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The holiday season is a time for reflection and gratitude for all the gifts and good things we have received. It’s a time to think about the year that has passed, count our blessings, and start planning for the year to come.
All of us on the integration leadership team have much to be grateful for this year. First and foremost, we are grateful to YOU: our vibrant medical community of talented physicians, outstanding researchers, dedicated staff members, and exceptional students, residents, and fellows. We thank you for your efforts and contributions, day after day, that make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Gratitude is both an affirmation of goodness—of recognizing the positive things in our lives—and an understanding that the source of this goodness comes from others around us. Feeling grateful connects us to a larger community, making us realize that we would not be where we are without the help and support of others. We are all in this together!
Let’s take a moment to reflect on all we have achieved this past year, coming together as a community. We have reached significant milestones in creating the new Rutgers School of Medicine (RSOM). Our accreditation process is proceeding apace, and we have developed new mission, vision, and value statements. Our committees and volunteers have undertaken the important work of writing new bylaws, admissions and curriculum policies, and more.
All of this came about with the input and contributions of more than 400 faculty, staff, and learners, who have been hard at work on various integration committees and teams. We thank our entire medical community for your unwavering commitment to embracing the challenges of change. We appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts on the integration process, setting aside individual needs and opinions to focus on working together to build a brighter future for RSOM.
The backbone of our organization is our faculty and staff. We are inspired by all you do every day, teaching learners to be the best that they can be. Our students are equally grateful for your commitment and dedication. Here, some students share their thoughts about faculty and staff.
Anam Shaikh, NJMS class of 2025:
“Through four years of my education, the faculty and staff have supported me through the ups and downs of medical school. Our faculty members encourage well-rounded student growth by supporting research, community outreach, and academic excellence alike. All faculty remains committed to improving the student experience and encouraging professional development.”
Isaac Huang, RWJMS class of 2027:
“As president of the Student Government Association, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary efforts of the faculty and staff to connect with students, providing individualized attention to meet their needs and help them thrive. Medical school is challenging, and having faculty who believe in us makes a significant difference.”
Olivia Scott, NJMS class of 2025:
"Members of the faculty go above and beyond to support the student body, meeting with us individually to discuss our concerns, dreams, and ideas. I’ve found kind, generous, and thoughtful mentors who have offered me guidance and support. When I developed a service project, an e-library for pediatric patients, this initiative was supported every step of the way. The students sincerely appreciate this generosity!"
John Avendano, RWMJS class of 2025:
"Despite how hectic COVID-19 made our first year at RWJMS, our faculty never ceased to provide us with endless support (albeit virtually), ensuring we all had the necessary support blanket to begin medical school as seamlessly as possible."
Shrey Shah, NJMS class of 2026:
“When Afash Haleem (a fellow student) and I started a hearing clinic to provide screenings for Newark residents, we received excellent support from our teachers. Their mentorship and encouragement helped transform our idea into a tangible contribution to the community. This dedication exemplifies a culture of support and excellence.”
We thank you again for your commitment to what we are creating here—in the classroom, community, and laboratories; through research, engagement, and mentoring; and our many programs and initiatives. We look forward to an exciting year to come.
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