April SOM eNews

A Note From Dean Jermyn

As we move through a milestone year celebrating 50 years of Rowan-Virtua SOM, I continue to be inspired by the strength and connection across our community. This month reflected that spirit, from meaningful alumni gatherings and remembrance events to student-led initiatives and academic achievements. I’m especially proud of the continued commitment to innovation, service and collaboration that defines our institution. Thank you for all you do to support our mission.

My best regards,

Richard T. Jermyn, D.O.

Dean

SOM Marks Alumni Milestone with Day of Remembrance and Celebration

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine marked its 50th anniversary, “The Year of the Alumni,” with two events April 28. A daytime CME and remembrance at Rowan Medicine in Sewell featured a hands-on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) workshop and tribute to Dr. Steven Rubin, a respected leader in advancing OMM in the community. The event brought together colleagues, learners, family and loved ones to honor his lasting impact through education, mentorship and patient care.

That evening, Rowan-Virtua SOM hosted its annual Alumni Reception at Edelman Fossil Park and Museum. Over 75 students, alumni, faculty and friends attended the event, which included remarks from Dean Richard Jermyn and Alumni Association President, Dr. Rebecca Moore with the presentation of several honors.

Talia Hartman ‘26 – Student D.O. of the Year Award

Ashgan Elshinawy, D.O. ’99 – Distinguished Service Award

Jonathan Torres, D.O. ’09 – Dean’s Special Recognition Award

Rowan Honors Faculty, Staff at Celebrating Excellence Awards

Rowan University recognized employees for outstanding contributions during its Celebrating Excellence Awards on April 8, highlighting excellence in service, innovation and student support.

Joseph A. Barnes Award for Outstanding Service: Douglas P. Mann, Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions

President’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Instructional Delivery (Team): The Metabolic Fellowship, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Customer Service: Marisol Flores-Young, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine

Leadership Development Institute Cultivates Rowan’s Future Leaders

Rowan University’s Leadership Development Institute, launched in 2020 by Human Resources, continues to strengthen the university’s leadership pipeline, graduating its fifth cohort April 6. The program has supported 74 employees, equipping mid-level managers with practical leadership skills through training, collaboration and applied project work.

Notable graduates include:

Michael Mowery, Department of Family Medicine, Rowan-Virtua SOM - The Values of Diabetic Eye Exams

Anne Tomasello, Rowan-Virtua SOM - Centrally Standardized Clinical Faculty Orientation

Rowan-Virtua Graduate Student Earns International Research Honor

A Rowan-Virtua Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences Ph.D. student earned international recognition at a recent Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology conference. Derrick Michell received a poster award among about 90 participants for research on Med13’s role in cellular stress response and biomolecular condensates. Conducted in the Cooper-Strich labs, the work offers insight into cell function and disease. Michell called the honor a validating milestone early in his scientific career.

VHC Hosts First In-Person Interprofessional Education Event

The Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences held its first in-person interprofessional education event, “Breath of Collaboration: A 4-hour Intensive on Ventilator Management,” at the Inspira Health Sciences Center in Sewell. The session brought together advanced practice nursing, respiratory therapy and osteopathic medicine students to build critical care skills through team-based scenarios and communication exercises. Faculty leaders included Dr. Margarita David, Barry Ransom and Mitchell O’Shea.

Rowan-Virtua SOM Honors Legacy of Dr. Anthony DiPasquale

On March 24, SOM dedicated a classroom in the Rowan Medicine Building to honor Dr. Anthony DiPasquale, a beloved educator and founding emergency medicine residency director. Known as “Dr. D,” he trained more than 200 residents and left a lasting imprint on the field. Funded through a grassroots alumni effort, the space reflects his legacy of compassion, mentorship and clinical excellence, and will continue to inspire future physicians. Read more

CARES Annual Pinwheel Planting

The Rowan-Virtua CARES Institute marked Child Abuse Prevention Month with its annual pinwheel planting April 6 outside the Rowan Medicine Building in Stratford. Faculty, staff, students and community partners gathered to raise awareness and honor children affected by abuse. The pinwheels symbolize hope and a commitment to prevention. Leaders highlighted CARES’ 40-year impact serving more than 1,500 children annually in South Jersey, while attendees participated in planting and discussions on advocacy and support for families.

Donor Appreciation Ceremony

On Wednesday, April 8, SOM students hosted the Donor Appreciation Ceremony, in partnership with the Anatomy Lab, to express their deepest gratitude to the generous individuals who have donated their bodies to science to help educate the next generation of physicians. This celebration featured remarks from Drs. Richard Jermyn, Thomas Cavalieri, Millicent Channell, Anne Jones, Jennifer Fischer, and students, as well as a vocal presentation from the Music Medicine Club.

Beyond the Stethoscope: Lived Experiences of Identity in Medicine Panel

On Friday, April 10, multiple SOM student organizations came together to host Beyond the Stethoscope: Lived Experiences of Identity in Medicine—an engaging and thought-provoking panel highlighting the voices of minority physicians from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The panel sparked meaningful dialogue on how personal identity shapes the medical journey, offering attendees valuable insights into the challenges and strengths that come with practicing medicine in a diverse society. This collaborative event was made possible by the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), the American Muslim Medical Student Association (AMMSA), and the Jewish Osteopathic Medical Association (JOMA).

SOM Alumni Reception at ACOFP

Rowan-Virtua SOM alumni, faculty, students, and friends gathered in Orlando for the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians' Annual Convention. On Friday, April 17, SOM hosted a networking reception for SOM conference attendees, shared updates about Rowan-Virtua SOM and learned about faculty opportunities in the Department of Family Medicine. Also, at the conference, Student Doctor Maduka Gunasinghe '26 received the ACOFP's highest student honor, the Marie Wiseman Outstanding Osteopathic Medical Student of the Year Award.

Chilly Chili Bar

Earlier this month, medical students from both campuses marked the end of winter with a simple chili bar—warm food and quick breaks. It was a low-key way to shake off the cold and look ahead to spring. They enjoyed both beef and vegan chili!

Silent Disco

Rowan-Virtua Music Medicine Collective hosted a silent disco in collaboration with the SGA Student Wellness Committee and the Office of Student Affairs & Alumni Engagement on Wednesday, April 15. Student doctors took a break from studying to enjoy tunes, good vibes, and food!

All-Star Sports Youth Clinic

Student doctors recently hosted participants for a basketball-themed All-Star Sports clinic. They worked on passing the ball, shooting the ball, and ended the night by playing monkey in the middle!

Third Annual Black Maternal Health Summit

On Thursday, April 16, the Medical Students for Birth Justice Interest Group hosted the Third Annual Black Maternal Health Summit, a collaborative gathering to unite medical students, health care professionals, and passionate advocates. Over 115 attendees gathered for the opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the field. This event was a collaborative effort also involving The Black Collective, the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), and Medical Students for Choice.

APPI Holi

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) hosted its annual Holi event on April 23. Holi is a Hindu celebration also referred to as the “Festival of Colors, Love and Spring.” This spring celebration symbolizes a time of rebirth and rejuvenation — a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy. In celebration, SOM students sprinkled vibrant colored powders in the air and on one another.