About the Office of Special Academic Programs

Our Mission

The Office of Special Academic Programs (OSAP) was established in 1989 with the mission to facilitate the entry and increase the number of underrepresented, educationally or economically disadvantaged students in the health professions.  OSAP develops and administers pipeline programs for high school, undergraduate and pre-matriculated students. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) was established in 1996 with the mission to assist Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in preparing students to become caring, compassionate and culturally sensitive physicians in our ethnically and culturally diverse society.  OMA sponsors many programs that highlight cultural diversity and promote cultural competence.

Under the direction of the Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs, the Offices of Multicultural Affairs and of Special Academic Programs work together to provide a comprehensive approach to student recruitment and medical education.  Our overall mission is to increase diversity in the health professions with the ultimate goal of eliminating healthcare disparities through our educational programs, community outreach and healthcare promotion and awareness activities.

Our Faculty

Daniel J. Mehan, Jr., PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

Our Administrative Staff

Cynthia Ferrer-Cespedes
Program Administrator

Filippa (Phyllis) Sica
Management Assistant