Christian Bruni and Matthew Nelson have two things in common.
Both have a strong interest in delivering quality, humanistic and patient-centered primary care, and both are proud alumni of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU).
In 2019, Drs. Bruni and Nelson received their PhDs in Medicine (MD) as members of the inaugural cohort of the accelerated three-year curriculum for medical education at CMSRU, dubbed the “PC3 track.” For students with a strong interest in pursuing a career in internal medicine or primary care pediatrics, CMSRU offers the PC3 track as an option to earn an MD degree at an accelerated pace, enabling the fourth year of the “traditional” medical school trajectory is bypassed. Instead, PC3 graduates have a direct path to training at Cooper University Health Care, in primary care specific residency pathways.
drs. Bruni and Nelson both signed up for the program because they were initially interested in primary care.
“During my undergraduate career, I’ve focused on studying a variety of topics related to cognitive science — including psychology, philosophy, and computer science, as well as social determinants of health,” said Dr. Nelson. “With this background, the concept of really getting to know patients by working with them over a longer period of time really appealed to me and drew me to primary care.”
“As primary care physicians, we have the ability to inspire patients to adopt healthy habits,” said Dr. Bruni. “More specifically, in pediatrics, I see a lot of patients starting at a young age, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to support them as they grow in shaping a healthy lifestyle.”
A choice to focus on internal medicine or pediatrics
Students in the PC3 track choose to focus on internal medicine or pediatrics in their primary care career. The track then supports each student’s area of interest with additional outpatient clinical experiences in their chosen field, preparing them for their residency programs where they will continue to train in that specific area. dr. Bruni was the first CMSRU student to complete the trajectory with a focus on pediatrics, while Dr. Nelson was the first to complete the trajectory with a focus on internal medicine.
During the first and second years, students are introduced to basic clinical skills and receive early exposure to primary care. The program also offers specially designed courses to enhance students’ clinical skills, as well as understanding the complex social and public health landscape facing primary care physicians. For example, a course titled “Transforming Health Care in an Urban Environment” examines the work of community organizations in Camden, as well as Cooper University Health Care, in addressing barriers to health care in the environment.
“Primary care is an area of medicine that is so valuable,” says Jenny Melli, MD, assistant professor of medicine at CMSRU, internal medicine and primary care physician, as well as program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program primary care program at Cooper University Health Care. “The PC3 program illustrates CMSRU’s commitment to preparing primary care physicians to serve medically underserved communities. The program is a testament to the real value of primary care in an urban community.”
A strong support system
The PC3 track also offers unique opportunities to connect with peers, professors and mentors. Looking back on their time throughout the program, Drs. Bruni and Nelson recall feeling supported by the community around them.
“I felt very supported during my time on the PC3 program,” said Dr. Bruni. “I felt like there was always someone I could turn to if I needed help in any way. I knew there were people looking out for me.”
“I felt safe in the program,” said Dr. Nelson. “Knowing I would be staying in the area for a stay made a big difference.”
In addition to mentorship, students are introduced to their specific area of interest early on, fostering a dynamic learning environment from the early years as a medical student to the time as a trainee physician.
Looking to the future
After earning their MD degree in 2019, Dr. Bruni to Cooper University Health Care’s Pediatric Residency Program, while Dr. Nelson went to Cooper University Health Care’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. Now that their residency training is over, Dr. Bruni delighted to stay with Cooper where he will move up to a 4e year main resident and then attending physician. dr. Nelson has begun a geriatrics fellowship at the University of Rochester, one of the most established geriatrics fellowship programs in the country.
“Funded by a grant from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the PC3 program supports the natural effort to educate future primary care providers with a commitment to patient advocacy, social responsibility and diversity,” explains Annette C. Reboli, MD, out. dean of CMSRU. “We look forward to supporting the growth and development of this program in the coming years.”
In addition to Drs. Bruni and Nelson, a total of nine physicians have successfully completed the internal medicine and pediatrics program, and they continue to thrive in residency training at Cooper University Health Care. Year after year, the track continues to generate significant interest among CMSRU applicants.
Looking to the future, there are plans to expand the program with a focus on family medicine, in addition to the existing focus areas in internal medicine and pediatrics. The HRSA grant support has been completed and the program is now fully incorporated into the CMSRU Office of Medical Education.
“We are so very proud of Dr. Christian Bruni and Dr. Matthew Nelson and have been fortunate to be the first graduating class in the PC3 track,” said Camille Henry, MD, director of the PC3 program, internal medicine- Pediatric General Practitioner and Assistant Professor in the Family and Community Medicine Department of CMSRU. “We know they will continue to positively impact so many children, adults and families in their primary care.”
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