Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Logo

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is a private medical school located in Nutley and Clifton, New Jersey, within the United States. It was established in 2018 as a collaborative effort between Hackensack Meridian Health, a comprehensive healthcare network in New Jersey, and Seton Hall University, a private Roman Catholic university. The school's mission is to address and ameliorate the challenges in healthcare education, delivery, and efficiency, with a strong emphasis on innovative teaching methods, research, and community engagement.

History

The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine was founded to respond to the growing need for physicians in New Jersey and across the nation, exacerbated by an aging population and an evolving healthcare landscape. Its establishment was part of a broader vision to create a leading academic healthcare system that integrates medical education with research and patient care. The school admitted its first class in 2018, marking the culmination of years of planning and collaboration between Hackensack Meridian Health and Seton Hall University.

Curriculum

The curriculum at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is designed to be highly integrative, combining traditional medical education with a focus on the socio-economic factors that influence health outcomes. From the outset, students are exposed to clinical experiences, working closely with patients and healthcare professionals. This hands-on approach is complemented by a problem-based learning (PBL) model, which encourages students to work in teams to solve complex health problems. This model aims to foster a deep understanding of the biomedical sciences, along with the development of critical thinking and communication skills.

Facilities

Located on the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus, the school's facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and simulation centers. These resources are designed to support the school's innovative curriculum and provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. The campus also houses the Hackensack Meridian Health Research Institute, facilitating collaboration between students, faculty, and healthcare professionals on a variety of research projects.

Admissions

Admission to the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is highly competitive, with a holistic review process that considers not only academic achievements but also personal characteristics, life experiences, and a demonstrated commitment to healthcare. The school seeks to enroll a diverse class of students who are passionate about improving healthcare and serving their communities.

Community Engagement

A cornerstone of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine's mission is its commitment to community engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in community service projects and health outreach programs, particularly in underserved areas. These experiences are designed to enhance students' understanding of the social determinants of health and prepare them to address health disparities in their future careers.

Research

Research is a critical component of the educational experience at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Students have the opportunity to engage in research across a wide range of disciplines, including basic science, clinical research, and health services research. The school's partnership with the Hackensack Meridian Health Research Institute provides access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from leading researchers in the field.

Accreditation

The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the national accrediting body for educational programs leading to the M.D. degree in the U.S. and Canada. This accreditation affirms the school's commitment to meeting the highest standards for medical education.