South Middlesex Times

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School has a history of serving the residents of Newark through programs based on ideas and needs that come directly from the community. In April, the medical school launched its inaugural Community Engagement Symposium as a way to exchange ideas with the citizens of Newark.

Students, staff, faculty, and community leaders shared resources at this one-day, invitation-only event hosted by the Office of Primary Care, Diversity and Community Engagement (PCDCE). The team hopes to make this an annual celebration of service learning and connection with the greater Newark area.

Around 140 attendees gathered in the medical school’s foyer. After lunch, an hour of speeches included three presentations. Imran Khawaja (MD ’25) shared how sustainable farming, developed in partnership with Berringer High School, could educate and engage high school students to address food insecurity in Newark. Yvan Yomba (MD ’25) and Dojo Martial Arts owner Michael Loureiro spoke about Street Ready, which they founded to teach conflict resolution, self-defense, and first aid. Finally, Vivian Cueto presented the work of the Screening Access of Value for Essex (SAVE) program funded by the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program. Initiated in 1997, SAVE brings cancer education, prevention, and screening to uninsured low-income communities in Essex County.

To reach those with the most need, SAVE partners with University Hospital Mammography in Motion program. A new state-of-the-art mammography bus supported by the Connie Dwyer Foundation, Healthcare Foundation of NJ, and University Hospital Foundation is providing cancer screenings to underserved communities in Newark and Essex County.

Following the presentations, members of the audience visited more than three dozen stations spotlighting student initiatives aimed at connecting siloed projects both inside and outside the school.

“Our number one job is preparing future physicians,” said organizer Carmen Guzman-McLaughlin, senior director of administration at NJMS. “We’re quickly evolving but have deep roots. The symposium made new connections while reminding us of our history. Students palpably appreciated that. Folks also wanted to ask questions and discuss how to elevate the work.”

“It was great to hear from community partners too,” Guzman-McLaughlin added. “A lot is emerging about social determinants of health that we may not be immersed in yet.”

Robert L. Johnson, dean of the medical school who co-founded the event called it “an opportunity to celebrate our relationship with citizens of this diverse area facing complex social and economic challenges.” He emphasized that after forming a new Rutgers School of Medicine campus in Newark will continue its commitment to serve its community even better.

Johnson collaborated with Ana M. Natale-Pereira associate professor of medicine and associate dean at PCDCE who sees knowledge exchange as a new facet for service traditions at NJMS like launching Student Family Health Care Center after 1967's Newark uprising providing subsidized care for medically underserved residents solely operated by medical students under faculty mentors' guidance.

NJMS integrated volunteering values into required coursework since 2015 where all first- & second-year med students must complete 20 hours Community Engaged Service Learning (CESL), though many exceed logging over 100 hours often encouraged towards deeper interactions beyond mere service delivery increasing cultural humility appreciating resilience among patients per Natale-Pereira's vision ensuring preparedness entering clinical years.

As fall semester starts CESL fair highlights ongoing service projects encouraging incoming first-years participation partnering shelters K-12 schools health departments faith/community organizations within greater Newark collaborating alongside University Hospital & Office Community Engagement offering "amazing opportunities explore serve learn" stressing importance hearing issues like housing struggles migration impact resources directly from community leaders according Natale-Pereira adding criticality teaching themes sharing deeper personal ways enhancing understanding practical insights among future healthcare professionals attending events like Keith DaCosta executive director Caresparc Community Connections praised symposium showcasing breadth variety NJMS efforts lauding dedication innovation among learners including Rodrigo Cardoso De Godoi president Mantena Global Care acknowledging positive hope inspiration amid negative headlines suggesting better tomorrow through compassionate initiatives showcased throughout symposium urging interested parties connect PCDCE office participate actively ongoing activities contributing further impactful endeavors fostering mutual growth benefits wider society overall reaffirming core mission longstanding institution continually evolving adapting newer challenges realities surrounding environment