In a landmark gesture of local philanthropy, Medicor Cardiology, a partner practice of RWJBarnabas Health, has pledged $1 million to support the advancement of cardiology services at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset.
The commitment, announced today through the Somerset Health Care Foundation, marks a new chapter in a partnership that has spanned four decades. To honor this long-standing relationship, RWJUH Somerset has officially named its main lobby waiting areas in honor of the practice.
Medicor Cardiology, which has served Somerset County since 1977, has a deep-rooted history of funding critical hospital infrastructure. With this latest gift, the practice’s total lifetime contributions to the hospital approach $2 million.
Key projects funded by Medicor’s contributions include:
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2005: The construction of the hospital’s Emergency Department.
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2010: The building of the Edward and Anita Hogan Neuroscience Pavilion.
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2019–2023: A massive five-year expansion and renovation of the hospital’s Cardiology Pavilion, which consolidated all cardiac diagnostic and treatment services onto the second floor.
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Specialized Units: Significant renovations to the Geriatrics, Eating Disorders, and Same Day Surgery units.
The $1 million pledge will specifically bolster the hospital’s heart and vascular programs. This is particularly vital as cardiovascular disease remains a leading health concern in the region.
RWJUH Somerset is already recognized for its elite cardiac outcomes, ranking No. 4 in New Jersey for Cardiology and holding the Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™.
“This contribution is more than a financial commitment. It is a statement of belief—in the power of medicine, in the strength of community, and in a future where exceptional cardiovascular care is accessible for every patient we serve,” said Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, President of Medicor Cardiology.
The relationship between Medicor and RWJUH Somerset extends beyond financial giving. Medicor’s board-certified physicians, who operate offices in Bridgewater and Hillsborough, also:
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Hold Leadership Roles: Medicor doctors have served as Chief of Cardiology and Chairman of the Department of Medicine.
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Conduct Screenings: The group leads community health education programs and cardiac screenings throughout the year.
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Drive Innovation: The practice is instrumental in the hospital’s elective and emergent angioplasty programs, which provide life-saving interventions for heart attack patients.
“Generations of families throughout Central New Jersey have benefited from their generosity,” noted Deirdre Blaus, chief administrative officer at RWJUH Somerset. “Aside from their financial support, they have been instrumental in growing our nationally recognized cardiology program.”
