Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine was established in 2018, making it one of the youngest US allopathic medical schools. It was built on a health system science model. Deep integration with Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey's largest healthcare network, means students learn clinical medicine and also how large health systems function, improve, and fail.
The Nutley campus has extensive simulation facilities and a collaborative interprofessional education program. Graduates are trained to lead health system transformation as well as to work as frontline clinicians.
What makes Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (MD) different
Among the newest US medical schools (opened 2018); fully embedded within the Hackensack Meridian Health network — New Jersey's largest. Designed around the concept of health system science, training physicians to be as competent in systems-thinking as in clinical medicine. Partnerships with Seton Hall University and a distinctive innovation and entrepreneurship focus.
Strong interprofessional education with nursing, pharmacy, and PA students.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (MD) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD structured around Health System Science alongside traditional clinical science. Year 1–2: integrated foundational curriculum including early clinical immersion in HMH network sites. Year 3–4: core and advanced clerkships across Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals with structured health systems leadership experiences. Innovation and entrepreneurship curriculum thread runs all four years.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (MD) research strengths
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Health system science
- Population health management
- Medical education innovation
- Digital health and AI in medicine
- Cancer and cardiovascular medicine
How the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (MD) interview runs
Format: MMI (multiple mini-interview, approximately 6–8 stations)
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine uses an MMI format with approximately 6–8 stations, each running 7–10 minutes with a brief preparation window. Stations assess communication skills, ethical reasoning, teamwork, and readiness for health-system-embedded medical education.
The school's integration with Hackensack Meridian Health — one of New Jersey's largest hospital networks — means MMI scenarios often reflect real-world health system challenges, leadership, and inter-professional collaboration. The interview day includes a campus overview, student panels, and a tour of the simulation and innovation facilities.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (MD) intake
Approximately 160–165 students per year (~162 matriculants, 2024–25).
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (MD) at a glance
Founded in 2018. Based in Nutley, NJ.
Programmes offered:
- Health System Science
- Interprofessional Education
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Internal Medicine
- Population Health