Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) was formed in 1961 as Rutgers Medical School. Its first class of 16 students entered in 1966, and the first MD degrees were conferred in 1974. It sits in Piscataway at the heart of the Rutgers Health Sciences campus, and is New Jersey's second public medical school under the Rutgers banner.
RWJMS has a strong tradition in primary care, general internal medicine, and clinical research, and trains physicians mainly for the Central New Jersey region. Its primary teaching hospital is Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, a high-volume academic training environment. The school also offers combined MD/PhD, MD/MBA, and MD/MPH programs.
What makes Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (MD) different
Flagship of Rutgers Health; affiliation with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (a major regional academic medical center) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute nearby. Collaboration with the Eric B. Levine Institute and the Child Health Institute of New Jersey. Strong primary care and residency pipeline in Central New Jersey.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (MD) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Organ-system-based pre-clerkship blocks (Years 1–2) with clinical skills integrated from Year 1. Year 3 core clerkships at RWJUH and affiliated community hospitals. Year 4 clinical selectives. Combined degree programs available: MD/PhD (through Rutgers School of Graduate Studies), MD/MBA (with Rutgers Business School), and MD/MPH.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (MD) research strengths
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Cancer biology and oncology
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Pediatric and maternal health
- Health services research
- Infectious disease
How the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (MD) interview runs
Format: Traditional panel interview (faculty and/or student, ~30 min sessions)
Rutgers RWJMS uses a traditional interview format with one or two sessions of approximately 30 minutes each. Interviewers review the full application file and probe motivation for medicine, research interest, commitment to New Jersey communities, and career goals in primary care or academic medicine.
The interview day includes an orientation, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital campus tour, lunch with medical students, and a financial aid session. Current students engage informally with applicants throughout the day, and these interactions contribute to the holistic assessment.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (MD) intake
Approximately 170 students per year.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (MD) at a glance
Founded in 1961. Based in Piscataway, NJ.
Programmes offered:
- Primary Care
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Clinical Research