September SOM eNews

A Note From Dean Jermyn

September has been a month full of momentum for Rowan-Virtua SOM. From our strong showing at OMED in Nashville — where students, faculty and staff proudly represented our school and celebrated national award winners — to the success of the DRIVE for Scholarship outing, which raised more than $23,000, we are making an impact both on campus and across the osteopathic community.

I am also proud to congratulate our many physicians recognized as “Top Docs” by SJ Magazine and South Jersey Magazine. Their excellence reflects the strength of our entire Rowan-Virtua SOM community.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, these achievements highlight the innovation, dedication and spirit that continue to define our school. Thank you for all you do to advance our mission and support one another.

My best regards,

Richard T. Jermyn, D.O.

Dean

Leadership Updates at Virtua Health College

We are pleased to share recent leadership updates at Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences. Richard Jermyn, D.O., dean of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, now also serves as vice chancellor of the college, overseeing its three schools. Terri Drye, MBA, FACHE, has been named senior associate dean for Rowan-Virtua SOM and chief administrative officer for the college. Dianne Langford, Ph.D., was appointed dean of Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences and associate vice chancellor of Virtua Health College, and Peter Rattigan, Ph.D., continues as dean of Rowan-Virtua Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions.

These updates strengthen our ability to advance education, research and clinical care across South Jersey and position Rowan as a leader in multidisciplinary health care education.

Rowan Medicine Doctors Named to South Jersey Magazine's 'Top Physicians' List

Congratulations to the Rowan Medicine doctors named to South Jersey Magazine’s Top Physicians list. Physicians were nominated by both their peers and the magazine’s readers.

The complete list is available here.

Endocrinology

Dr. Joseph Fallon Jr.

Family Medicine

Dr. Nils Brolis

Dr. Jennifer Caudle

Dr. Danielle Cooley

Dr. Anne Jones

Dr. Meagan Vermeulen

Geriatrics

Dr. Thomas Cavalieri

Dr. Anita Chopra

Dr. Terrie Ginsberg

Dr. Kevin Overbeck

Infectious Disease

Dr. Michael Barnish

Dr. Judith Lightfoot

Internal Medicine

Dr. Jennifer M. LeComte

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Anthony Salerno

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Dr. James William Bailey

Pulmonology

Dr. Justin Sciancalopore

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:

Jeffrey Wang

William "Liam" Fost

Salma Saifuddin

Timothy Breiner

Arshia Anand

Marcus Fariello

Maduka Buddima Gunasinghe

Ramzy Malak

Chloe Triolo

Estelle Richardson

Marlee Franden

Abigail Nussbaum

Zachary Noll

Mikayla Brackett

Jack Hennen

Minahal Arif

Marissa Avia-Cole

Lauren Dotson

Marc Faltas

Nelson Thomas

Rahul Rao-Pothuraju

Rohan Mehra

Rowan-Virtua SOM at OMED in Nashville

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine participated in the annual American Osteopathic Association's Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition (OMED), held September 25-27 in Nashville, Tennessee. The booth showcased refreshed backdrops featuring the school’s 50th anniversary branding and offered fun giveaways, including beach buckets filled with saltwater taffy to share a bit of New Jersey spirit and light-up handheld fans that displayed the school’s name. Faculty, staff and students welcomed attendees and connected with Dean Richard Jermyn, D.O., and other administrators to share Rowan-Virtua SOM’s growth and future plans.

At the AOF Gala, also held at OMED, Tanvi Shah, OMS-III was presented with the “William G. Anderson, DO, Scholarship award” and Amanda Courtney Pinkerton was presented the “Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial” award.

Scrub the Stigma

On September 2, more than 200 student doctors took part in Scrub the Stigma, an event designed to raise awareness of mental health resources. The program featured interactive expo booths; encouraging messages from campus departments, student groups and community partners; as well as a fun twist. Students enjoyed soft pretzels and created their own smoothies with a pedal-powered smoothie bike.

DRIVE for Scholarship

On Sunday, September 21, Rowan-Virtua SOM held the annual DRIVE for Scholarship golf outing at Topgolf in Mount Laurel. The event was attended by over 150 alumni, student doctors, faculty, and friends who enjoyed the perfect weather and excellent company. The event could not have occurred without the support of our dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors, including NJAOPS, Inspira Health, the SOM dean’s office, the SOM Department of Psychiatry and MMC Family Medicine. Thank you to all who participated in the outing, which raised over $23,000 for the Alumni Association’s student scholarship fund!

Environmental Services Week

From September 15 to 19, 2025, the Department of Environmental Services celebrated International Housekeeper/Environmental Services Week, an annual observance since 1981 that honors those who keep facilities safe and clean. The department’s mission is to provide high-quality, efficient, and timely services across the university, and this year’s celebration was especially meaningful as staff took on new responsibilities with the South Jersey Tech Park and the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, while continuing their dedicated service at the Stratford campus, Rowan Medicine at Sewell, the Cumberland campus, and other clinical sites. The week included team-building activities, fellowship, and delicious food to recognize the staff whose behind-the-scenes work is essential to Rowan’s success.

All-Star Sports Youth Clinic

To celebrate the start of the new All-Star Sports season, student doctors and athletes came together for a fun-filled day of carnival games, including ring toss, darts and more. Participants had the chance to win exciting prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere. To top it all off, everyone cooled down with refreshing Kona Ice.

Create Your Own ID Badge

Students had the opportunity to design their own personalized ID badge holders. As student doctors and future physicians, having an ID on hand is essential, and now they can wear one that reflects their unique style and personality.

Coming Soon: SOCKtober 2025! Here’s a First Look

SOCKtober is almost here! We’re excited to share a sneak peek of this year’s exclusive sock design to celebrate your Rowan-Virtua SOM pride. Mark your calendars: Starting October 1, when you make a gift of $30 or more, you’ll receive a pair of our limited-edition socks as a “thank you.”

Missed out on last year’s socks? You’re in luck! With a gift of $60 or more, you will receive two pairs — the 2024 and 2025 designs.

give.rowan.edu/SOCKtober

Visit the Daily Dose of Wellness and Well-being page, part of the newly reimagined Wellness, Well-being and Community Committee, for daily inspiration, tips, and resources to support balance, growth and connection.