Dr. Richard Jermyn has been appointed dean of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. He will assume the role after overseeing the academic, research and clinical affairs of the school in an interim capacity for the past year.
SOM, the Rowan-Virtua Rita and Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions and the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Science make up the Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences of Rowan University.
A proven leader during his 28 years at SOM, Jermyn accepted the role of interim dean at a critical point in Rowan’s partnership with Virtua Health. When his predecessor, Dr. Thomas Cavalieri, was named the inaugural vice president of Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University and chief academic officer of Virtua Health, Jermyn began leading Rowan-Virtua SOM in a time of opportunity.
During Jermyn’s time as interim dean, the school has enjoyed growth in both enrollment and research activity/funding, making SOM one of the fastest-growing osteopathic schools in the nation and the largest medical school in New Jersey.
Of equal importance, the growing student body is positioned for success following graduation, as evidenced in SOM’s 100% residency placement rate this year.
“Our students are at the core of our mission,” Jermyn said. “As the dean of SOM, it is my top priority to work with our partners to create an environment conducive to their success. By doing so, we will directly impact health care in South Jersey and well beyond.”
A nationally recognized leader in his field, Jermyn’s career focus spans HIV, chronic pain and addiction medicine. He established the nation’s first medical school curriculum covering the prescription of opioids and his research has netted more than $24 million in funding.
“Under his leadership, I look forward to continued growth in Rowan-Virtua SOM’s mission to train exceptional physicians and serve communities locally and nationally,” Tony Lowman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for Rowan University, said. “I am confident that Dr. Jermyn will seize the incredible potential made possible through the partnership between Rowan University and Virtua Health.”
