A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Winter 2025
The Growing Number of Women in Surgery
In this Issue
Alumni Profiles
Drew Remignanti, MD ‘80, MPH, Puts Connection at the Heart of Care
Drew Remignanti, MD ‘80, MPH, was on his way to Tonga when a chance encounter on the plane changed his life. En route to study the Polynesian island’s music, language, and volcanoes, Dr. Remignanti was seated next to an anthropology major who planned to pursue medicine.
Alumni Profile: Alfred F. Tallia, MD’78, MPH
After more than 42 years at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, family medicine physician Alfred F. Tallia, MD’78, MPH, has treated three generations of patients—and taught three generations of medical students. Although the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health chair didn’t pursue his dream of becoming an architect, Dr. Tallia has been a builder just the same.
Drew Remignanti, MD ‘80, MPH, Puts Connection at the Heart of Care
Drew Remignanti, MD ‘80, MPH, was on his way to Tonga when a chance encounter on the plane changed his life. En route to study the Polynesian island’s music, language, and volcanoes, Dr. Remignanti was seated next to an anthropology major who planned to pursue medicine.
Alumni Profile: Alfred F. Tallia, MD’78, MPH
After more than 42 years at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, family medicine physician Alfred F. Tallia, MD’78, MPH, has treated three generations of patients—and taught three generations of medical students. Although the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health chair didn’t pursue his dream of becoming an architect, Dr. Tallia has been a builder just the same.
Features
Women in Surgery: Increasing in Numbers—and Influence
Traditionally, surgery has been a male-dominated field. However, gender data both nationally and locally reveals a welcome shift in the specialty. The most recent data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) revealed that nearly 40 percent of the active physician workforce in the United States comprises women—and many have chosen surgery as their specialty.
A Generous Gift for the Future of Aging
The Parker Health Group gives $18.8 million to establish a geriatrics division at Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
New Medical School Taking Shape in New Brunswick ‘Innovation District’
A new medical building unites students, faculty, and staff from New Brunswick and Piscataway under one roof, creating excitement and optimism for the future.
In Every Issue
World-Class Clinical Care
Together with our clinical affiliate, RWJBarnabas Health, and principal teaching hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, we're expanding access to care, clinical innovation, groundbreaking research, and programs and services.