The Division of Population Health, Quality and Implementation Sciences (PopQuIS in Pediatrics) delivers first-rate primary care, develops multi- and trans-disciplinary teams to conduct research into maternal, child, and community health, works to evaluate and improve programs that support health and health care, and advances the science of providing high-quality, safe, and highly reliable health care.
PopQuIS in Pediatrics has grown from strong and deep roots in primary care (formerly housed in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics) to consider the health and well-being of the whole child in the family, community, and policy contexts.
We illustrate below a strategic vision for the division's growth and development. The primary goal of PopQuIS in Pediatrics is to improve the health of children and their families in New Jersey and across the field of pediatrics. We incorporate evidence-informed practices to elevate the quality of primary care that we provide to our diverse patient populations.
PopQuIS will be a national and global leader that advances the development and application of science to shape the delivery of health services for children and their families. As innovators, we partner with our communities to develop and apply tools to improve quality and ensure the safety of our patients, educate health professionals, and advocate for policies and practices that benefit children and their families, reducing inequities and advancing health.
We bring value to our patients, our communities, and our institution.
The Vision for PopQuIS in Pediatrics is to develop and maintain a culture of generosity so that:
Our primary care division accepts all patients from any hospital or institution who desire further specialized care to be given by physicians located at RWJBarnabas team.
We offer comprehensive, family-centered care to children from birth to 21 years of age1, including well-child care (“check-ups”), health and developmental screening, vaccinations, and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses. Care is personalized to each child’s physical, developmental, social, and emotional needs, and referrals to Rutgers Health specialists, dental, and behavioral health clinicians are available as needed. Staff members are fluent in English and Spanish. Patients can be seen immediately in urgent cases.
The Rutgers Health primary care pediatric practice at 1 Worlds Fair Drive in Somerset was founded 23 years ago by Dr. Emanuel Lerner, who still oversees the care provided there. The practice has grown to a seven-physician group and is the site of training in primary care for more than half of the pediatric residents in the department.
It utilizes a private practice model to serve a diverse population from Middlesex and Somerset counties and accepts a wide range of private and public insurance plans, including Medicaid insurance. The Eric B. Chandler Health Center is a federally qualified community health center that primarily serves the New Brunswick area. The Chandler Health Center accepts Medicaid.
1Primary care pediatricians provide services to children, adolescents, and young adults through 21 years of age at the Somerset location. The Eric B. Chandler Health Center seamlessly transitions the care of older adolescents and young adults from pediatricians to family physicians after their high school graduation or 18th birthday.
The Section of Adolescent Medicine provides clinical care to adolescents and young adults with many acute and chronic health problems, actively participates in research projects, and provides training for pediatric residents and medical students.
Clinical Care Services
We provide subspecialty care for adolescents and young adults at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey and inpatient consultation for patients of Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Patients are seen for eating disorders, menstrual disorders, pediatric and adolescent gynecologic problems, contraception, transgender health and chronic medical problems impacted by psychosocial issues, and other conditions.
We see patients from the preteen years through the early 20s and focus on the interrelationship of growth, psychosexual development, and behavioral issues. The adolescent's ability to assume increasing health responsibility is stressed. Part of each visit includes seeing the adolescent alone in order to foster this independence and to respect the teen's need for privacy.
Patients are referred for subspecialty care by other subspecialists at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, community primary care physicians, mental health and other health professionals, and community organizations such as schools, as well as by self-referral.
Education
The core adolescent medicine training experience for the pediatric residents is the month-long Adolescent Medicine rotation. Each resident has an individualized schedule. Residents see patients in the adolescent practice at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey. Sports medicine experiences include performing pre-participation sports physicals at several area middle and high schools and going to the office of a sports medicine physician. Residents also work alongside the HIV counselors and testers as well as a registered dietician for other comprehensive educational experiences. The rotation also includes weekly case conferences and didactics as time allows.
Didactic teaching activities include various talks for pediatric residents and medical students. Section Director Dr. Sari Bentsianov has been a mentor to pediatric residents and medical students, including individual teaching sessions, evaluating OSCEs, and providing career guidance.
Faculty and Staff
Sari Bentsianov, MD
Director, Section of Adolescent Medicine
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
732-235-7896
slandman@rwjms.rutgers.edu
Nina Blair
Secretary
732-235-7896
blairll@rwjms.rutgers.edu
Contact Us
Child Health Institute of New Jersey
89 French Street Suite 2300
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Section Phone: 732-235-7896, press 1 for appointments
Fax: 551-310-6784
Our faculty are active teachers and educational leaders. Many are also active researchers who present at regional and national conferences.
Highlights of our education and academic research contributions include:
Dr. Usha Ramachandran’s continued leadership of the South Asian Total Health Initiative, which includes federally-funded research
Dr. Daniel Horton’s scientific work at the Institute for Health, Healthcare Policy, and Aging Research’s (IFH) Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science
Dr. Manuel Jimenez was acknowledged with the AOA Honor Society’s Alumni Award
Dr. Anna Petrova is an important contributor to research education including providing a series of sessions on “Research Study Design and Statistics” as well as participating in educating MS students in the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies as a Director of the course “Ethics and Regulation in Clinical and Translational Research"
Dr. Shilpa Pai is a state-wide leader in advocacy education in pediatrics
Dr. Nancy Reichman mentors faculty and graduate students at Rutgers University and Princeton University
The clinical practice teams (including Drs. Emanuel Lerner, Jacqueline Fleming, Michele Takyi, Elsie Roca-Piccini, Dawn Thompson, and Shoshana Zitter) teach the nuances of primary care to medical students and pediatric residents
Dr. Larry Kleinman works actively with the Residency leadership to support the development and conduct of scholarly activities for our residents
The Primary Care Research Fellowship Program is a full-time, postdoctoral 2-3 year mentored research program in primary care research with an appointment as a National Health Services Award Fellow at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The program offers mentorship, career development, and diverse paths once the fellowship is completed.
PopQuIS faculty are national leaders in research ranging from family engagement to health equity to COVID-19. Our Maternal and Child Health Measurement Research Network (MCH-MRN 3.0) aims to establish a sustainable, interdisciplinary Network of MCH measurement experts and collaborating research entities to serve as a multi-site platform for advancing practice and understanding.
Explore the list of accomplished faculty comprising the Division of Population Health, Quality and Implementation Sciences.
Lawrence Kleinman, MD
Professor and Vice Chair for Academic DevelopmentChief, Division of Population Health, Quality, and Implementation Science (PopQuIS)
Email: larry.kleinman@rutgers.edu
Sandra Moroso-Fela
Program Manager
Email: sandee.moroso@rutgers.edu
Maricel Quiñones
Program Assistant
Phone: 732-235-7906
Email: mq99@rutgers.edu
Stacey Napoli
Program Support Specialist
Phone: 732-235-8295
Email: napolisl@rwjms.rutgers.edu