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March 11, 2025

Rutgers Health and RWJUH Celebrate Opening of New Ambulatory Medical Pavilion

Earlier today, medical school leaders, faculty, and staff joined RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in cutting the ribbon on RWJBH's largest academic ambulatory outpatient facility.

Starting in April, the 15-story Ambulatory Medical Pavilion (AMP) at 210 Somerset Street will be home to the state's top clinical experts from Rutgers Health, as part of the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. These clinicians are faculty members of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in a variety of medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, including cardiology, cardiac surgery, and vascular surgery; neurology, neurosurgery, and stroke care; gastroenterology and colorectal surgery; plastic and reconstructive surgery; head and neck surgery; and more. They will see patients in the latest facilities on 10 of the AMP's floors; the remaining five floors are shelled for future growth.

In addition, the hospital's Non-Invasive Cardiology and Neurophysiology programs have relocated from the main hospital to the AMP to provide greater convenience for their outpatient services.

"The medical school, Rutgers Health, RWJBarnabas Health, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital have long been partners in providing outstanding medical care. This new state-of-the-art facility is an inspiring new chapter in our shared journey," said Dean Amy P. Murtha, MD. "Today also signifies new heights in academic medicine. The Ambulatory Medical Pavilion will provide residents, fellows, and medical students with outstanding opportunities to learn and care for patients in an advanced ambulatory setting."

"The opening of the Ambulatory Medical Pavilion marks a transformative moment in our commitment to delivering the highest levels of care for patients with complex conditions in the academic medical setting with Rutgers," noted Bill Arnold, chief executive officer of RWJUH and executive vice president of RWJBH. "This facility not only houses cutting-edge medical technology and experts at the top of their fields, it prioritizes our patients' comfort, convenience and healing. This is the level of integrated care that you will find here and at the soon-to-open Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center with the Rutgers Cancer Institute. Both facilities embody our mutual vision of patient-centered, multidisciplinary care that will benefit the health of our communities across New Jersey."

Learn more here.

"Day in the Life" at the AMP

In advance of today's ribbon cutting, Rutgers Health and hospital team members whose practices are moving to the Ambulatory Medical Pavilion had the opportunity to participate in "Day of the Life" simulations last week. They were invited to test operations in the new spaces and offer feedback on workflow, processes, and equipment, as well as for improving patient and provider experiences.

New Center for NeuroMetabolism Established at CHINJ

The medical school's Child Health Institute of New Jersey (CHINJ) recently launched a Center for NeuroMetabolism that aims to address the weight loss and health challenges that can lead to Type 2 diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, and other gastrointestinal, vascular, and inflammatory disorders.

Led by CHINJ researcher Zhiping Pang, PhD, center director and Henry Rutgers Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, center researchers hope to hasten the development of more targeted therapies with fewer side effects. They will be studying the brain-body connections of obesity and inflammatory disease.

"Metabolic disease is not like a cancer or traumatic brain injury that will kill you quickly, but it is a disease that will cause a lot of health issues that will affect daily life and cause long-term health problems," Dr. Pang said.

"In the long run, what we have to do is develop better therapeutics than are on the market now," he added. "We need more research that provides us information to let us know exactly what area of the brain needs to be targeted, so we can prevent many of the side effects associated with the drugs used today."

Dean Amy P. Murtha, MD, called the new center "a beacon of scientific excellence" that will propel Rutgers to the forefront of global neuromatabolism research.

Dr. Pang will be joined by Mark Rossi, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the medical school, and six additional faculty researchers over the next few years. In 2026, the center will move to the New Jersey Health + Life Science Exchange (HELIX), where it will include five to eight laboratories providing an ideal environment for complex studies and translational research.

Learn more here.

Medical School Co-Sponsors International Women's Day Retreat with RWJUH

The medical school and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital's AWARE (Advancing Women through Advocacy, Recognition and Empowerment) Business Resource Group hosted a half-day retreat on Friday in honor of International Women's Day.

This third annual International Women's Day Retreat featured a conversation and Q&A with celebrated psychologist, feminist, and ethicist Carol Gilligan, PhD (pictured with flowers), university professor at New York University. Dr. Gilligan is known for her landmark 1982 book "In a Different Voice," which led to her creation of the Harvard Project on Women's Psychology and Girls' Development, and she is generally considered the originator of the ethics of care. In 1996, Time Magazine named her one of the 25 most influential Americans. She also has ties to RWJUH: Christopher Gilligan, MD, MBA -- the hospital's senior vice president, chief medical officer, and chief quality officer -- is her son.

In addition to the keynote address, the event featured two panel discussions: one on "Flipping the Script," which included Nell Maloney Patel, MD, professor of surgery and RWJUH medical staff president, as one of the panelists; and one on "Defining Our Progress," which included Dean Amy P. Murtha, MD, and Glenmarie Mathews, MD, MBA, chief of complex family planning in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, as panelists. Other faculty members participating in the event included Payal Parikh, MD, assistant professor of medicine and vice chair of quality and safety in the Department of Medicine, who moderated the keynote; Alopi M. Patel, MD, associate professor of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine, who led attendees in an exercise on writing a letter to your future self; and Jeanne M. Clark, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine, who offered the retreat's closing remarks.

