Integration Update: March 2024

March 19, 2024

Dear RWJMS and NJMS Community,

To date, the LCME process is proceeding successfully with collaboration and coordination from both schools. We are delighted to share that the LCME formally notified us last week that we will be permitted to delay the Spring 2026 RWJMS planned site visit by one year. This will allow us the time needed to organize the materials for a single LCME accreditation and facilitate the approval process for the new Rutgers School of Medicine, while maintaining RWJMS and NJMS accreditation. This will not change the anticipated first class of the new Rutgers School of Medicine enrollment in the 2028 academic year. 

In addition, the LCME made it clear that we will need to identify a single leader for the new Rutgers School of Medicine as a requirement of accreditation, and that we can organize the leadership at each campus in a co-equal manner to support the local work. This single dean structure will a) ensure that the priorities of the entire school serve as a guide, b) allow for local leadership to address day-to-day and emergent issues and needs within the campuses, and c) contribute to an efficient, consistent, and accountable culture that prioritizes a commitment to our students, faculty, staff, patients, and members of the community.

We continue to review similar models at Rutgers and nationally. We will need your help in considering how best to organize this leadership structure to ensure continued excellence in each of our mission areas.

When complete, the new medical school will amplify Rutgers’ role as a leader in 21st-century medical education. You can learn more about the journey toward Rutgers School of Medicine at the Our Future: Rutgers School of Medicine website.

Sincerely,

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

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