In January of this year, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed Executive Order 51 that established an ad-hoc committee to review graduate medical education in the state. The review will largely focus on the University of Medicine and Dentistry which currently hosts about 1,100 CIR members.
A full change of ownership at the UMDNJ-affiliated hospitals is one of the many restructuring possibilities under consideration. Gov. Christie announced his support for an initial recommendation that Rutgers take over three UMDNJ institutions: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Saint Barnabas Heath System has indicated a strong interest in taking on the Newark-based programs at The University Hospital but faces some legal and financial hurdles.
It is unclear as of this date, but residents fear that if there is a break-up of UMDNJ, services may be eliminated or there could be changes in faculty and staff, and size and composition of residency programs. For the latest information on UMDNJ, visit www.cirseiu.org.