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A Note From Dean Jermyn
As we celebrate the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes to our Rowan-Virtua SOM community. This year feels especially meaningful as we mark 50 years of the School of Osteopathic Medicine and reflect on our continued growth and shared mission.
We reached several important milestones in 2025, including progress on new facilities and expansion across nursing and allied health programs, with the addition of our first class of physician assistants. From our earliest days, we have grown into a school without borders, extending our impact through education, research and service.
I am grateful to our faculty, staff, learners and partners whose dedication brings our mission to life every day. Wishing you peace, joy and time with loved ones this holiday season, and best wishes for the year ahead.
My best regards,
Richard T. Jermyn, D.O.
Dean
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Appointments and Promotion Announced
Several leadership appointments and a promotion were announced this fall across Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Michael Wellens, MBA, MSOD, was appointed senior associate dean of finance at Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences, effective November 3. In this role, he leads the college’s financial strategy and operations in support of long-term stability and growth.
Peter F. Schnatz, D.O., MBA, FACOG, FACP, MSCP, was named chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rowan-Virtua SOM. A Rowan-Virtua SOM alumnus, Dr. Schnatz brings extensive experience as an educator, clinician and leader in women’s health.
Timothy L. Wong, D.O., was promoted to chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Rowan-Virtua SOM, effective December 1. Dr. Wong previously served as interim co-chair and is recognized for his leadership in consultation-liaison psychiatry, medical education and advocacy.
Please congratulate Dr. Schnatz, Dr. Wong and Mr. Wellens on their new roles.
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SOM Students Receive Military Match Results
Military Match results were released earlier this month, and outcomes are now confirmed for all participating SOM students.
The following students received Military Match placements:
- Christian Iannuzzelli, Family Medicine, Travis Air Force Base
- Austin Parry, Transitional Year, Brooke Army Medical Center
- Yolanda Williams, OB-GYN, Walter Reed Medical Center
- Cheryce Daniel, Anesthesiology, Walter Reed Medical Center
- Jenna Pluchino, OB-GYN, Walter Reed Medical Center
- Matthew Sanford, Emergency Medicine, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
The following students will participate in the NRMP Match:
- Ajani Morgan, civilian-sponsored
- Sarah Kwon, civilian-deferred
Congratulations to all of our students on their achievements and continued service in military and civilian medicine.
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Cerena Moreno Receives AOF Sterling K. Welch, DO Scholarship
Cerena Moreno, Class of 2027, has been selected as the recipient of the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Sterling K. Welch, DO, Scholarship.
This scholarship recognizes strong academic achievement, participation in volunteer service activities, and a demonstrated commitment to osteopathic medicine.
Congratulations to Cerena on this outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition of her dedication to the osteopathic medical profession.
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Translational Biomedical Doctoral Student Support Initiative Kickoff
The kickoff event for the Translational Biomedical Doctoral Student Support Initiative was held December 2 on West Campus in the Research Tower. The event welcomed 12 new doctoral students beginning fellowship appointments supported by Virtua Health College.
Through this initiative, Virtua Health College is supporting translational biomedical research by awarding fellowships to Rowan University doctoral students whose projects have the potential to improve patient care. The research brings together collaborators across Rowan’s colleges and schools and Virtua Health clinicians.
The fellows include students pursuing Ph.D. degrees in biomedical engineering and cell and molecular biology, representing a range of interdisciplinary research efforts across the university.
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Rowan-Virtua SOM Professionalism Commendations
Professionalism commendations for SOM students are submitted by esteemed faculty, staff, administration, and affiliates, including hospitals and clerkships. These commendations recognize students who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, such as going above and beyond in volunteering, responding promptly to inquiries, and assisting when seeing a need.
