Office of Academic Medicine, Geriatrics and Community Programs

The Office of Academic Medicine, Geriatrics and Community Programs is the largest division within New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Medicine. The division consists of more than 30 physicians and assistants that are dedicated to delivering high-quality primary care to patients. Debbie Salas-Lopez, MD [TEXT LINK TO HER PROFILE IN SUCCESS STORIES] is the Chief of this division, a graduate of New Jersey Medical School and a strong community advocate.

The Office oversees the Section of Community Programs, Geriatrics and Health Services Research, which encompasses three ambulatory patient practices and clinical collaborations that extend beyond the UMDNJ campus and server the local community. Specifically, look to form strategic partnerships in the greater Newark area to create opportunities for the delivery of primary clinical services to benefit this community.

We have several community-based healthcare initiatives that are aimed at addressing barriers to quality healthcare. With the help of University Hospital, the first such initiative, House Calls for Seniors Program [TEXT LINK TO THE WRITE UP IN SUCCESS STORIES], was launched November 2003 at three local senior citizen buildings. In February 2004 we also began an outreach initiative with a community-based organization called “The Ironbound Community Corporation Health outreach Program.” We offer comprehensive preventive healthcare screenings at Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), located in the east ward of Newark. ICC provides social service and educational programs to the traditionally predominant Portuguese and Latino community in Newark’s East Ward. The division aims to continue expanding these initiatives to provide more on-site community healthcare services to other areas in Newark. Our ambulatory practices include:

• UMDCare, a hospital-based practice at University Hospital, 150 Bergen Street, Newark
• FOCUS Community Health Center, at 449 Broad Street, Newark
• a practice at the UMDNJ Doctor’s Office Complex, 90 Bergen Street, Newark.

For more information regarding our Office and programs, please contact Carmen McLaughlin, division administrator and the clinical liaison for all community programs, at guzmancl@umdnj.eduor (973) 972-5672.