Several key milestones have been achieved recently as plans for Cooper Medical School of Rowan University continue to unfold. Dr. Paul Katz, MD was appointed as founding Dean of the school on June 9. Dr. Katz has unique experience as both a professor and administrator at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and Georgetown University. Earlier in his career, he taught and practiced medicine at the University of Florida and at the National Institutes of Health. Most recently, he was instrumental in shepherding The Commonwealth Medical College of northeastern Pennsylvania through the medical education accreditation process and enrollment of its inaugural class. Construction of the medical school, located on the Cooper Health Sciences Campus on Broadway and Benson Streets in Camden, is moving forward. Clearing the site for new construction began in August, with a groundbreaking scheduled for October. The building is designed to serve the needs of a 400-student population at its capacity, with an emphasis on high-technology, low-environmental impact features. Students will work more often with simulation laboratory experiences and other cutting-edge instructional tools. In addition, with a planned student-run clinic, even first-year students will witness and participate in every aspect of patient care, from medical records and billing processes to direct patient contact.
In June, Rowan and Cooper officials opened an ongoing dialogue with local citizens and business representatives. This dialogue is expanding to involve construction companies, service providers, business and community advocacy groups, and other stakeholders locally and across the region.
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University is scheduled to admit its inaugural class in Fall 2012.
Interested parties may contact the Dean’s Office of the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University by phone at 856.342.2051 or by e-mail at puliti-michele@cooperhealth.edu.