A Message from Dean Amy P. Murtha, MD, Regarding the Inaugural RSM Faculty Assembly Officers

February 5, 2026

Dear colleagues,

I am delighted to announce the newly elected officers of the future Rutgers School of Medicine Faculty Assembly, who will serve as the inaugural leadership of our combined medical schools. Serving as the first officers of this newly established academic body is a meaningful distinction, and we are grateful to the many faculty members who stepped forward to help shape what lies ahead.

As we begin this exciting chapter in the life of our medical school, we thank all nominees, nominators, and everyone who took the time to vote in the recent Faculty Assembly election. We appreciate your participation and engagement in this important milestone for our medical school community.

For both campuses, this election generated a record number of nominations for Faculty Assembly positions. Voter participation also exceeded typical response rates. Across both campuses, voter response rates were up over 40 percent from the average.

This level of engagement reflects the genuine enthusiasm and shared excitement surrounding the creation of the Rutgers School of Medicine, which will officially launch in June 2027.

All nominated candidates have been contacted and encouraged to consider future leadership opportunities within the future Rutgers School of Medicine, as we continue to build a strong and representative governance structure.

The Faculty Assembly will serve as an important forum for faculty voice, representation, and collaboration as we continue to build our shared culture and academic identity. We are incredibly excited about what lies ahead and grateful to be creating this future together with such a committed and energized faculty community.

Congratulations to the Inaugural RSM Faculty Assembly Officers:

Co-Presidents

Sara Morelli, MD, PhD
Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, NJMS

Nell Maloney Patel, MD
Professor, Surgery, RWJMS

Co-Vice Presidents, Basic Science

Nan Gao, PhD
Professor, Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, NJMS

M. Chiara Manzini, PhD
Associate Professor, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, RWJMS

Co-Vice Presidents, Clinical

Anne Sutherland, MD
Associate Professor, Medicine, NJMS

Geza K. Kiss, MD
Professor, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, RWJMS

Co-Secretaries

Samantha Bell, PhD
Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, NJMS

Steve Khalil, MD
Associate Professor, Medicine, RWJMS

With thanks and appreciation,

Amy P. Murtha, MD
Dean, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Founding Dean, Future Rutgers School of Medicine