New Jersey Medical School In The News 2023


2022 IACC Summary of Advances Highlights New and Impactful Autism Research

Two articles originating at Rutgers University were among the top 20 Autism articles, according to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC).

First Lady Tammy Murphy Announces Appointment of Six Public Board Members of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority

Dr. Damali Campbell-Oparaji, NJMS professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health, was recently appointed to the board of the NJ Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority.

Weight-loss drugs prompt calls to poison centers

Misuse of weight loss drugs triggers spike in poison center calls. Learn what Dr. Diane Calello, executive and medical director of New Jersey Poison Control, has to say.

COVID-19 is still more deadly than the flu, and N.J. health officials expect cases to rise in the coming days and weeks

New Jersey health officials anticipate an increase in Covid cases in the coming weeks.

Holiday food brings higher risk of food poisoning if safety ignored, experts warn

Keep your holiday celebrations merry and food poisoning free.

Cost of lead poisoning drug jumps from $3,500 to $32,000, making it hard for hospitals to stock

The soaring costs of a lead poisoning drug is leaving hospitals strapped for solutions. Learn what health experts are saying.

Smoking Hookah Leads to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Woman Thought She Was ‘Going to Die’

Health experts warn about the dangers of smoking hookah in poorly ventilated spaces.

CHS Grad Turned Medical School Student Comes Home to Inspire Students

Full Circle Experience: Marvens Jean, NJMS student, returns to his high school, where he once started the pre-med club, to inspire the next generation of aspiring physicians.

Scientists may have finally figured out why women live longer than men

New data indicates that women outlive men by nearly six years.

Poison Control Center Tips on Preventing Illness This Holiday Season

Learn helpful safety tips to avoid the risk of getting sick around the holidays.

What Gender-Affirming Care Looks Like in New Jersey

Dr. Petros Levounis, chair of the NJMS Department of Psychiatry, elaborates on gender-affirming care.

Teleophthalmology: One Way to Help Span the Healthcare Disparity Divide

Dr. Albert S. Khouri, NJMS professor of ophthalmology, discusses teleophthalmology’s role in outreach efforts and improving ophthalmic care in the emergency room.

Highly Poisonous NJ Mushrooms Hospitalizing More People

Should you pick wild mushrooms? Learn what health experts have to say.

NJ Medical Schools and Residency Programs Are Now Teaching Compassionate Care

Amid growing pressure on doctors’ time, compassionate care—also called humanism—is becoming a standard part of medical curriculums.

Study suggests link between plastic chemicals and neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers from Rutgers NJMS and Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine investigated a potential link between plastic chemicals and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Drinking too much water, also known as water intoxication, can be deadly. Do I need to worry?

How much water consumption is too much? Learn what experts, including Dr. Lewis Nelson, NJMS chair of Emergency Medicine, have to say.

1 In 4 Teens May Have an Undiagnosed Case of Autism, Study Reveals

A new study suggests 1 in 4 teens with Autism may be undiagnosed. Learn insights from Dr. Walter Zahorodny, NJMS professor and lead researcher of the study.

A Milestone Celebration Addressing Key Frontiers in Tuberculosis

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s (NJMS) Global Tuberculosis Institute commemorated its 30th anniversary as a distinguished center of excellence in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).

Understanding the HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention

Dr. Diane Finkel, professor and NJMS director of the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program, discusses HPV and the importance of the HPV vaccine.

An overdose drug is finally over-the-counter. Is that enough to stop the death toll?

Can the over-the-counter overdose medication halt the escalating death toll? Discover insights from experts, including Dr. Lewis Nelson, chair of the NJMS Department of Emergency Medicine.

Supply snags for COVID-19 shots as experts urge people to get vaccinated

Health experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated.

Rise in Cases of Young Kids Accidentally Exposed to Vape Liquid

Dr. Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers NJMS, warns of potential risks of accidental vape liquid exposure.

