Rutgers SHP has long been a leader in graduating highly competent, clinic-ready health professionals. As the health care landscape changes and grows more complex, we must educate our students to excel in this new milieu. To that end, the objectives of Priority 1 will push our students to new heights, preparing them to thrive in the changing health care landscape. By emphasizing interprofessional education and collaborative practice available through the integration of our community clinics, we will position our students to succeed in a multifaceted environment. In addition, the creation of an emerging technology task force will ensure that our faculty and administrators remain in the forefront, integrating the latest appropriate technological innovations into both our teaching and operational processes.

While SHP faculty members are primarily engaged in education, they have achieved a remarkable rise in the past five years in scholarship and federally funded research. SHP is emerging as a leader in such areas as psychiatric and physical rehabilitation and in the exploration of digital health care solutions. A planned increase in research-oriented faculty and focus on collaboration with other Rutgers schools and institutions as well as team scholarship will augment this trajectory. The objectives and action plans in Priority 2 will provide the resources to leverage our current success and continue to advance this initiative.

It is imperative to value and reflect on how we conduct ourselves each day. To ensure an inclusive workplace culture, the Priority 3 objectives will focus on building healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities. This emphasis will include the staff and faculty work environment, the student experience, and our engagement with the surrounding communities. The overarching goal is to foster an environment of equity and inclusion by encouraging diversity of thought and opinion, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.

Leading with integrity and accountability, we will maintain our contributions to the health care workforce of New Jersey, advance our regional and national reputation, and secure our aspirational goals within current demographic and workforce challenges. The objectives in Priority 4 focus on sustainable practices and decisions that will enable us to efficiently manage resources, build our capacity to adapt to changing circumstances, and raise awareness of our role as leaders in education, research and service to our communities. We will strive to balance immediate needs with future aspirations.