The following students have been recognized for their outstanding professionalism:
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Daniela Anane-Bediakoh
Caroline Artymowicz
David Barsoum
Mikayla Brackett
Timothy Breiner
Marilyn Chen
Nelson Chou
Marla Forfar
Marc Frezza
Alexandra Groome
Eden Hakimian
Isha Kalola
Jake Kim
Kaitlyn Koo
Andrew Longa
Jyothi Maruthanal
Klaudia Matanaj
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Ashlyn McClelland
Shaan Mody
Nicole Mottole
Christian Moya Gamboa
Andrew Paolini
Krisha Patel
Christian Pecoraro
Yash Prajapati
Sara Ragab
Allen Rodriguez
Priyal Shah
Sameer Shah
Isha (Prithisha) Shashi (Shashidhar)
Nabeeha Soherwardy
Gabriela Taslitsky
Matthew Teryek
Karina Vizzoni
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Virtua Health College Welcomes AASTMT President
The Virtua Health College community welcomed President Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport during a visit to the Stratford campus on Thursday, December 11. A brief welcoming ceremony was held in the Academic Center Atrium.
AASTMT serves approximately 27,000 students across six campuses in Egypt and is recognized for its strong academic reputation and global perspective. The visit followed a recently signed memorandum of understanding between AASTMT and Rowan University, highlighting a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable education.
Read more here.
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Unity Celebrations
This year’s Unity Celebrations were held at the Stratford and Sewell campuses, bringing the community together in recognition of the school’s 50th anniversary. The events honored the diversity of the SOM community by highlighting the traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
Students, teachers and families from local elementary schools participated in both celebrations, sharing holiday songs and receiving gifts generously donated by the SOM Class of 2028. The festivities concluded with a celebratory luncheon at each campus.
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December Destress Day
On December 16, student doctors from both campuses gathered in Stratford to unwind and alleviate post-exam stress. Hosted for the first time as part of BRIDGE Week, the annual December Destress Day offered a variety of activities and snacks, including chair massages, a smash room, pastries, a hot cocoa and cold brew bar, board games and informational tabling by the Hope Brings Strength Health Sciences Library and the GLS Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
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Drag Bingo
Drag Bingo Night brought the MPR to life with laughter, prizes and plenty of sparkle! Attendees enjoyed an evening of high-energy entertainment while celebrating community and raising LGBTQ+ awareness. Thanks to the generosity of participants, donations were collected in support of Edge Pride, extending the impact beyond the event. Thank you to the IDEA Council, the Wellness Committee, AIM, ROMA and the Music Medicine Club for hosting the event, and to the Office of Admissions for generously supporting the bingo prizes for the evening.
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All Star Sports
On Wednesday, December 10, the Office of Student Affairs & Alumni Engagement and eight student leaders joined 12 children from the All-Star Youth Sports Clinic at Spectrum Sports in Woodbury. Participants took part in group sports and fitness activities, including Zumba and balloon volleyball. This trip and others were made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Health Foundation.
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Pet Therapy
They're back! Dr. Barry Hoffman and his wife, Barbara Hoffman, recently brought their certified therapy dogs to comfort students, faculty, and staff on the Stratford campus. They will be back in the New Year with their adorable pups!
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Celebrate the Season with a Gift That Makes a Difference
This holiday season, SOM extends heartfelt thanks to our community for the generosity that makes a difference for our students, faculty, staff, patients, and the communities we serve.
Make a gift that creates a lasting impact:
- Support student scholarships.
- Change lives by supporting compassionate patient care at Rowan Medicine.
- Inspire innovation by funding new research discoveries.
- Give where it matters most—support the area that inspires you.
Make your gift online today and help create a lasting impact.
Thank you for supporting education, patient care, and groundbreaking research.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year.
P.S. Your gift before December 31 is deductible for the 2025 tax year.
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The holiday season is often celebrated as a time of joy, connection and tradition. However, for many, it can also be a source of stress. Balancing family dynamics, managing expectations and navigating packed schedules can take a toll on mental well-being. Fortunately, there are practical ways to ease holiday stress while maintaining your mental health.
Read more for some strategies to help you thrive during the holidays.
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