New poll finds only 7% of Americans are 'very worried' about getting COVID

Dr. David Cennimo, NJMS professor, sheds light on the changing attitude towards COVID-19.

Nicotine exposure on the rise in NJ among young children

Learn what Dr. Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers NJMS, has to say regarding this data.

U.S. Suicide Rates at All-Time High: American Psychiatric Association President Responds

Dr. Petros Levounis, NJMS chair of the Psychiatry Department, and president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), weighs in on suicide, vaping, opioids, alcohol, and technology addiction.

ER visits on the rise for cannabis-related conditions among children

Dr. Lewis Nelson, chair of the NJMS Department of Emergency Medicine, weighs in on the alarming surge in cannabis-related emergency room visits among children.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) celebrates White Coat Ceremony

Rutgers NJMS welcomed 174 future medical practitioners at its annual Barbara and Norman Seiden White Coat Ceremony.

Pioneering Neurosurgeon Appointed Chair at Rutgers, RWJBarnabas Health

Robert E. Gross, MD, PhD, a renowned neurosurgeon, has been appointed joint chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School.

Researchers identify lipid vascular 'ZIP code'

Learn how researchers from Rutgers University have discovered the first lipid vascular “Zip Code” in the lungs.

Leprosy Outbreak in Florida: What You Need to Know

Health experts, including Dr. Stanley H. Weiss, NJMS professor, address the leprosy outbreak in central Florida.

New Surgery Robot Makes the Cut for Rutgers Docs

Advanced technology takes center stage at Rutgers University, as doctors utilize surgical robots - helping to make a great leap in patient care.

Doctors increasingly discourage vaping amid mounting health concerns

Dr. Petros Levounis, chair of the NJMS Psychiatry Department and president of the American Psychiatric Association, and other health experts, advise against vaping due to health concerns.

Extreme heat and youth sports: What parents need to know

Should parents be concerned about their children playing sports in extreme heat? Learn what Dr. Lewis Nelson, chair of NJMS’ Department of Emergency Medicine, and other health experts, have to say.

Shortage of lead-poisoning drug in US puts children at risk

Learn how Dr. Diane Calello, director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and other health experts, are addressing the lead poisoning drug shortage.

Raising Awareness for Uterine Fibroids

In recognition of Fibroid Awareness Month, which occurs in July, NJMS professor, Dr. Pratik Shukla, wrote this latest blog, shedding light and sharing valuable insights on uterine fibroids.

Is BMI Flawed as a Measure of Overall Health?

Aayush Visaria, MD, a Rutgers NJMS internal medicine resident doctor, co-authored a study that unveils new insights on BMI accuracy.

Is alcohol good or bad for you? Here's what experts and studies say.

Read what NJMS professor, Dr. Pallavi Solanki, and other experts, have to say about alcohol.

When Does Anxiety Become a Problem?

Dr. Petro Levounis, chair of the NJMS Department of Psychiatry, answers questions about a new recommendation to screen all adults under 65 for anxiety.

Xylazine-laced fentanyl is causing wounds and scrambling efforts to stop overdoses

Health experts, including Dr. Lewis Nelson, NJMS chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, weigh in on Xylazine.

Conversations on COVID-19

In this episode of "Conversations on COVID-19 Podcast," Dr. Stanley H. Weiss, professor in the Department of Medicine, discusses the most common myths about COVID-19.

Bloomberg American Health Initiative Announces Seventh Cohort of Bloomberg Fellows

Clement Chen, PharmD, from the NJMS Department of Psychiatry, joins the 2023 Bloomberg Fellows with a focus on addiction and overdose.

Like smoking 30 cigarettes in 8 hours: NYC’s air quality crisis, tallied

Dr. Khalil Savary, NJMS professor, and other health experts, discuss health risks associated with poor air quality and provide measures to stay safe.

Dr. Petros Levounis on CNN This Morning

Dr. Petros Levounis, chair of the NJMS Department of Psychiatry, weighs in on two different studies: a CDC report on homicide and suicide, and a new report on depression.

