NJMS Dean's Newsletter Winter 2020

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WINTER 2020

DEAN’S NEWSLETTER

As

��������������������������������������� onto 2020, two words are top-of-mind: change and transition.

In January 2019, I transitioned into the role as interim dean at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS); which in turn, brought about several changes for RWJMS and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). Recognizing that I couldn’t operate two schools completely differently, I knew that I had to identify similarities and create synergies. Developing a working relationship between the schools was vital; and doing so started with bringing together both administrations and senior leadership. To date, that transition has worked extremely well, and as we move forward, we will look for additional opportunities to increase collaboration between the schools.

Which brings us to the potential for change on the horizon in 2020. Dr. Maria Soto-Greene and Tom Hecker, executive vice deans with NJMS and RWJMS, respectively, presented “The Future of Academic Medicine” to our school communities in late fall. Several models have been explored including keeping the schools operating at status quo, two separate schools under one DUNS number, and one combined school with ���������������������������������������� report has been sent to RBHS Chancellor, Dr. Brian Strom, who will then make a recommendation to the University Senate. ������������������������������������������� and RWJMS will continue in the spirit of collaboration as we provide exceptional research and education opportunities, deepen our ties within the community, and give outstanding care to our patients. In a broad sense, healthcare has moved to a ���������������������������������������� productive. We need a structure that makes sense. As such, we will see a transitional shift in patient care as Rutgers Health merges with RWJBarnabas Health. In 2019, our focus was on developing a practice plan between Rutgers Health and Barnabas. In 2020, we will start doing it. This alliance will be a huge undertaking for NJMS and will elevate our school’s stature among academic research institutions in the US. Throughout 2020, we will witness physical changes to the Medical Science Building,

as we begin a long-awaited multi-milliondollar renovation project. Although this project will take several years to complete, phase one begins this year.

At the university-level, change will come with a new president on July 1, 2020. Rutgers ��������������������������������������� leadership of outgoing President, Dr. Robert ��������������������������������������� President, Dr. Jonathan Holloway, will be supportive of the continued development of RBHS and the Health Science campuses. In closing, as we experience exciting transitions and progressive changes in the near future, my commitment to the ongoing success of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School will always remain constant. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and transformative new year! In health,

Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP’72

The Sharon and Joseph L. Muscarelle Endowed Dean, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Interim Dean, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

ARCHITECTURAL FIRM SELECTED FOR MSB RENOVATION Moving Forward with Innovative Ideas he proposed $400 million renovation of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s Medical Science Building took an important step forward with the voting committee’s selection of EYP Architecture & Engineering to lead the building project, starting in December 2019. ��������������������������������������� ������������������������������������ environmentally sustainable buildings for university, healthcare and research organizations.

��������������������������������������������� says Deborah Lazzarino, PhD, assistant dean for research, and a member of the voting committee. “EYP brought the project forward in a unique way that shows an understanding of our need to make the building an advanced model of functionality and design for the ��������������� The architects at EYP will now begin ����������

the design for the building renovations, delivering drawings for the project within a year.

“Construction is estimated to begin within ���������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� and HVAC and renovating one side of the �������������������������������������� The proposed design modernizes and updates the building by emphasizing open ������������������������������������������� designed collaboration spaces for both educational and laboratory settings. “A lot of the discussion now is centered

around the needs and wants of the space, ������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������� Siracusa, MD, assistant professor, Chancellor Scholar, department of medicine.

��������������������������������������structure over an all-new building offers the most environmentally-friendly path forward for the project. “We’re a growing, young research community, and I’m impressed by the university's commitment to transforming this building into a beacon of Rutgers in downtown ����������������������������


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NJMS Dean's Newsletter Winter 2020 by Rutgers New Jersey Medical School - Issuu