EDITION 3.4

Spring 2026

Rutgers Health Hub

Dear Rutgers Health community,


Closing out another academic year gives us all the opportunity to take in the moment and reflect on all that we have accomplished together. This issue of the Health Hub serves as a great reminder that while there is much to celebrate in our students graduations, we also have much to look forward to in the months ahead as these graduates join our workforce, our labs, our clinics, and our community programs, here in New Jersey and far beyond.


To our students who celebrated their graduations this month, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought you here; the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the friendships, mentors, and supporters who helped shape your path along the way here at Rutgers Health. Convocation is not only a celebration of achievement, but also a reminder of the community that stands beside you as you take the next step forward. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, and best wishes for the exciting opportunities ahead.



Sincerely,


Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP

Interim Chancellor, Rutgers Health

Dean, New Jersey Medical School

Professor of Pediatrics

Director of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine

Convocation Season

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

Graduates from the School of Public Health celebrating at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Graduates from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

Interim Chancellor and Dean of New Jersey Medical School Robert L. Johnson and Dean of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Amy Murtha pose for a selfie during convocation.

Graduates from the Doctor of Nutrition (DCN) and MS in Clinical Nutrition for Aspiring Dietitians programs at the School of Health Professions.

Alumni Corner


🏆 A Rutgers Health alumnae and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School faculty member is helping shape the future of women’s health through leadership, advocacy and a commitment to improving access to patient-centered care. Meet Rutgers’ Hall of Distinguished Alumni, Dr. Gloria Bachmann


⛸️ Ready at Rinkside, This Dentist Keeps the Devils Smiling. For assistant dentist, university professor, and Rutgers Dental School alumnus Shyam Shah, responding quickly to dental emergencies for the New Jersey Devils is all part of helping players get back on the ice and game-ready.


Have you heard? The new Rutgers Health Happenings newsletter is your one-stop-shop to our new internal events SharePoint site at Rutgers Health! 


On the first Tuesday of each month, this newsletter will highlight events and activities happening across our community; from Chancellor-led programs to conferences and gatherings open to all of Rutgers Health.


While this newsletter will be sent monthly, bookmark our new, internal SharePoint site and be sure to submit your events using the link below!

New Clinical Patient Policies

Please review the latest Rutgers Health Clinical Patient Policies, which help ensure we continue to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for our patients, families, and care teams. The updated policies below include important guidance related to patient rights, accessibility, and public health practices.


  1. 100.2.12 Notice of Non-Discrimination for Language and Interpretation Services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Section 1557
  2. Tuberculosis Surveillance
  3. Patient Notice of Right to an Observer*


*To access the Patient Notice of Right to an Observer policy, please visit MyRutgers and access the "Rutgers Health Clinical Policies" folder in the "Health and Patient Care" section.

Spotted Abroad! 🛫


University Professor and Inaugural Chancellor Brian Strom was the keynote speaker at the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology’s 5th Annual Conference for Pharmacoepidemeiology in Africa. His keynote address “Pharmacoepidemiology: Past, Present, and Future, and Selected Lessons from a Career in Pharmacoepidemiology” showed why post-marketing evidence is an essential feature of the drug approval system. 

🤝 Supporting Families Through Mom2Mom


Rutgers Health’s Mom2Mom program continues supporting families across New Jersey by connecting mothers and caregivers with peer support, mental health resources and compassionate guidance.


🎈 Congratulations to our 2026 Rising Stars Scholars! 🎈

The Rutgers Rising Star Scholars program recognizes medical school students who demonstrate excellence across the Rutgers Health mission areas, including academic achievement, excellence in discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship, and commitment to our community.

A Research Powerhouse


🚬 World No Tobacco Day 2026: Unmasking Big Tobacco’s Youth Marketing Playbook

 

🎤 Biomedical Informatics and Health AI Center Symposium Showcases a Year of Growth



🤲🏽 Why Preventing the Next Pandemic Involves Humanizing Public Health 


🧠 In Conversation with Senator Andy Kim: Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented? What Science Says Now

Health Education Matters


🍎 Newark School Saw Too Many Students Classified With Disabilities. They Asked Rutgers for Help 


📚 From Undergraduates to Postdocs, Rutgers Trains the Next Generation of Neuroscience Leaders



🏆 EJI Excellence in Medicine Awards Recognize Several Individuals at Rutgers Health

Resident Corner

Meet Ruchi Patel, a resident at New Jersey Medical School, who presented her research at the 2026 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting. Her work exploring the impact of GLP‑1 medications on asthma outcomes highlights promising approaches to improving care for patients with chronic conditions.

Congratulations to Ben DeLeon, a PGY-2 resident at New Jersey Medical School, on earning first prize at the NY Section of the American Urological Association’s Resident Research Contest. His achievement in this highly competitive forum highlights his dedication to scholarly excellence and meaningful contributions to health policy research.

2026 Chief Resident Retreat 📸


Rutgers Health Graduate Medical Education brought together Chief Residents from across the system for a dynamic day of leadership development, collaboration, and innovation at the 2026 Chief Resident Retreat.


A highlight of the day was “The AI-Enhanced Chief Resident,” presented by Radhika Malhotra, which explored how emerging technologies are shaping the future of clinical leadership and residency training.


Through interactive workshops, case-based discussions, and peer connection, the retreat continues to strengthen the next generation of physician leaders and foster a collaborative Rutgers Health community.


Quality Institute Names Dr. Ghinassi to Board of Directors


The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute recently announced Frank A. Ghinassi was among three nationally recognized leaders appointed to its Board of Directors.


Currently the President & CEO of University Behavioral Health Care at Rutgers Health and Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health & Addictions Services at RWJBarnabas Health, Ghinassi continues to advance behavioral health, addiction services, and evidence-based care across New Jersey and nationally.


Read More


Rutgers Health in the News

🩷 Rutgers Leaders Are Recognized as Most Influential Health Care Leaders in New Jersey 

🥵 Got Extreme Heat? Here Are a Few Tips to Stay Safe This Summer

🧐 Are There Benefits to Combining Mango and Avocado? Take a look

🌎 Rutgers Emerges As Global Powerhouse in Neuroscience Training

🏥 Medical Students for A Sustainable Future Chapter at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Earn Improved Score on 2026 Planetary Health Report Card

We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Take a moment and let us know what type of content you'd like to see in future issues of the Rutgers Health Hub newsletter.

rutgershealth.org

Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram