Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

04/29/2026

Donate Life Month may be ending, but the need for donors continues. Throughout April, we celebrated with kidney, heart, lung and pancreas transplant recipients whose lives were transformed by the gift of life. Registering to be an organ donor only takes a few minutes and provides a second chance at life to those in need.

Register today at registerme.org

04/28/2026

At RWJUH Somerset, we’re proud to celebrate Occupational Therapy Month by honoring the dedicated professionals who help our patients get back to living their lives.

Our Occupational Therapy team combines skill, compassion, and innovation to support recovery, restore independence, and improve quality of life. These specialized services are offered right here in Somerville, ensuring patients receive the care they need every step of the way.

Pictured in the front row are our Occupational Therapists, alongside the entire OT and PT rehabilitation team who support one another every day to deliver exceptional care.

Thank you for the difference you make each and every day. 💙

04/27/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our Physician and APP of the First Quarter! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Ara Apelian, MD, Endocrinology, and Timothy Dunlap, PA-C, Emergency Medicine, for their outstanding dedication and exceptional care at RWJUH Somerset!

Dr. Apelian has been a steadfast presence in our community for more than 35 years. His commitment to patient care is truly remarkable—he is known to continue rounding on hospitalized patients well into the evening after completing his office hours. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Apelian is a dedicated educator and mentor, having taught an endocrinology elective to numerous residents and delivered many lectures for the Family Medicine Residency Program at Somerset. His lasting impact on both our hospital and the broader community is a testament to his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication.

Timothy Dunlap is a trusted and valued member of our Emergency Department team, particularly during the demanding overnight shift, where he consistently demonstrates professionalism, composure, and skill despite limited resources, high unpredictability, and the care of critically ill patients. His flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed make him an essential part of the department’s success, while his supportive, approachable nature and positive attitude have earned him the respect and appreciation of colleagues across the team. A reassuring and reliable presence for both patients and staff, Tim exemplifies the consistency, teamwork, and excellence that define outstanding care, and he has earned the APP of the Quarter Award through years of delivering high-quality work in one of the hospital’s most challenging environments.

Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition—we are grateful to have you on our team! 👏

04/25/2026

Behind every diagnosis is a dedicated team working with precision, urgency, and care.

This Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, RWJUH Somerset proudly celebrates and thanks our exceptional laboratory professionals and pathologists for the critical role they play in patient care. From delivering rapid, accurate STAT test results to supporting timely diagnoses and life-saving treatments, your expertise makes an impact every moment of every day.

Often working behind the scenes, your commitment, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication ensure our physicians have the information they need to provide the highest level of care.

We are truly grateful for all that you do to support our patients, our care teams, and the health of our community. 🧪💙

04/24/2026

Thank you to all our community members who joined RWJUH Somerset's Steeplechase Cancer Center's Pink Party today! The room was filled with energy, education, and plenty of pink as we came together to raise awareness about the importance of annual mammograms.

Participants enjoyed a light lunch, received goody bags, and heard valuable insights on breast health—including risk reduction, signs and symptoms, and the latest in screening and treatment options. Participants even took the important step of scheduling their annual mammogram.

A special thank you to our Community Health Department for organizing and hosting the event, and to our presenters—Carolyn Napolitano, MBA, BSRT (R)(M)(MR)(BS), director, Sanofi US Breast Center, Heather Korek, R.T.(R)(M), ARRT, senior mammography technologist of Sanofi US Breast Center, and Lauren Myslenski, public health educator—for sharing their expertise and helping empower women to take charge of their health.

💗 Early detection saves lives—make time for your mammogram!

Schedule your mammogram at rwjbh.org/mammo.

Rutgers Cancer Institute

04/24/2026

This Volunteer Week, RWJUH Somerset proudly celebrates the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to our patients and community each and every day. 💙

In 2025 alone, 143 volunteers gave nearly 10,000 hours of service across 21 areas of the hospital—an incredible impact that helps make compassionate care possible.

To show our appreciation, the Volunteer Leadership Team hosted a special luncheon in their honor—a small gesture to recognize the immense difference they make every day.

A heartfelt shoutout to three remarkable volunteers celebrating milestone years of service:
✨ Mary Diehl – 19 years
✨ Kathy Schurzky – 20 years
✨ Margrit Bechade – 27 years

Your dedication is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful.

To all of our volunteers—thank you for the kindness, comfort, and care you bring to RWJUH Somerset. You make a difference in more ways than words can express.

Interested in giving back? Learn more about volunteer opportunities:
https://www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-somerset/volunteer-opportunities-at-rwjuh-somerset/

04/23/2026

RWJUH Somerset had some very special visitors today as we celebrated Take Your Child to Work Day with 55 bright and curious students!

From 4th to 8th grade, these future leaders explored the hospital through 10 engaging sessions covering everything from patient safety and infection prevention to nursing, social services, fire safety, and operating room technology. Their enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and eagerness to learn made for an inspiring day across our campus.

We loved opening our doors to the next generation—thank you to all the children who joined us, and to the dedicated parents who bring their passion for healthcare to life every day! 💙

04/23/2026

This week, RWJUH Somerset is proud to recognize our incredible EEG team in honor of Neurodiagnostic Week!

Our neurodiagnostic technicians play a vital role in patient care—using advanced technology and their specialized expertise to monitor brain activity, support accurate diagnoses, and guide life-changing treatments. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact they make is truly profound.

From compassionately caring for patients to delivering precise, high-quality results, our EEG team exemplifies excellence every day.

Thank you for your dedication, skill, and commitment to improving lives. We are grateful for all that you do!

04/20/2026

RWJUH Somerset is proud to support the Somerville community and the first responders who serve it every day.

Recently, the hospital contributed to the completion of the borough’s Emergency Services Center on Gaston Avenue—now home to police, fire, EMS, and the Office of Emergency Management. The support also helped equip the center’s fitness space, promoting the health and wellness of those who protect our community.

Read more: https://www.rwjbh.org/~/blog/2026/april/rwjuh-somerset-supports-somerville-emergency-ser/

04/17/2026

Join us in congratulating our Employee of the Month, Rudacia Thomas! 🌟

Rudacia, a Mental Health Associate on 5 West, is recognized for her unwavering compassion, professionalism, and dedication to patient-centered care. She creates a calm, therapeutic environment where patients feel safe, supported, and respected. Her ability to de-escalate situations, promote emotional well-being, and uphold trauma-informed care principles makes a meaningful impact every day.

A true team player, Rudacia collaborates seamlessly across all roles and shifts, always stepping in to support her colleagues while maintaining a strong focus on safety and dignity. Her reliability, proactive communication, and positive attitude elevate the entire unit.

Today, RWJUH Somerset leadership had the pleasure of visiting 5 West to celebrate Rudacia in person, honoring her with a special breakfast delivered by our Jolly Trolley cart—a small token of appreciation for the incredible impact she makes each day.

Thank you, Rudacia, for the exceptional care you provide and the difference you make for both our patients and team! 👏💙

04/16/2026

From April 12–18, we proudly recognize and celebrate our Certified Wound/Ostomy Clinical Nurse Educators for their expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient healing. Wound care nursing requires a unique blend of clinical skill, critical thinking, and patience—and our team exemplifies this every single day.

Thank you to our wound care team for the meaningful impact you make on our patients, their families, and our entire healthcare community. Your work truly makes a difference.

04/15/2026