Cooper Medical School of Rowan University was ranked No. 1 in New Jersey — and No. 50 nationally — in the 2023-2024 Best Medical Schools: Primary Care rankings by U.S. News & World Report, which were released Thursday morning.
Dr. Annette Reboli, dean of CMSRU, said the school takes great pride in the ranking, considering the coming shortfall of primary care physicians. The Association of American Medical Colleges has projected the country could be short between 17,800 to 48,000 doctors by 2034.
“CMSRU takes great pride in its recognition as a leading institution in replenishing the physician workforce both in New Jersey and across the nation,” she said. “This accomplishment is achieved through our traditional four-year medical school pathway as well as our innovative PC3 program, a three-year accelerated primary care track.”
The PC3 program is a three-year initiative designed for students who possess an early determination to pursue careers in primary care medicine.
“I am extremely proud of our leadership team, students and faculty at CMSRU,” Reboli said. “This ranking as the top medical school in New Jersey for primary care and one of the Top 50 in the nation is a direct result of our team’s dedication, knowledge and skill.
“To earn this recognition so soon in our development is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of education to the doctors of tomorrow.”
Rowan University President Ali Houshmand also was thrilled.
About CMSRU
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University is a groundbreaking partnership between Rowan University and Cooper University Health Care that is revolutionizing the way medical education is delivered. Since opening its doors in 2012, CMSRU has become a renowned institution for educating highly skilled, socially conscious physician leaders who prioritize a patient-centered team approach to health care.
“The well-being of our country depends on the frontline work of physicians in primary care fields,” he said. “We are proud of our students and alumni whose work continues to be recognized, and that has led to a nearly 50-point jump in the rankings in only one year.”
U.S. News & World Report previously listed CMSRU among the “Top 10 Most Competitive” medical schools for admission. In 2023, CMSRU’s overall National Residency Matching Program match rate was 100% — well above the national average of 93.7% for U.S. medical school seniors. A partnership between Cooper University Health Care and Rowan University, it is the only four-year, M.D.-granting medical school in southern New Jersey.
Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, co-CEO of Cooper, said the recognition is the result of a team effort.
“Since 2016, CMSRU has become an elite medical school in the state and the nation in just a few short years,” he said. “Congratulations to our colleagues at CMSRU for achieving this prestigious ranking from U.S. News & World Report.”
Mazzarelli also serves as associate dean for clinical affairs and associate professor of emergency medicine at the medical school.