Among its insightful and empowering messages, the retreat celebrated the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in developing as leaders, as well as the necessity of finding your authentic voice.

Thanks to all who made the event such a success!

Women's Health Institute Joins Leadership Consortium

The medical school's Women's Health Institute (WHI), led by co-directors Gloria A. Bachmann, MD, MMS, and Juana Hutchinson-Colas, MD, MBA, was unanimously selected as the eighth member of Rutgers Institute for Women's Leadership Consortium, helping extend its expertise in the healthcare field.

The consortium, officially launched in 1991, is dedicated to the study of women and gender, to advocacy on behalf of gender equity, and to the promotion of women's leadership locally, nationally, and globally.

The Women's Health Institute has contributed to shaping the future of women's health through interdisciplinary research, education, advancement of best clinical practice, mentoring of future health care professionals, advocacy, and community/global outreach. It is recognized as a major site for the advancement of medical strategies that optimize the wellness of women.

WHI and its leadership team will be celebrated as a new consortium member at an IWL Directors Meeting.

Learn more about the consortium and Rutgers Institute for Women's Leadership here.

Cleft Clinic Earns Approval from American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association 

The Rutgers Health Cleft Clinic at RWJBarnabas Health, led by faculty from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (BMSCH), has been approved by the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association.

This approval spans a five-year period through 2030, recognizing programmatic excellence for multidisciplinary care for children and families with cleft palate. This birth defect occurs when the roof of the mouth doesn't close completely during fetal development, leaving an opening that can extend from the front of the mouth to the throat. Remediating the condition requires multiple surgical interventions and ongoing outpatient therapy.

The program is led by (pictured left to right) Aditi Kanth, MD, assistant professor of surgery and director of pediatric plastic surgery, and Joseph Vella, MD, PhD, assistant professor and chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences. Both also are surgeons with BMSCH. The Cleft Clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of clinicians specializing in head and neck surgery, craniofacial surgery, pediatric surgery, anesthesiology, orthodontics, speech-language pathology, audiology, genetics, pediatrics, dentistry, psychology, social work, and nursing.

“We’re proud that our team and program have achieved this approval,” said Dr. Kanth. “Our program, specifically our Cleft Palate Team, focuses on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of care, which can significantly improve the overall quality of life for patients and their families.”

“It’s uncommon for a program to combine these and other disciplines for cleft care,” added Dr. Vella. “Earning this approval affirms our team’s commitment to providing children and families in our state and region with access to a highly skilled team of specialists dedicated to providing them with the most advanced, comprehensive craniofacial care leading to an enhanced quality of life.”

Learn more here.

Mark Your Calendars for Faculty and Staff Photos!

Faculty and staff are invited to take part in one of our free professional photo shoots planned for this Spring.

Physicians, please wear your white coats to maintain consistency with hospital photos.

Photos are used in the school's print and online communications, and digital copies are available in the order they are requested. Please contact the Department of Communications and Public Affairs two weeks after your sitting to receive a copy of your photo.

*Please note: the photographer will take a break from 12:30 - 1 p.m*

Assemblywoman McCoy, ALS United Visit ALS Center

The Neuromuscular and ALS Center of New Jersey, a joint program of the medical school's Department of Neurology and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, last week hosted Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy and representatives from the ALS United Greater New York Chapter for a tour and advocacy visit.

Rep. McCoy is sponsoring a bill in the N.J. Assembly that would require health care professionals to confidentially report cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, to the Department of Health. The records would be compiled for research and statistical purposes only, so that researchers could be equipped with data to help identify patterns, enhance treatments, and ultimately "move us closer to a cure," said Rep. McCoy. The bill also calls for educational materials about the National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry to be made available on the Commissioner of Health's website, including how to participate in the registry, eligibility requirements, and contact information for the national registry, as well as any local and national research entities exploring the causes of ALS.

In her Instagram post about the visit, Rep. McCoy said, "A heartfelt thank you to ALS United for organizing this significant visit, as well as to the remarkable advocates and experts driving this initiative—Tiffany Card, Mary Ann Mertz, Debbie Schlossberg, and Dr. Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut, chair of the Department of Neurology. Their commitment ensures that ALS patients receive the care, resources, and recognition they rightfully deserve."

Must-Watch Video on Parkinson's Center

A new video spotlights the APDA Center for Advanced Research at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School -- one of only nine in the country! Under the leadership of M. Maral Mouradian, MD, distinguished professor of neurology, William Dow Lovett Endowed Chair for Parkinson's Research, and director of the medical school's Institute for Neurological Therapeutics, the center and its researchers have more than 20 active studies under way, with 40+ patents worldwide.

