3
For
30 years,
Robert Wood Johnson Med-
ical School
has made the
Eric B. Chandler Health
Center
a cornerstone of its commitment to the health
of the community. "Chandler's ability to ensure access
to comprehensive, high quality, medical and dental
care represents the medical school's successful meld-
ing of its missions in clinical care and community
health," says
Eric G. Jahn, MD '88
, associate profes-
sor of family medicine and community health and
senior associate dean for community health.
Dedicated on Oct. 22, 1987, Chandler is one of
only a handful of the nation's federally qualified and
funded health centers operated by a medical school in
conjunction with the required, active leadership of a
community board. "The board helps us stay relevant,
balancing the school's academic and clinical goals
with real needs in the community," says Dr. Jahn.
For example, in addition to clinical and social services
offered at the health center, Chandler provides satel-
lite services at sites including New Brunswick High
School and community health fairs.
A festive 30th anniversary celebration on Oct. 27
marked Chandler's past and future service to the
community at the Marigold in Somerset. In the early
years, six trailers purchased by the medical school
served approximately 2,000 patients annually. Subse-
quently, a 15,000-square-foot building on George
Street became Chandler's permanent home, and last
year, 14,845 people were served. "The medical school
deeply values its commitment to Chandler, and, thanks
to that commitment, I believe we can look forward to 30
more years of service to the community," says Dr. Jahn.
Eric B. Chandler Health Center
Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Kudos
Dean Gabriel Named
Rheumatologist
of the Year
D
ean
Sherine E. Gabriel, MD,
MSc
, was named the 2017
Rheumatologist of the Year by the
Arthritis FoundationNew Jersey for her
accomplishments in the field while simul-
taneously creating awareness about
arthritis. Dean Gabriel's achievements
were celebrated during the Arthritis
Foundation's "Evening of Honors" event
Oct. 19 at the Crystal
Palace in Livingston.
Over the past 39
years, more than
1,000 corporations
and businesses have
supported this event,
raising millions of dollars to support the
foundation's mission to improve lives
through leadership in the prevention,
control, and cure of arthritis and related
diseases. Congratulations, Dean Gabriel,
on this outstanding accomplishment.
Sherine E. Gabriel,
MD, MSc
Appointment
W
e are pleased to announce that
Leonard
Y. Lee, MD'92
, professor and interim chair
of the Department of Surgery and James W.
Mackenzie MD Endowed Chair in Surgery, has been
selected as the senior associate dean for
clinical affairs for Rutgers Robert Wood
Johnson Medical School, reporting to the
dean, effective Sept. 1. Dr. Lee will also
serve as vice president-clinical affairs of
Rutgers Health Group (RHG), reporting to
Vicente H. Gracias, MD, senior vice chan-
cellor for clinical affairs and President of
RHG. Dr. Lee will oversee all operations of the
school's clinical practice in coordination with Rut-
gers Health. In addition, he will remain in his posi-
tion as interim chair until Douglas L. Fraker, MD,
begins his role as chair Jan. 1 2018.
Dr. Lee joined the faculty in 2012 as chief of the
division of cardiothoracic surgery, a position he has
continued to maintain after his appointment as in-
terim chair three years ago. During his
tenure, cardiac surgery volume has grown
nearly 50 percent, with significant im-
provements in quality metrics. In addition,
the most recent Society of Thoracic Sur-
geons data revealed that the cardiotho-
racic surgery program has achieved a
3-star rating (the highest quality meas-
ure awarded by the society) in all areas reported, a
distinction held by no other program in the state.
Under his leadership, division care has been stan-
dardized and a new cohesiveness and transparency
throughout the division and department overall have
yielded a true sense of team-driven health care, with
improved financial success each year and increased
productivity, expanded clinical services, minimal fac-
ulty attrition, and exceptional care.
Dr. Lee has maintained productivity in research,
education, and clinical responsibilities, with nearly
200 published articles and abstracts, an RO1 and AHA
grant currently in preparation for submission, and
continued high reviews as a mentor and educator.
One of the most productive clinicians in the prac-
tice, Dr. Lee performs 400 heart surgeries per year.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lee and
wishing him success in his new position lending
your support as we grow and continue to improve
our practice.
Leonard Y. Lee, MD '92 Appointed
Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Leonard Y. Lee, MD'92
John Emerson
John O'Boyle
John Emerson