Woodbridge, NJ lightning-strike victim Eric Baumgartner in good spirits despite being burned on 16% of his body

Struck by lightning? What are the odds? Dr. Erin Muckey, NJMS medical director of Emergency Medicine, provides life saving tips, if someone is struck by lightning.

Dr. Petros Levounis takes office as American Psychiatric Association (APA) president

Dr. Petros Levounis, chair of the NJMS Department of Psychiatry, shares his top priorities as APA’s president.

Cases of Kids Diagnosed With Profound Autism on the Rise

New study shows cases of children with profound autism are increasing.

Rheumatologists can play a key role in diagnosing and treating neurologic Lyme disease

May is Lyme disease Awareness Month. Find out how rheumatologists can diagnose and treat neurologic Lyme disease.

Rutgers to Provide Antibody Testing to Help Study Long COVID in Children

Learn how Rutgers University researchers plan to provide antibody testing to determine the incidence of Long COVID in children.

Dog-Walking Injuries: Finger Fractures, Traumatic Brain Injuries Among the Most Common

New research shows dog-walking injuries may be more common than many people think. Learn what Dr. Erin Muckey, NJMS professor, and other experts have to say.

Paterson youngsters receive new beds from Hope to Dream program

Dr. Xue Ming, NJMS professor emeritus in the Department of Neurology, discusses how students’ academic performance has been linked to the quality and quantity of sleep.

University Hospital launches single port robotic surgery for treatment of urological cancers

Learn about significant technological milestones in robotic-based, minimally invasive surgery.

2 Surgeons At Newark Hospital Are Saving Lives With Transplants

NJMS professors, Dr. Keri E. Lunsford and Dr. Grace S. Lee-Riddle are helping to save lives with liver transplants.

Empowering Anesthesia Residents: Lessons in Trust from an Anesthesiologist

In this podcast episode, Dr. George Tewfik, professor in the NJMS Department of Anesthesiology, discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing knowledge gaps in anesthesia residents.

How Safe Is the Blackout Rage Gallon Drinking Trend?

Dr. Lewis Nelson, NJMS chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, discusses the dangers of the Gen Z social media trend, BORG, (Blackout Rage Gallon).

White House declares xylazine-laced fentanyl is ‘emerging drug threat

The White House declares xylazine laced with fentanyl an ‘emerging drug threat.’ Dr. Lewis Nelson, chair of the NJMS Department of Emergency Medicine, recently discussed this on NJ Spotlight News.

University Hospital launches single port robotic surgery for treatment of urological cancers

Learn about significant technological milestones in robotic-based, minimally invasive surgery.

U. expert weighs in on C. auris — deadly fungal infection

Dr. Darin Weisner, NJMS professor, discusses Candida auris, a contagious fungal infection, that is rapidly spreading throughout the country.

Rutgers University doctor discusses the dangers in recent TikTok challenges

Dr. Howard Greller, NJMS professor and director of the Medical Toxicology Fellowship, discusses the dangers and health risks of various TikTok challenges.

Can 'magic' mushrooms treat mental health issues? Yes, but experts say use with caution

Can ecstasy, ketamine or 'magic' mushrooms treat mental health issues? Dr. Petros Levounis, chair of the NJMS Department of Psychiatry, and other experts, weigh in.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Flour, CDC Warns—Experts Explain How to Stay Safe

The CDC is urging people to be careful with flour due to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak. Read what Dr. Bruce Ruck, managing director of New Jersey Poison Information Education System, and other experts, have to say.

Drug overdose deaths have quadrupled among seniors in the last 20 years. Why?

New research shows drug overdose fatalities quadrupled among Americans aged 65 and older. Read what Dr. Lewis Nelson, chair of the NJMS Department of Medicine, and other experts, have to say about this.

TikTok’s Benadryl Challenge Is Deadly—Here’s What to Know

Experts warn that Benadryl and other medications can be deadly when they’re not used as directed.

More kids rushed to hospital after eating gummies

Dr. Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center, appeared on Good Morning America to discuss how unidentified edibles, ingested by children, can be hazardous to their health.

