UMDNJ President: the Questions Have Been Answered

The Jan. 7 article by Michelle Kaske alleges that "questions continue" over the billing and financial practices at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She refers to an October article in which the Newark Star-Ledger reported that UMDNJ "continued to overbill even during a two-year period when there was a federal monitor observing the school."

That allegation simply is not true.

The October article was based on old allegations plucked from draft reports, anonymous sources, and memos that went as far back as three years ago. Fortunately, the editors at the Star-Ledger agreed with us and, on Nov. 7, published an editorial response from me and Mr. Robert Del Tufo, the chairman of the UMDNJ Board of Trustees.

Ms. Kaske's article does correctly state that federal oversight of UMDNJ ended on Dec. 31, 2007. At that time, the federal monitor wrote: "From the top down, UMDNJ has undergone major personnel, policy, and cultural changes. Perhaps most important, we believe that UMDNJ can now conduct its business honestly and legally."

UMDNJ has not just turned the page, we've moved on to a new chapter. We welcome the opportunity to have the public better appreciate that we are a vastly improved public university and statewide asset.

 

William F. Owen, Jr., MD

President, UMDNJ

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