As Brian Strom prepares to leave his role as the first Chancellor of Rutgers Health in December, his legacy is not merely defined by institutional achievements. His primary focus has been on mentorship and the careers of those he has guided throughout his tenure.
Brian Strom’s Mentorship Mission
During his leadership, Strom emphasized the importance of mentorship in the medical field. He believes that guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals is crucial to the future of science and research. “We want people who are smarter and better and trained in different ways to carry the fields to the next stage,” Strom stated.
Achievements as Chancellor
- Appointed as Chancellor in 2013, Strom has significantly influenced medical education.
- He attracted $4 billion in federal research funding, strengthening Rutgers Health’s position as a top academic center.
- Strom founded the Chancellor’s Scholars program in 2016, awarding scholarships to two first-year medical students each year.
- Authored or co-authored over 650 papers and 15 books, frequently in collaboration with mentees.
Impact on Mentees
Strom’s commitment to mentorship has deeply affected his mentees. One notable mentee, Daniel Horton, highlights the lasting impact Strom has had on his professional growth. Horton described Strom as nurturing and supportive, stating that he has been a pivotal influence in his career.
Another mentee, Gregory Peck, illustrates the profound connection between mentor and mentee. After mentoring Strom in clinical research, Peck diagnosed him with a serious condition, potentially saving his life. This incident underscores the importance of mentorship in both personal and professional contexts.
Building a Mentorship Framework at Rutgers
When Strom joined Rutgers, there was no established mentor program for faculty. Recognizing the need, he implemented a comprehensive faculty mentoring framework, ensuring that new hires would receive guidance from seasoned experts. Today, Rutgers Health’s mentoring program is regarded as a model within the state.
Legacy Beyond Rankings
While Strom has overseen considerable institutional growth, including the establishment of new centers like the Global Health Institute, he values the relationships formed through mentorship more than accolades or funding figures. His mission has always centered around teaching and nurturing future leaders in healthcare.
Strom was recently honored as New Jersey’s Educator of the Year for 2025 by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey. However, his true legacy remains in the young clinicians he has mentored throughout his career.
Conclusion
As Brian Strom steps down from his role at Rutgers Health, his influence will persist through the many healthcare leaders he has cultivated. His dedication to mentorship has not only shaped individual careers but also contributed to advancing healthcare as a whole.
