Proud to be Rowan-Virtua

Launching Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences

By Rowan University

November 14^th, 2022

“The best health systems in the nation partner with great research institutions. We’re proud to share Virtua’s values and vision and to see a future where we can make a difference together.”

—Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand

Pledged to a powerful partnership

Not even a year since it was announced, the newest and most unusual partnership in Rowan University history drew a standing-room only crowd to celebrate Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences and what lies ahead: an unprecedented, comprehensive integration creating the college and academic health system that promise to improve health care education, clinical care and research.

Medical students, faculty, nurses, leadership and friends of Rowan and Virtua Health made their mark on the day by writing out their commitment on pledge cards—reminders of why they're called to the health care community and what they hope for the future.

Rowan's Director of Nursing Education Mary Ellen Santucci and Terri Mastrogiacomo

Family medicine physician Dr. Jen Caudle led the audience in making a personal statement to mark the day's celebration.

School of Osteopathic Medicine Student Council President Alan Chung represented all Virtua Health College students in his comments during the program.

The new Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University encompasses the existing School of Osteopathic Medicine, an expanded School of Nursing & Health Professions and the new School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, plus established and new centers and institutes.

The partnership is unlike any other in public higher education, with Rowan, the top 100 university, and Virtua Health, the largest health care system in South Jersey, committed to changing the future of health sciences education, clinical care and innovation.

At the end of the Nov. 7 program, guests representing every aspect of the new partnership put their pride points in writing for a mass photo.

Rowan University President Ali Houshmand

Collaborating, leading

Bringing perspectives from within both partner institutions and state and federal legislative leadership, the slate of speakers included State Senator Fred Madden, Rowan Provost Tony Lowman, Congressman Donald Norcross, Rowan President Ali Houshmand, Virtua Health President and CEO Dennis Pullin, Assemblyman Lou Greenwald and Virtua Health Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Reg Blaber.