Community Relations

New Practice Opens its Doors

When the Department of Family Medicine decided to open a second off-site practice, it was searching for a location that would allow it to build strong ties with the community while partnering with an innovative faith-based organization.

The department found such a place at the St. James Preparatory School in Newark. A 3,500 square foot office now houses the University Center for Family Medicine. Staffed by Judy Washington, MD, and Guy Francis, MD, assistant professors of family medicine, the practice provides care to adults and children, including congregants of the St. James AME Church, located across the street. It is one of the city’s largest congregations.
The practice brings a new level of personal care to the neighborhood. “This is an opportunity to introduce innovative practice methods in an inviting setting,” says Mark S. Johnson, MD, professor and chair of Family Medicine. Family Medicine also has locations at the Doctors Office Center and the University Family Practice Center at Vailsburg.
Other NJMS departments also serve the community. The Department of Medicine’s FOCUS Community Health Center in downtown Newark is staffed by bilingual physicians who provide culturally competent care to Latino patients throughout Essex County.