STRATFORD, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Virtua Health and Rowan University are joining forces to create a new college of medicine and life sciences, with the goal of becoming a national leader in medicine and research.
Rowan President Dr. Ali Houshmand said Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University will enable both institutions to advance health and wellness in the region, and attract top talent from all over the world.
“We will distinguish South Jersey as a regional hub for innovation, education, and clinical care,” said Dr. Houshmand.
“It will serve more patients, attract world-class faculty and researchers, and improve the health of our communities.”
He called this a groundbreaking program, as it’s focused on holistic health and well-being with equity in mind.
Related
Virtua President and CEO Dennis Pullin says part of caring for the community is ensuring they don’t have to go out-of-state to get top-notch care.
“We pursue excellence because we want to tap into the best that people have to offer and because, most importantly, our community deserves it,” Pullin said.
Pullin said too many South Jersey residents have been relying on medical schools in Philadelphia, and he wants to make things more convenient for them.
Related
Both say the schools will be built upon three pillars: empowerment, inclusivity, and excellence.
The plan involves three schools including the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, the only school of its kind in the state.
There will also be a nursing and wellness school, and another for biomedical engineering.
Some of the details are still being worked out, so there’s no timeline yet on when they will begin accepting students.