration and concern. Above all, it can be a positive force, generating opportunity, building skills, and sparking innovation.

The integration of New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) is certainly a time of great change for all of us. As we work to develop a shared mission, vision, and values for the new entity, one thing will not change: our commitment to excellence in education, research, patient care, and community health.

In combining our schools, one of our primary goals is building trust and community across the two campuses. This culture-building work is vitally important in creating Rutgers School of Medicine (RSOM), aligning our vision and goals into a unified vision for the future. Trust must be earned, and takes time to build. Recognizing that honest and direct communication builds trust, we have opened many lines of communication to keep you informed about all aspects of the integration.

Leading this effort is our Integration Executive Committee, Advisory Committee, and Task Forces. Comprising representatives from both schools, these groups are charged with managing the communications platform. On June 26, these groups will meet to discuss the future of Rutgers School of Medicine. Please watch for further integration news and updates in our newsletters, town hall meetings, and the Integration Update webpage.

Share Your Feedback!

Achieving a successful integration goes beyond talking, emailing, posting blogs and giving presentations. Equally important is listening. We care what you think. We value your ideas and feedback, and encourage you to submit your questions and ideas through the Feedback Form. Surveys have been distributed on both campuses to gather the input of our medical community. Please take the time to weigh in.

Throughout the process, our leadership teams will make all decisions in alignment with the Integration Guiding Principles. The first two principles state: do no harm; and value and respect our faculty, staff, and trainees. We want to be clear that all decisions made by the leadership team will prioritize the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Empathy, respect, and a focus on finding the right solutions will guide everything we do.

We will continue to offer opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to meet in person, ask questions, and offer suggestions. Merging the two schools is well worth the effort, as we build a stronger institution offering enhanced medical education, expanded clinical care, and increased opportunities for research and collaboration. Your participation and support will make this happen.

Sincerely,

Amy P. Murtha, MD
Dean, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP
Dean, New Jersey Medical School