A Note From Dean Jermyn

As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to recognize the important initiatives happening within our SOM community. Our new partnership with Ancora Psychiatric Hospital expands access to psychiatric care in South Jersey while enhancing medical education. We also recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the critical work of the THRIVE Center at the CARES Institute in supporting at-risk youth. This month also marks an exciting new partnership with the Wilmington VA Medical Center and the Veterans Health Foundation, expanding our commitment to biomedical research that improves health care for veterans.

As always, I encourage you to stay engaged, support one another, and continue making a difference.

My best regards, 

Richard T. Jermyn, D.O.

Dean

Rowan-Virtua SOM Partners with Wilmington VA on Biomedical Research

SOM has joined forces with the Wilmington VA Medical Center and the Veterans Health Foundation to advance biomedical research and training aimed at improving health care for veterans.

Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, SOM is expanding its commitment to veteran-focused research and medical innovation. This partnership serves as a model for how academic institutions and veteran services can collaborate to drive groundbreaking advancements in health care.

This initiative strengthens SOM’s mission to prepare future physicians, advance research, and serve the needs of the community, including underserved and special needs populations.

Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is occurring in New Jersey and affects people from all walks of life and discriminates against no one.



As we observe this important month, it is crucial that we highlight the important medical and mental health services that the CARES Institute at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine provides to children and families affected by abuse, neglect, and trauma. CARES Institute recently launched a new program, THRIVE Center, which provides patient-led, holistic, medical care for youth engaged in and at risk for human trafficking.

THRIVE is a unique health care center that specializes in compassionate, comprehensive care to meet the needs of youth up to age 24 who have experienced trauma and have navigated some of life’s challenges. Providers at THRIVE Center are part of the CARES Institute team and are dedicated to fostering resilience and supporting every young person in uncovering their unique strengths while arming them with strategies to combat the risk of exploitation.

You can learn more about THRIVE Center’s mission and services here. To support THRIVE Center with a donation, please visit centers.rowanmedicine.com/cares/about/giving.

Joanna Petrides, MBS, Psy.D. from the Departments of Family Medicine and Psychology and chair of the Rowan-Virtua SOM Wellness Committee, shares this month’s tip for improving wellbeing.

Many of us make commitments towards wellness in the new year. One way we can follow through with this goal is by curbing our sugar cravings using a brief 10-minute walk. Research shows that a short walk helps us better manage sugar cravings, while also providing an opportunity for physical activity and stress relief! So the next time you want to reach for something sweet, try a quick walk to curb that craving while also adding some physical activity to your day!