Department of Medicine 2026 Housestaff Commencement

Marc Klapholz, MD, thanks interim chancellor Robert L. Johnson, MD, for his inspiring leadership over 22 years as NJMS dean.

“Remember your humanity,” Johnson entreated graduates. “Always remember that the purpose is to take care of your patients, to make their lives better, and as you do that, you will achieve the joy of medicine.”

Kristin Wong, MD (right), vice chair of education, served as master of ceremonies for the June 11 Housestaff Commencement.

Pauline Thomas, MD, congratulates Radhika Malhotra, MD, MPH, newly graduated from the combined internal medicine-preventive medicine program.

Daniel Matassa, MD, who co-directs two of DOM’s new dual-track training programs, is pictured here with incoming chief medical resident Anand Shah, MD.

Nephrology program director Smita Mahendrakar, MD, congratulates graduating fellow Arwa Abdelkader Hamdi Battah, MD.

Kristin Fless, MD, of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, presents Arthi Palani, MD, with her Chief Medical Resident certificate.

Julia Ann Ramadhar, MD, one of two chief medical residents assigned to East Orange Veterans Affairs Medical Center this year, receives her certificate from J. Lee Spitzer, MD, PhD, acting chief, Medical Service.

Department Chair Marc Klapholz, MD, congratulates Angelika Drozd, MD, one of two chief medical residents at University Hospital during the past academic year.

Brian Smighelschi, DO, a chief medical resident at University Hospital this year, accepts his certificate from Marc Klapholz, MD, department chair.

The Department of Medicine celebrated 58 graduates of its residency programs, pictured here. Twenty-seven physicians also completed fellowships this June.

Seven graduates will serve as chief medical residents at three clinical sites during the coming academic year. They are (L–R): Lorenzo Colugno, MD; Kristin Riddle, MD; Anand Shah, MBBS; Nishma Jain, MD; Alexandria Smith, DO; Rafael Toro, MD; and Delaney Stuhr, DO.

Family and friends crowded the Oral Health Pavilion at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine to attend the June 11 ceremony, and gathered outside on the NJMS campus to celebrate. Shriya Patel, DO (center, holding flowers) is surrounded by well-wishers following commencement.

See the commemorative program here.

Watch the full event here.

Photos: Michael Cort Photography

Innovation and Excellence in Medical Education Take Center Stage at Housestaff Commencement

The Department of Medicine’s Housestaff Commencement, held on June 11, celebrated not only the achievements of its graduating residents and fellows, but also the continued growth and innovation of its training programs.
 
Among the milestones recognized was the graduation of the second physician from the combined Internal Medicine-Preventive Medicine Residency. Only five institutions nationwide have received Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approval to offer this unique dual residency, and the Department of Medicine’s program is one of only three in the Northeast.
 
The department also highlighted its combined internal medicine-nephrology fellowship track, one of only three ACGME-approved programs in the country. The accelerated four-year program enables physicians to earn combined qualifications in less time than the traditional five-year training pathway.
 
Dr. Marc Klapholz, chair of the Department of Medicine, shared plans for another innovative program expected to launch next year: a combined internal medicine-infectious disease training pilot. Pending ACGME approval, the accelerated four-year program would further expand opportunities for physician trainees.
 
Alongside these advances in medical education, the commencement recognized the strong foundation upon which the department continues to build. The event also celebrated the leadership of Interim Chancellor of Rutgers Health and Dean of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Robert L. Johnson.

During Johnson’s keynote address, he encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges of modern medicine. He said, “Medicine is not practiced in ideal conditions. It’s practiced in real time, with incomplete information, with imperfect systems, with patients who don’t always follow the algorithms.”

He concluded with words of encouragement for the graduating class, saying, “The fact that you can do this thoughtfully, ethically, and with compassion, is why you’re ready.”