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The Medical Society of New Jersey named Dr. Donald Chervenak as its 231st president.

Chervenak, who was installed during the organization’s annual meeting April 29, has been a member of MSNJ since 1984 and on the board of trustees since 2018.

In a May 1 press release, Larry Downs, CEO of MSNJ, welcomed Chervenak as the new president for the 2023-24 term, describing him as “a passionate advocate for patient health, supportive colleague and dedicated physician.”

Chervenak is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and founder of Florham Park OB/GYN, where he currently practices. He also serves as a clinical associate professor in the department of OB/GYN at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and previously was a clinical chief of OB/GYN at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

Additionally, the Florham Park resident is a member of the Morris County Medical Society, currently serving in the role of president.

He has also held positions as past president of the New Jersey Obstetrical & Gynecological Society, past New Jersey section chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and secretary of District III of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, covering New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Dominican Republic.

In addition to his professional associations, Chervenak was chairman of the medical committee of Planned Parenthood of Central and Greater Northern New Jersey (now Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey, Inc.) for more than 24 years.

During his career, he has been recognized by the state Legislature for his work and received several accolades, including MSNJ’s DeGroote Aware and Edward J. III Excellence in Medicine Foundation’s prestigious Peter W. Rodino Jr. Citizen’s Award.

After earning a dual bachelor’s degree in medical science and psychology from Boston University, he received his medical degree through the university’s accelerated medical program. Chervenak completed his internship and residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

In his inaugural speech as president, Chervenak said, “Harking back to the oaths we took when we received our medical licenses and degrees, the health and wellbeing of our patients is and will forever be our first priority as physicians. We are called to be protectors – even in the face of mental, physical and spiritual challenges.”

“As physicians, we cannot be apathetic in our care and advocacy – we must listen, we must learn, we must protect and we must provide the highest quality of care to our patients, no matter the circumstance or situation. That is what it means to be a physician. I am proud to serve as the next president of MSNJ – not only to give a voice to our profession, but, more importantly, to those we care for each day,” he said.

At MSNJ, Chervenak succeeds Dr. Steven Orland.

Founded in 1766, MSNJ is the oldest professional society in the United States and works to promote the betterment of public health, science and medicine as well as safeguarding the rights of medical practitioners.

As the leading advocate for physicians in New Jersey, its 6,500 members include doctors in every specialty and practice setting.