Potentially deadly fungus Candida Auris spreading in New Jersey

Dr. Darin Weisner, NJMS professor, was featured on News 12 New Jersey to discuss the potentially deadly fungus, Candida Auris, which is spreading in NJ.

I’m addicted to the internet – an 11-day online binge cost me my career

Dr. Petros Levounis, chair of the NJMS Psychiatry Department, and other experts, weigh in on internet addiction.

The American Heart Association to Change How Women Are Screened for Heart Disease

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association says women need to be better screened for heart disease. Read what Dr. Klapholz, chair of the NJMS Department of Medicine, and other experts, have to say about this.

What to know about candida auris, the drug-resistant fungus spreading in NJ

Candida Auris, an emerging fungus, is spreading in New Jersey and around the country. Dr. Darin Weisner, NJMS professor, and other experts, weigh in on this potentially deadly fungus.

Autism rates rise again. Why experts say many kids are still 'invisible to the system.'

Autism rates rise and new data shows that for the first time, white children are less likely to carry the diagnosis than children of color.

Rutgers to Lead Global Consortium to Curb Tuberculosis

Over a 5-year period, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School will receive $20 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, to coordinate research that’s being conducted in eight nations on tuberculosis (TB) control and prevention.

University Hospital offers advanced prostate cancer treatment

Learn how Dr. Evan Kovac, NJMS professor and member of University Hospital’s medical staff, is blazing the trail in the advancement of prostate cancer care.

Ring Stuck On Your Finger? Try These Tips to Remove It

While our body adapts to reflect our environment, the diameter of a ring remains the same. Learn a few tips to remove a ring that maybe be stuck on your finger.

She tried to kill herself at 13. Why girls make the majority of NJ teen overdose attempts.

New data shows young girls attempt overdoses at 4 times the rate of boys.

Babesiosis, a Tick-Borne Illness, Is Spreading in the US - Here’s What Experts Want You to Know

Babesiosis, a tick-borne illness, is rapidly spreading. Read what Dr. David Cennimo, NJMS professor, and other experts, have to say about it.

Keeping up with COVID

While the global crisis of COVID-19 has eased a bit, Dr. David J. Cennimo, NJMS professor, and other medical experts, encourage people to continue to be safe and cautious.

32-year-old actress started a podcast to find out all she could about healthy aging - 3 key things she learned

An actress created a podcast where she interviews experts about healthy aging tips. In this article, she discusses three things she's learned and one of those things are from researchers from the NJMS Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine.

Daylight saving time may soon be the new normal. Should it? Take our poll.

Daylight saving time: Do we really need to spring forward or fall back? Read what Dr. Xue Ming, NJMS professor, and other health experts, have to say.

When Poison Happens, We’re Here for You

This week, the New Jersey Poison Control Center and other poison control centers around the country, celebrate “National Poison Prevention Week.”

Plastic surgeon warns this 1 type of exercise ages your face

Could a particular exercise age your face? Read what Dr. Boris Paskhover, NJMS facial plastics & reconstructive surgeon, and other experts have to say.

Rising Concern About Avian Influenza In New Jersey

Avian influenza continues to spread around the world. What does this mean for wild birds, poultry farms and humans? Read what Dr. Ricardo Rajsbaum, director of the NJMS Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease, has to say.

Naloxone, the overdose-reversing drug, could soon be available over the counter. Philly experts say it’s a step in the right direction.

Dr. Lewis Nelson, NJMS chair of Emergency Medicine, and other experts, discuss the possibility of Naloxone becoming available over the counter.

N.J. autism cases have jumped 300% in 16 years. Rutgers researchers aren’t sure why.

According to a recent Rutgers University study, in certain New Jersey areas, the Autism rate rose 300% between 2000 – 2016.

Only 5.7% of US doctors are Black, and experts warn the shortage harms public health

Dr. David Howard, NJMS professor, reflects on his time in medical school, where he questioned, “Where do I fit?”

