Spotlighting the 2026 Integration Summit

July 7, 2026

On June 24, more than 400 faculty, students, and staff from New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) came together in person and virtually for the 2026 Integration Summit, held at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in Newark. The goals of the summit were to celebrate progress toward the future Rutgers School of Medicine (RSM), pending LCME accreditation, and to discuss next steps.

This summit, jointly hosted by RWJMS Dean Amy P. Murtha, MD, and Founding Dean of the future RSM, and NJMS Dean Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP, and Interim Chancellor, Rutgers Health, took place almost exactly two years to the day after the first Integration Summit, which kicked off the integration launch. So much has happened in these two years, noted Dean Johnson. “Many thanks to all of you for your assistance and participation,” he said. “It’s truly remarkable how far we’ve come and how much we’ve accomplished.”

“It’s so rewarding to see the two schools join together,” noted Dean Murtha. “In the beginning, we didn’t know how we would do this. There’s no playbook for it. No one else in the country has done it. Our approach of listening and learning on both campuses has propelled us forward.”

During the morning session, Dean Murtha cited achievements in many key areas, including the alignment of admissions and curriculum (both pre-clerkship and clerkship curriculum); significant improvements in student support, including financial aid and tuition decision timing; development of an administrative structure; and powerful branding messaging. Additionally, a dean’s cabinet has been named, with an emphasis on cross-campus leadership.

Major facilities enhancements at both schools support the strong commitment to “one school, with two co-equal campuses.” Educational and research spaces in Newark’s Medical Science Building are being renovated, and infrastructural improvements are being made. In New Brunswick, RWJMS has moved into its new home at HELIX, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, interactive technology, and other amenities. “We have equity across the two campuses,” observed Dean Murtha.  

A major item on the agenda was an update on the LCME accreditation self-study. This effort is overseen by Maria Soto-Greene, MD, NJMS executive vice dean; and Carol Terregino, MD, senior associate dean for education at RWJMS.

With a target date of June 2027 for RSM’s full accreditation, a self-study task force has identified institutional strengths and challenges - data that will inform the integration. “Our consultant says we’ve accomplished amazing things, and advised us to be less humble,” said Dr. Terregino. “The self-study team is focusing on our strengths, as well as opportunities for improvement.” As part of the process, medical students on both campuses conducted independent analyses. 

"Our data collection is 538 pages, with 170 appendices,” added Dr. Terregino. “This data will be finalized and submitted to the LCME in October.” 

In January 2027, an ad hoc team of medical education experts will conduct an on-site visit to our campuses. The survey team writes a report reviewed by the 17 voting members of the LCME, who determine if the school is compliant with the required standards. Both schools are preparing extensively, holding mock site visits in the fall, with an LCME decision coming in June 2027.

Integration advisory committees were invited to share their accomplishments in the following areas: governance and faculty leadership, appointments and promotions, student and financial services, admissions, professional fulfillment and belonging, proposed structure of the RSM student government, and commitment to health equity. Following afternoon breakout sessions, a celebration reception capped off the day.

While much work remains to be done, the integration team has established a solid foundation to support the new school. “We’re creating one of the largest medical schools in the country,” said Dean Johnson. “It will transform medical education in New Jersey. Our students are incredibly excited.”

“Thanks to all for your help and participation,” said Dean Murtha. “We’ve built great momentum, and it’s only going to accelerate!” 

Relive the Moment

Take a look back at highlights from the Integration Summit and the connections collaborations, and memories that made the day special.

View the Photo Gallery | Watch the Video