One of the things I love about my job is the variety and last week was a great example. On Tuesday, I attended a press conference to announce the opening of the Institute for Mental Health Policy, Research and Treatment, an academic division of the new Essex County Hospital Center in Cedar Grove. Partnerships among five of New Jersey 's academic institutions, including New Jersey Medical School, will result in better mental health care for the community.

Then on Wednesday, I traveled to Atlanta, GA for a meeting of the Centers for Disease Control's Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Like many of our faculty who elevate the reputation of New Jersey Medical School through their participation in study groups, commissions, editorial boards and professional organizations, I am proud to represent our school in this endeavor. Our mission is to make sense of the volumes of scientific literature on specific health problems so that patients, physicians and politicians can make health care decisions that are right for them.

After providing a 30,000-foot perspective on health care, it's nice to return to the one-on-one practice of medicine. So on Friday, I spent most of the day seeing patients, as I do most Fridays, which is a wonderful way to wrap up the week.

Variety may be the spice of life, but at New Jersey Medical School it describes the multitude of activities, efforts and initiatives that support our missions. In that sense, variety is the very essence of life at NJMS. Inside NJMS promises to bring that variety to you on a regular basis. Enjoy.

Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP
The Sharon and Joseph L. Muscarelle Endowed Dean (Interim)

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