SOM student clubs and the CARES Institute support each other

Teaming up through fundraising and a food drive benefits all of our communities

Student-led initiatives at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine are supporting the  CARES Institute programs through multiple fundraising efforts this winter. Independent of these fundraising drives, CARES organized department-wide grocery donations to help address food insecurity among our SOM students.

The Pediatrics Club and the Radiology Society (RADS) Club each organized separate fundraisers to support CARES, a center of excellence in healing children and families who have experienced abuse, neglect and/or other traumatic experiences. The initiatives were planned separately and reflect a shared commitment among students to service, advocacy and community engagement.

“As future physicians, we want to lead with service and support the communities we’re part of,” said Tanya Jain, president of the RADS Club. “This was a meaningful way for students to take action together.”

“We raised funds for CARES because they serve as a model and constant reminder to us, as medical students, of compassionate care and exceptional dedication to both patients and their families,” said Gabriela Taslitsky, president of the Student Pediatric Medical Association.

At the same time, CARES coordinated a holiday-season grocery drive benefiting The Shop at SOM, the school’s on-campus food pantry that provides free groceries and essential items to students experiencing food insecurity. The Shop offers discreet access to food and basic necessities, helping students focus on their education while managing financial challenges.

The grocery drive resulted in a substantial collection of food items through contributions from the SOM community. CARES representatives are coordinating the delivery of the donated groceries to The Shop in the coming days.

Although organized separately, the fundraising efforts and grocery drive aligned in purpose, reinforcing CARES’ mission and the importance of addressing basic needs within the SOM community. Together, the initiatives highlight the impact of student leadership and campus collaboration in supporting both community partners and fellow students.

“These efforts align closely with CARES’ mission to address essential needs through community resources,” said Rachel Silliman Cohen, MD, Director of CARES. “The commitment shown by SOM students and the campus community has a meaningful impact.”

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine recognizes the Pediatrics Club and the Radiology Society Club for their fundraising efforts in support of CARES and thanks CARES and members of the SOM community for their participation in the holiday grocery drive.