June 8, 2018
The latest news and updates from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Dr. Anil Nanda Is Appointed Chair of Neurosurgery
In a move that will greatly expand our organizations’ neurosurgical profile and capabilities at a global level, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Anil Nanda, MD, MPH , as the joint chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, effective July 1. In addition to his academic and clinical roles at Rutgers, Dr. Nanda will serve as the senior vice president for neurosurgical services at RWJBarnabas Health, effecting a transformational change in the provision of neurosurgical care throughout the health system and Rutgers Health.

In these roles, he aims to lead the development of a dynamic neurosciences institute that will provide high-quality healthcare in a compassionate setting, creating a statewide neurosciences network and nationally recognized “destination” neurosciences center. He seeks to strengthen and expand endovascular services, as well as care for neurotrauma, peripheral nerve, neuro-oncology, stroke, spine and other affiliated specialties. In addition to enhancements in clinical services, Dr. Nanda envisions a department with increased research capabilities and funding, as well as expanded residency training and CME programs.

Internationally renowned for his clinical, research and academic achievements, Dr. Nanda was professor and founding chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center—Shreveport. Over the past 27 years of his leadership, the department’s reputation grew exponentially, becoming internationally known not only for its expertise and Dr. Nanda’s vision, but also its residency training program, which he launched in 2003. Dr. Nanda has been recognized as a global leader in neurosurgery by the World Federation of Neurological Societies and has held significant leadership roles in numerous professional organizations.

We are excited to have him guiding us into the next phase of our journey, enhancing Rutgers’ reputation among the top tier of neurosurgical care. Please join us in welcoming him to his new position. Read more about Dr. Nanda here .
Dr. Lee Honored at American Heart Association Ball
Leonard Y. Lee, MD, James W. Mackenzie, MD Professor and chair, Department of Surgery, was honored by the American Heart Association at the 2018 New Jersey Affair of the Heart Ball on June 2. Dr. Lee received the Harvey E. Nussbaum, MD, Distinguished Service Award. The evening celebrated the work and mission of the AHA, its donors and volunteers and the lives saved and improved because of everyone’s effort. Proceeds from the event funded life-saving research and prevention programs for cardiovascular diseases and stroke. 

Congratulations, Dr. Lee!
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Joining Forces Training Session Addresses Veterans' Health
The medical school hosted its sixth annual interprofessional education program sparked by the Association of American Medical Colleges' call for assistance with the federal Joining Forces initiative. Robert Wood Johnson Medical School was one of the first in the nation to respond, collaborating with the Steptoe Group, LLC (now Warrior Centric Health, LLC). Almost 2,000 individuals have received training through this groundbreaking program, which addresses the significant need for integrated physical and behavioral health care and support services for veterans and their families. 
Dr. Saluja Helps Patient After Cardiac Ablation for AFib
Four years ago, Darlene McBride began having palpitations accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms including perspiration and shortness of breath. McBride visited her cardiologist, Danny Wang, MD , clinical assistant professor of medicine, who recommended that she be seen by an electrophysiologist for her diagnosed condition, atrial fibrillation, commonly known as “AFib,” which can range from an inconvenience to carrying the risk of death.

Because medication failed to settle the arrhythmia, Dr. Wang recommended cardiac ablation, which would isolate the cardiac tissues causing the arrhythmia. He referred McBride to a leading electrophysiologist, Amardeep Saluja, MD , associate professor of medicine and director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital ( right ).

The day after her four-hour surgery, McBride returned home. Within a week she was back at work and feeling much better. “My quality of life has been so much better since the ablation. I am not afraid to travel or spend time with my grandchildren. If I could find a support group for people like me, I’d tell them not to be afraid—just come to RWJ and put themselves in the hands of a wonderful doctor like Dr. Saluja.” 

Read the full story on page 6 in the Annual Report.
Boggs Center Celebrates Graduation of NJLEND Fellows and Trainees 
On May 11, the 2017/2018 Boggs Center’s New Jersey Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NJLEND) fellows and Boggs Center Interdisciplinary Trainees graduated from their respective programs. The graduation took place during The New Jersey Maternal and Child Health Leadership Symposium, held at Children’s Specialized Hospital, and featured a keynote address from Daniel A. Notterman, MA, MD, FAAP, professor of molecular biology at Princeton University and former chair of pediatrics at the medical school.
 
Deborah M. Spitalnik, PhD , executive director of The Boggs Center and NJLEND director, welcomed attendees from the Rutgers community, New Jersey’s State Title V program, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network and other state and community organizations. The highlight of the symposium was the Leadership Project Poster Presentation, during which each fellow and trainee presented about his/her project.
 
To learn more about the NJLEND Fellows and Boggs Center Interdisciplinary Trainees, as well as their faculty mentors, please view the graduation  program . Visit the  NJLEND  and  Boggs Center Interdisciplinary Traineeship   pages for more information about these student programs.
Send in Your Team’s News to the Weekly View
Have you recently won an award? Published an innovative study? Hosted a team event? Share your news and photos with the Department of Communication and Public Affairs, and we can post it in future issues of the Weekly View. Send your updates to Director Patricia Hansen, MA.
Save the Date for White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 3
The medical school will welcome the newest medical school class, the Class of 2022, at the White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 3 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend this special milestone
A feature Grand Rounds Program next week is being hosted by the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. The title is "The Environment and Health Today: From Local to Global and Back Again," and Robert Laumbach, MD, MPH, associate professor of clinical research and occupational medicine at the School of Public Health, is the speaker.  

Congratulations also to our graduating residents and fellows!

Click here to view all upcoming CME activities.

-- Paul Weber, MD, RPh, MBA , associate dean, Continuing Medical Education
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