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During its Monday meeting, the Rutgers University board of governors approved a plan to seek combined accreditation for the New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School under one umbrella as Rutgers School of Medicine.

Rutgers officials say the move, which has been controversial, drawing strong criticism from medical staff, Newark lawmakers and officials as well as other community stakeholders, will let the existing, co-equal medical schools strategically integrate some operations while maintaining independence at both campuses in Newark and New Brunswick.

In an email to faculty, students and staff, medical school Deans Robert Johnson and Amy Murtha said that the primary objective behind pursuing a single medical school accreditation is to create a “stronger, more innovative institution that offers significantly enhanced educational opportunities, expanded research endeavors and improved patient care.”

“Although we will maintain our individual identities and operate separately as two equal campuses, each with its own co-dean and separate financial administrative structures, the integration presents numerous opportunities for growth, efficiency, and improved collaboration,” the leaders said. “Our commitment to University Hospital in Newark and Robert Wood Johnson University in New Brunswick remains strong, and our relationship with these institutions will remain unchanged.”

The process to evaluate a potential medical school integration began in January 2019 with the formation of the Future of Academic Medicine Committee by Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Chancellor Brian Strom. That process was initially paused due to the pandemic, pushing back formal assessments.

Two reports were presented to the University Senate, including one earlier this year that represented the collective work of numerous faculty, staff, students, community members and administrators of both medical schools.

Coming together

While critics of the merger have raised concerns about what it will mean for the independence of the schools, as well as the allocation of resources, proponents say the integration would benefit their missions by making it possible to better leverage Rutgers’ growing impact on clinical, translational and basic science research, which will place the university at the forefront of the innovation economy and attracting more federal and industry funding.

“This integration will empower Rutgers to navigate the dynamic landscape of health care, meeting the ever-evolving and complex needs of the future while flourishing amidst a competitive market,” said Strom. “We will amplify Rutgers’ position as a trailblazer in 21st-century medical education and solidify our role as a leader in advancing the frontiers of health care.”

University officials say the would position Rutgers School of Medicine as one of the largest and leading public medical schools in the national, creating an unparalleled hub of biomedical and health sciences education, research, and clinical care.

“Working in partnership with University Hospital Newark and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rutgers School of Medicine will firmly remain an anchor institution, civically engaged and serving the communities of Newark and Middlesex County, as well as the State of New Jersey,” said Strom and Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway in a statement. “When complete, the integration envisions a medical school that enjoys a national reputation greater than the sum of its parts, amplifying Rutgers’ role as a leader in twenty-first century medical education.”

University leaders emphasized that the integration would proceed at a measured pace. That involves combining the extensive planning already undertaken with ongoing input and continued consultation with relevant stakeholders as Rutgers formulates an accreditation application to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education that promotes equitable representation and resource allocation.

“Although there are many details to be worked through with the university community, it is important to understand that NJMS will of course remain in Newark and maintain its ties with the Newark community,” said Holloway and Strom. “University Hospital Newark will of course continue as the principal teaching hospital of NJMS. Similarly, RWJMS will remain in Middlesex County, maintain its ties with that local community, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital will, subject to associated contractual agreements, remain the principal teaching hospital of RWJMS.”

University officials anticipate the first class at the Rutgers School of Medicine will be enrolled in the 2028 academic year.