Rider University introduces new Health Studies Institute

Rider University has announced the launch of a Health Studies Institute to advance the knowledge of health care and health sciences, as well as policy and administration for both students and the community at large.

The Institute, which was created with input from faculty from many of Rider’s departments including the sciences and business, will act as a multidisciplinary center of academic excellence, drawing on the University’s broad academic strengths to provide an authoritative global voice on all topics related to health.

“The launch of the Institute represents the collaborative effort of faculty from across the University to advance student and community dialogue and understanding of diverse health-related issues,” said Cynthia Newman, Ph.D., interim dean of Rider’s College of Business Administration. Newman joined with faculty from areas such as pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing, the RN to BSN program, creative arts therapy and more to create a mission and goal for the Institute.

“One of the biggest benefits of the Institute is that this is an opportunity for faculty and students to discuss and share ideas,” said Drue Stapleton, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. “The Health Studies Institute is a working example of inter-professional collaboration. The students are already getting valuable interaction with faculty within their discipline. One of the benefits of the Institute is the explicit expansion of those interactions to faculty outside their normal area.  It increases their opportunities for networking and expands their horizons.”

Rider faculty plans for the Health Studies Institute to build upon Rider University’s strength as a leader in healthcare in the area to meet a growing need for educated health professionals in both the private and public sector. The Institute, which already hosts a speaker series, aims to foster dialogue between academic departments and create partnerships to benefit students and alumni.

“I hope to see the Institute host programs that not only advance understanding of complex, interdisciplinary issues in health care and related fields but also challenge diverse stakeholder groups to work together in addressing these issues with innovative approaches,” said Newman.

Upcoming events in the speaker series include "The Future is Now: Advancements and Revolutionary Changes in 21st Century Health Care," which takes place on April 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center’s Cavalla Room.

This event features three distinguished Rider University alumni who have extensive experience across health-related sectors. The speakers include the chief medical officer of Parallon Technology Solutions, the CEO of Genesis Biotechnology Group and the former President and CEO at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

The discussion will be moderated by the Head of Marketing for IDbyDNA and the professor and Chairperson of the Finance and Economics Department. Their discussion will cover anticipated advancements and revolutionary changes in health care, and the future of careers across health industries. The panel discussion was generously funded by the global medical technology company BD. The event is free and open to the public, and guests are invited to arrive at the event at 6:30 p.m. for an opportunity to network with panelists, students, alumni, faculty and staff.

On April 7, the Institute will present in coordination with programs in global studies and health care policy a special guest lecture, "Ivermectin: The Story of a Drug that Prevents a Major Type of Blindness," by Dr. William C. Campbell, 2015 Nobel Prize Winner in Physiology or Medicine. The event takes place at noon in Sweigart Auditorium.

For more information on the Health Studies Institute, visit www.rider.edu/hsi or email Health Studies Institute Director Nancy Wiencek at [email protected].