Preparing for the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine interview

A successful interview at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine requires a deep understanding of osteopathic principles, New Jersey’s healthcare landscape, key policy developments, social determinants of health, and major medical challenges at both the state and national levels.

This tailored resource provides essential context to help you deliver thoughtful, well-informed responses that demonstrate your alignment with osteopathic philosophy and commitment to Rowan-Virtua SOM's mission of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

1. The Rowan-Virtua SOM Interview: Structure, Themes, and Hidden Priorities

Rowan-Virtua SOM uses a panel-style interview (2-3 faculty/admissions members) lasting 30–45 minutes.

Key details:

• Format: Traditional but conversational, focusing on alignment with osteopathic principles (mind-body-spirit interconnectedness).

• Themes: Community health (especially urban/rural disparities), adaptability in healthcare systems, and hands-on clinical training.

• Unique Angle: Expect questions probing your familiarity with New Jersey’s healthcare challenges. Rowan-Virtua prioritizes applicants committed to addressing the state’s specific needs, such as its aging population and immigrant health gaps.

Insider Tip: Rowan’s panel often includes clinicians from Cooper University Hospital (Camden) or Virtua Health (South Jersey). Drop references to their community partnerships, like the Urban Health & Policy Institute, to show localized insight.

2. New Jersey’s Healthcare Policy: Where Innovation Meets Inequity

1. Medicaid Expansion & Hospital Funding

NJ expanded Medicaid in 2021 under Gov. Murphy, covering 800,000+ residents. However, safety-net hospitals like University Hospital Newark still face funding shortfalls. Rowan-Virtua trains students at Cooper Medical School, which serves Camden—a city where 36% live below the poverty line.

• Tip: Link Rowan’s mission to NJ’s Medicaid gaps. Example: “As a future DO, I’d advocate for OMT [osteopathic manipulative treatment] in Medicaid-covered preventive care to reduce ER reliance in Camden.”

2. Mental Health Crisis & School-Based Care

NJ’s 2023 Strengthening Mental Health in Schools Act mandates K-12 mental health screenings. Rowan-Virtua’s Psychiatry Innovation Institute partners with Camden schools, where 1 in 3 students report depressive symptoms.

• Tip: Highlight Rowan’s Psychiatry Innovation Institute’s work. Example: “Integrating OMT into school-based anxiety programs could mirror your institute’s trauma-informed care model.”

3. Opioid Settlement Reinvestment

NJ is allocating $641M from opioid lawsuits to harm reduction (e.g., syringe exchanges in Paterson) and recovery housing. Rowan-Virtua’s Addiction Medicine Fellowship trains DOs in medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

• Tip: Mention MAT training opportunities at Rowan when discussing addiction solutions.

3. Current Events & Social Issues: The NJ Lens

Local Flashpoints

• Maternal Mortality: Black women in NJ die at 7x the rate of white women postpartum. Rowan-Virtua’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (Trenton) trains doulas in marginalized communities.

• Climate Change & Asthma: Newark’s air quality ranks among the worst nationally. Rowan’s Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute researches pediatric asthma in urban NJ.

• Hospital Closures: Hoboken University Medical Center nearly closed in 2023, highlighting urban healthcare fragility.

National Issues with NJ Stakes

• Abortion Access: NJ protects abortion rights, becoming a haven for out-of-state patients post-Roe. Rowan-Virtua OB-GYNs train in reproductive justice at Camden clinics.

• Immigrant Health: 23% of NJ residents are immigrants. Rowan’s Center for Refugee Health addresses trauma in asylum seekers, many from Central America.

Tip: Use phrases like “social determinants of health” and “community-oriented primary care” to align with Rowan’s DO philosophy.

4. The 5 Questions Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine is most likely to ask during your medical school interview

1. “Camden has one of the highest asthma rates in the U.S. How would you address environmental health disparities as a future DO?”

2. “A patient refuses a vaccine due to cultural beliefs. How do you respond?” 

3. “New Jersey ranks 4th in elder population. How can DOs improve geriatric care in underserved areas like Atlantic City?”

4. “Describe a time you advocated for a marginalized community. How does that align with Rowan’s mission?”

5. “How would you improve access to prenatal care in Trenton, where maternal mortality rates exceed the state average?”