Virtua Health College welcomes dean for its School of Osteopathic Medicine

Richard Jermyn, D.O., has been appointed dean of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM). He will assume the role after overseeing the academic, research and clinical affairs of the school in an interim capacity for the past year.   

The osteopathic medical school, the Rowan-Virtua Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions and the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Science make up the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. 

A proven leader during his 28 years at SOM, Jermyn accepted the role of interim dean at a critical point in Rowan’s partnership with Virtua Health. When his predecessor, Thomas Cavalieri, D.O., was named the inaugural vice president of Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University and chief academic officer of Virtua Health, Jermyn began leading Rowan-Virtua SOM in a time of opportunity.   

During Jermyn’s time as interim dean, the school has enjoyed growth in both enrollment and research activity, as well as funding, making SOM one of the fastest-growing osteopathic schools in the nation and the largest medical school in New Jersey. Of equal importance, the growing student body is positioned for success following graduation as evidenced by SOM’s 100 percent residency placement rate this year.  

“Our students are at the core of our mission,” Jermyn said. “As the dean of SOM, it is my top priority to work with our partners to create an environment conducive to their success. By doing so, we will directly impact health care in South Jersey and well beyond.” 

Jermyn earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and followed that with a residency in physical medicine at Temple University/Moss Rehabilitation Hospital. A nationally recognized leader in his field, Jermyn’s career focus spans HIV, chronic pain and addiction medicine. He established the nation’s first medical school curriculum covering the prescription of opioids.

His research has netted more than $24 million in funding, including grants to educate all providers in New Jersey on the appropriate prescription of opioids. Among his many teaching awards is being named the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Educator of the Year in 2019.  

"Under his leadership, I look forward to continued growth in Rowan-Virtua SOM’s mission to train exceptional physicians and serve communities locally and nationally,” said Tony Lowman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for Rowan University. “I am confident that Dr. Jermyn will seize the incredible potential made possible through the partnership between Rowan University and Virtua Health.”