Rutgers University Foundation has announced a $18.8 million gift from Parker Health Group in Piscataway, New Jersey, to improve care for seniors.

The gift will create the Parker Health Group Division of Geriatrics in the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. The division will bolster applied research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the Geriatric Fellowship Program, a year-long program designed to provide family medicine and internal medicine residency graduates with the unique clinical skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to deliver high-quality care to the growing geriatric population.

“This generous gift will benefit vast numbers of families who face the challenges that come with aging,” said Rutgers University president Jonathan Holloway. “Anyone who has witnessed their loved ones grow older understands the difficulties that can arise. This partnership with Parker Health Group, which serves many people right in our back yard through their residential and home and community-based programs, is a great example of a collaboration to address societal challenges and improve the lives of people in New Jersey. It’s gratifying to know that this gift will help our students go on to fulfilling careers caring for seniors.”

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