Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Preston
(973) 972-7265

At UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Somerset Medical Center Becomes Major Clinical Affiliate

Somerset Medical Center and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School have signed a new affiliation agreement which designates the medical center as a major clinical affiliate of the medical school.

Through the affiliation announced on July 23, Somerset Medical Center will collaborate with the medical school to develop residency programs in the areas of surgery and obstetrics/gynecology and to expand its medical and general education programs and clinical research initiatives.

"This agreement advances our commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our core missions in education, research, patient care and community health," said Dr. Harold L. Paz, dean of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. "It also elevates Somerset Medical Center's status and reinforces its commitment to academic health care."

"Ultimately, our enhanced relationship with the medical school means enhanced patient care," said Dennis C. Miller, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Somerset Medical Center. "Our patients will have increased access to the latest medical research studies, technological advancements and state-of-the-art treatments. They can be assured that they will receive the highest quality care close to home from the best doctors who have the added experience of teaching other medical professionals."

Somerset Medical Center has been a teaching hospital since 1975. Its Somerset Family Practice Residency Program was one of the original residencies associated with the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School through its network of Affiliated Family Practice Residency Programs. More than 170 physicians have graduated from the three-year program.

The medical center will participate in the medical school's surgical residency program. Three surgical residents will be assigned to Somerset Medical Center this month and will work with general surgeons to develop expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Gary A. Drascher, chief of surgery at Somerset Medical Center, will be the on-site residency director.

The obstetrics/gynecology residency program is still under development.

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