Skip to main content

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University dedicates Center for Humanism in honor of Edward D. Viner, M.D.


Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) is proud to announce that its Center for Humanism is being named the Edward D. Viner Humanism Center in honor of its visionary founder, Dr. Edward D. Viner.

More than 60 friends and donors of the Humanism Center joined Dr. Viner and his family for a special event on July 25 to celebrate the naming, including Rowan President Ali Houshmand and CMSRU Dean Annette C. Reboli.

 “I am deeply honored by this recognition,” said Dr. Viner. “The establishment of the Center for Humanism was driven by my belief that compassionate care is the cornerstone of effective healthcare. It is my hope that this center continues to inspire and educate future generations of physicians in the principles of empathy, respect, and human dignity.”

The naming of the Humanism Center coincides with a generous gift from an anonymous donor in recognition of Dr. Viner’s impact on medical education and his enduring legacy of humanism in healthcare.

Dr. Viner, a trailblazer in medicine, established the Humanism Center at CMSRU in 2015 with a steadfast commitment to nurturing compassionate and patient-centered physicians. Under his leadership, the center has flourished, offering innovative programs and workshops that integrate humanistic principles into the fabric of medical education. Dr. Viner is CMSRU’s honorary first dean and a professor of medicine. As chair of the Department of Medicine at Cooper University Health Care, he was instrumental in helping bring a 4-year medical school to Camden, NJ.

 “As we look ahead to the future of medical education, the naming of the center in honor of Dr. Viner symbolizes a commitment to upholding his legacy of compassion, empathy, and excellence in patient care," said Dean Reboli. “We are most grateful to Dr. Viner for instilling in our students the understanding that excellence in healthcare extends beyond the mastery of medical science; it requires a deep commitment to human connection and understanding.”

The Edward D. Viner Humanism Center will continue to build on this legacy, fostering a new generation of physicians dedicated to the humanistic values that Dr. Viner has championed throughout his illustrious career.