CMSRU claims top spot in New Jersey, #50 nationally in U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2023-2024 Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) has been ranked No. 1 in New Jersey, No. 2 in the Delaware Valley, and No. 50 nationally in the 2023-2024 Best Medical Schools: Primary Care rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
Based on data released by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), it is projected that the United States may face a shortfall of primary care physicians ranging from 17,800 to 48,000 by the year 2034. This shortage is particularly critical in New Jersey, where there could be a deficit of 1,000 or more primary care physicians.
“CMSRU takes great pride in its recognition as a leading institution in replenishing the physician workforce both in New Jersey and across the nation. This accomplishment is achieved through our traditional four-year medical school pathway as well as our innovative PC3 program, a three-year primary care track,” said Annette C. Reboli, MD, dean of CMSRU.
The PC3 program is a three-year initiative designed for students who possess an early determination to pursue careers in primary care medicine.
“The well-being of our country depends on the front-line work of physicians in primary care fields,” said Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan University. “We are proud of our students and alumni whose work continues to be recognized and that has led to a nearly 50-point jump in the rankings in only one year.”
“I am extremely proud of our leadership team, students, and faculty at CMSRU. This ranking as the top medical school in New Jersey for primary care and one of the top 50 in the nation is a direct result of our team’s dedication, knowledge, and skill. To earn this recognition so soon in our development is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of education to the doctors of tomorrow,” added Dean Reboli.
U.S. News & World Report previously listed CMSRU among the “Top 10 Most Competitive” medical schools for admission. In 2023, CMSRU’s overall National Residency Matching Program match rate was 100% – well above the national average of 93.7% for U.S. medical school seniors. A partnership between Cooper University Health Care and Rowan University, it is the only four-year, MD-granting medical school in southern New Jersey.
“Since 2016, CMSRU has become an elite medical school in the state and the nation in just a few short years. Congratulations to our colleagues at CMSRU for achieving this prestigious ranking from U.S. News & World Report,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper, who also serves as associate dean for clinical affairs and associate professor of emergency medicine at the medical school.
The Best Medical Schools: Primary Care review is part of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings which evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college. By collecting graduate school data annually, U.S. News is able to present the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.
“When prospective students are considering their options for graduate school, the Best Graduate Schools rankings are designed to help them identify schools that excel in the program they want to study,” said LaMont Jones, senior editor of Education at U.S. News. “With many options available, U.S. News provides a wealth of data in an easy format to help each student make the best decision.”
Prospective students can see how CMSRU compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.
About Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) is a groundbreaking partnership between Rowan University and Cooper University Health Care that is revolutionizing the way medical education is delivered. Since opening its doors in 2012, CMSRU has become a renowned institution for educating highly skilled, socially conscious physician leaders who prioritize a patient-centered team approach to health care. The school’s innovative curriculum helps students develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed as doctors in today’s complex healthcare landscape, including early and continuous patient care experiences; small group, self-directed learning; and an emphasis on service learning and community engagement. At the core of CMSRU's philosophy are four principles: Educate, Innovate, Lead, and Serve. These values are woven into every aspect of the school's mission and vision, ensuring that graduates will be physician leaders who provide exceptional medical care, foster new discoveries in medicine, educate future physicians, and are committed to serving their communities. CMSRU has more than 625 alumni physicians, 400-plus current students, nearly 1,000 clinical and biomedical science faculty, and approximately 120 employees. CMSRU has been listed among the “Top 10 Most Competitive” medical schools for admission by U.S. News and World Report (2019) and received the 2019 Spencer Foreman Award for Community Engagement from the American Association of American Medical Colleges.