Watch and learn more about the work the center is doing to target the causes of Parkinson's disease and bring a cure closer to reality. 

Dr. Ann Stock named ASBMB Fellow

Ann M. Stock, PhD, distinguished professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and a resident faculty member of Rutgers Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, has been named one of the 2025 fellows of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). This is the fifth year ASBMB has selected fellows.

A fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, as well as an ASBMB Education Fellow, Dr. stock served as ASBMB president from 2022 to 2024. She also served on the society's Council, Finance Committee, Education and Professional Development, as well as its accreditation application review subcommittee.

Dr. Stock will be recognized along with the 23 other 2025 fellows during ASBMB's annual meeting, April 12-15, in Chicago. Learn more here.

CME Update

Coming this week:

The Unavoidable Epidemic Disorders of Gut-brain Interaction

Wednesday, March 12, 8 - 9 a.m.

Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds will be presented by Carlo DiLorenzo, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Robert F. and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation Endowed Chair in Pediatric Gastroenterology and professor of clinical pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus. It will be held in hybrid format in the Clinical Academic Building, Rooms 3403 to 3404. For virtual access, join via Zoom (Password 696867), and contact Maricel Quinones for more information.

Lacks Insight, Unreceptive to Feedback: Understanding and Improving Feedback Literacy in Trainees

Thursday, March 13, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Grand Rounds will feature MaryGrace Zetkulic, MD, program director, Internal Medicine, at Hackensack University Medical Center, and associate professor of medicine and vice chair of internal medicine at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Please access this event via Zoom, and contact Fayola Edwards for more information.

Later this spring:

For more information on upcoming CME events, contact Paul F. Weber, MD, RPh, MBA, associate dean, Continuing Medical Education.

World-Renowned Cancer Biology Expert to Speak at NJ PHORCE Seminar Series

Rutgers Cancer Institute is sponsoring a new session in its NJ Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Research Center of Excellence (NJ PHORCE) seminar series, focused on "Cancer through the Lens of Evolution."

Wednesday, March 12

3 - 4 p.m.

Rutgers Cancer Institute, Auditorium B

195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick

This event features Sir Melvyn (Mel) Greaves, PhD, MRCPath, FRCPath, professor of cell biology and group leader on Biology of Childhood Leukaemia at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and founder of ICR's Centre for Evolution and Cancer in London. An honorary member of the Royal College of Physicians, Dr. Greaves is a Fellow of the United Kingdom Academy of Medical Sciences and a Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research. He has received the Cancer Research UK Lifetime Achievement Award for Cancer Research and the prestigious Royal Medal from The Royal Society in recognition of his research, which dramatically improved understanding of childhood leukemia. He was knighted in 2019 for his services to childhood leukemia research.

Download the event flier here.

Register here to attend.

2025 Gould Lecture Focuses on Beta Cells and Immune Cells in Type 1 Diabetes

The Child Health Institute of New Jersey is hosting this year's Dr. Kenneth S. Gould and Audrey S. Gould Lecture Series in Molecular and Cellular Medicine, focused on "Beta Cells and Immune Cells in Type 1 Diabetes: Operational Tolerance and Next Steps."

Thursday, March 27

11 a.m.

Child Health Institute of New Jersey

Conference Room 3101

89 French Street, New Brunswick

This event features Kevan C. Herold, MD, C.N.H. Long Professor of Immunology and of Medicine (Endocrinology) at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Long's background and research are in translational immunology. He is interested in understanding the basis for autoimmune diseases and developing new therapies based on an understanding of disease mechanisms. His focus has largely been in the field of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes.

For more information, please contact Kathleen Semler.

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and tag #rwjms in your posts!

What's 'sleepmaxxing'? Experts weigh in on the latest social media trend -- Jag Sunderram, MD -- CNN, NDTV, and others

The COVID blur, 5 years on: How the pandemic warped our sense of time -- Lawrence C. Kleinman, MD, MPH -- NJ.com

Menopause symptoms and treatment are losing their hush-hush status -- Gloria A. Bachmann, MD, MMS -- Newsday

Monmouth teen heads to National Brain Bee; he knows what's happening in our brains -- Michael Matise, PhD, and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology -- Asbury Park Press

A Faster, Easier Way to Weed Out Unnecessary Allergy Labels -- Catherine Monteleone, MD -- Medscape

How Your Placenta and Baby 'Talk' to Decide When Labor Starts: Conversation with Dr. Todd Rosen -- Todd Rosen, MD -- Apple Podcasts: Making Sense of Pregnancy

Giving with the Goal of Eradicating Alzheimer's -- Michal Schnaider Beeri, PhD -- Rutgers University Foundation

Women oncologists receive significantly lower general payments from industry than men -- Imraan Jan, DO -- Healio/HemOnc Today

Q&A: How closely monitoring blood pressure of postpartum mothers can sharply reduce emergency hospital visits -- Emily Rosenfeld, MD -- MedicalXpress, Mirage News, and others

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