Message from the Dean

Since our country recently celebrated Women’s History Month, it seems timely that we look at the significant role women have played in advancing the practice of medicine. The midwives of ancient times laid the foundation for women like Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female to earn a medical degree in 1849, and 2023 Nobel Prize winners Katalin Kariko, PhD, whose research led directly to the first mRNA vaccines for COVID–19.

At NJMS, we have welcomed women physicians, researchers and educators ever since we opened our doors. We have encouraged them to advance in their fields and have provided opportunities for them to do so. As a result, we have many renowned female professionals whose work has had an impact across the country and around the world.

This issue of Pulse highlights only a few of these exceptional women. You can read about Pingping Hou, PhD, a cell biologist at our Center for Cell Signaling, who received a $3.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to use novel cell therapy to cure pancreatic cancer.

Another exceptional woman is Noa’a Shimoni, MD’04, MPH, associate professor of family medicine and director of student health for students enrolled in Rutgers Health programs in Newark. She has been appointed associate vice president for student health and wellness for the entire Rutgers population on the New Brunswick campus.

Finally, Patricia Morgan, MD,’95, now living and practicing in Hawaii, has specialized in the treatment of children who have experienced physical and/or sexual assault or abuse. In addition to treating and counseling patients and their families, Dr. Morgan wrote a book that teaches children about body safety.

These are only a few examples of the innovative, groundbreaking work our female faculty members and alumni are doing. We are extremely proud of our continuing support for every woman in the NJMS community.

In health,

Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP’72

The Sharon and Joseph L. Muscarelle Endowed Dean, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School