New Jersey University

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is the state-run health sciences institution of New Jersey and comprises eight distinct academic units: the New Jersey Medical School, the New Jersey Dental School, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the School of Health Related Professions, and the School of Nursing in Newark; the School of Public Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick; and the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford.

History

Founded in 1970, it is the largest school of health sciences of its kind in the United States. It is also the leading research university in New Jersey, edging the other major research universities in the state (including Princeton University and Rutgers University) in federal research grant dollars. It does, however, have various academic partnerships with universities and other institutions in New Jersey.

UMDNJ also operates The University Hospital in Newark, while Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack and Cooper University Hospital in Camden are affiliates of UMDNJ. UMDNJ also operates a palliative care facility for people living with AIDS.

Controversy and Scandals

UMDNJ has been involved in a series of blunders that include Medicaid over-billings. The criminal complaint filed against the institution charges that health care fraud occurred through alleged double-billing of Medicaid between May 2001 and November 2008 for physician services in outpatient clinics. A deferred prosecution agreement was filed in federal court in Newark, N.J., Dec. 29, 2005 to avoid prosecution. Herbert J. Stern, a former U.S. attorney and federal judge in New Jersey, was appointed as a federal monitor to oversee and enforce compliance in accordance with the deferred prosecution agreement that outlines reform and action to help resolve illegal practices and restore financial integrity and professionalism to the institution.In March 2008, UMDNJ announced that its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education had been restored, following the termination of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement; Stern had recommended the return of full responsibility for governance of the institution to the UMDNJ Board of Trustees after implementation of a number of systemic reforms by the Board and administration.

In Stratford New Jersey at the UMDNJ School of Osteopathic Medicine, Warren Wallace, the prior Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, was terminated amid accusations of unethical behavior. Accusations include inappropriate use of UMDNJ time and resources for political activities, participation in efforts to obtain no-bid contracts for a friend or neighbor, and inappropriate actions in relation to obtaining admission to the School of Osteopathic Medicine for his daughter.

UMDNJ had placed the New Jersey Senator Wayne Bryant on a "no-show" job to increase funding for the school, Bryant being the chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Legislature's Joint Budget Oversight Committee. Bryant stepped down from this position in February 2007. The case is under investigation by the United States Attorney Christopher Christie. Bryant was found guilty of the charges on Nov. 19, 2008.