What is ureaplasma? What you need to know about the bacteria linked to infertility.

Dr. Michelle DallaPiazza, NJMS infectious disease physician, explains what ureaplasma is, its symptoms and treatment methods.

FDA recommends Narcan be sold over the counter

A panel of experts at the Food and Drug Administration is recommending that Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses, be sold over the counter without a prescription. Dr. Lewis Nelson, NJMS chair of Emergency Medicine, weighs in.

Study: Vitamin D Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Those with Prediabetes

Dr. Sylvia Christakos, NJMS professor, and other experts, explain how vitamin D might lower the risk of prediabetes developing.

Fatal drug overdoses down in NJ, first time in a decade

Dr. Petros Levounis, NJMS chair of the Department of Psychiatry, weighs in on efforts, such as telemedicine and take-home mediations, that made it easier for drug users to get help.

Fact-Check: Is fentanyl the top cause of mortality for thousands of American adults?

Dr. Lewis Nelson, chair of the NJMS Department of Emergency Medicine, and other experts, comment on the increase in opioid-related mortality.

Marijuana gummies and other edibles are sending more kids to the hospital

More children are being hospitalized with marijuana poisoning. Learn recommended prevention strategies from Dr. Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the NJ Poison Control Center, and other experts.

Manufacturer Recalls Eye Drops Linked to Bacteria Amid CDC Investigation

Dr. Peter Hersh, NJMS professor, explains how bacteria can get into eye drops.

Why do so many foods contain lead? How much is safe? Experts explain.

Dr. Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the NJ Poison Control Center, and other experts, explain how lead gets into food and ways to limit its exposure.

What FDA Input Means for Risks and Benefits of LASIK

Dr. Peter Hersh, NJMS professor and director of the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute – Hersh Vision Group, weighs in on this.

NJ COVID deaths, hospitalizations lower than last year, but cases likely going unreported

Dr. Stanley H. Weiss, NJMS professor, believes there are two reasons why cases appear to be down: a lag in statistics and a lot of mild cases.

As a parent, how worried should I be about my gas stove?

A new study linked gas stoves to nearly 13% of childhood asthma cases. Dr. Khalil Savary, pediatric pulmonologist and NJMS professor, and other experts weigh in.

Rutgers study: Some sleep meds linked to overdose in young users

According to a Rutgers University study, certain prescription sleep medications are linked to a higher risk of overdose in young adults and teenagers.

LAPD’S Release of Drug Tests Is Smearing Keenan Anderson, Groups Say

Dr. Lewis Nelson, NJMS professor and other toxicology experts, weigh in on the release of Keenan Anderson’s preliminary toxicology results.

What Parents Need to Know About This Winter's Respiratory Illnesses

Experts, including Dr. David Cennimo, NJMS professor, encourage parents to learn the differences between COVID, RSV, the flu and a common cold.

Restricted abortion access studied as possible suicide risk

A recent report states that laws curtailing abortion access in the country were associated with higher suicide rates among reproductive-aged women. Find out what researchers, including Dr. Lauren Naliboff, NJMS professor, has to say.

A new report finds many ER errors in NJ and across the nation

A new report finds millions of people around the country who visit the hospital are misdiagnosed. Is this report flawed? Find out what Dr. Lewis Nelson, NJMS chair of Emergency Medicine, has to say.

Damar Hamlin Is ‘Neurologically Intact’ After Cardiac Arrest—Here’s What That Means

“Neurologically intact” is a trending topic. Experts, including Dr. Erin Feinstein, NJMS neurology professor, define what it means.

Cases of young kids eating legal weed edibles skyrocketing, researchers say

Learn what Dr. Bruce Ruck and other experts are saying about the skyrocketing number of children mistakenly ingesting cannabis edibles.

As Legal Cannabis Expands, More Kids Are Getting Sick From Edibles

With accidental cannabis poisonings on the rise, Dr. Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the NJ Poison Control Center, provides warning signs of accidental cannabis exposure in children.