Transforming Medical Education: An Million Gift from the RTW Foundation Signals a New Era at the Perelman School of Medicine
PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES, January 23, 2026 — In a momentous stride toward revolutionizing medical education, the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania has received an unprecedented million donation from the RTW Foundation, established by notable alumni Rod Wong, M’03, and Marti Speranza Wong, C’98. This groundbreaking contribution marks the largest single gift dedicated to curriculum innovation in the school’s history, underscoring its commitment to maintain its status as a leading institution in medical training amid rapidly evolving healthcare landscapes.
The ambitious initiative birthed by this donation is a forward-thinking response to the burgeoning complexities of modern medicine. As the fields of genetics, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine continue to reshape healthcare delivery, PSOM stands poised to adapt its teaching methodologies. The overarching goal of the initiative is to forge a curriculum that not only incorporates cutting-edge technology but does so in a way that prepares students to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the future.
Central to the new curriculum will be the integration of advanced technological tools, including artificial intelligence and expansive data analytics, to create a personalized educational journey for each of the nearly 800 medical students. This “precision education” approach draws inspiration from emerging concepts in precision medicine, where treatment personalization is informed by factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and individual lifestyle choices.
Innovative educational techniques will become part of the curriculum—ambient listening technology, for example, will enhance students’ clinical reasoning through immersive experiences that foster collaboration with various medical professionals. Meanwhile, custom-designed augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) simulations will deepen students’ comprehension of human anatomy, facilitate their mastery of critical diagnostic skills, and refine their procedural competencies, particularly in areas vital to modern practice like ultrasound techniques and suturing.
In his vision for this initiative, Rod Wong expressed a profound belief in the capabilities of the Perelman School of Medicine to embrace educational transformation. “I firmly believe that medical innovation is essential for enhancing life’s quality,” he remarked. “As science evolves, education must equally advance. The University of Pennsylvania possesses the courage and talent necessary to undertake this transformative journey, and I am thrilled to be part of it.”
Dr. J. Larry Jameson, President of the University of Pennsylvania, praised the Wongs as exemplary alumni who embody the institution’s spirit of innovation and leadership. He noted, “This gift empowers the Perelman School of Medicine to set a new standard for medical education, integrating an entrepreneurial model to establish a curriculum that exceeds contemporary benchmarks.”
The RTW Foundation has a noteworthy history of fostering unconventional thinking within the medical school. In an earlier collaboration, the foundation supported the creation of PennHealthX in 2013—a student-led initiative that facilitates exploration at the confluence of healthcare management, entrepreneurship, and technology. To date, this program has been pivotal in providing funding for over 50 student-run startups, ranging from allergen detection technologies to innovative medication reminder applications.
In addition to the core curriculum innovations, the substantial gift will also establish the Roderick Wong, M’03 Endowed Lectureship in Business and Entrepreneurship, set to occur biannually. This lectureship will invite prominent figures in medicine and healthcare innovation to engage with the Penn community, thereby enriching the academic environment with fresh perspectives and ideas.
The creation of the Roderick Wong Entrepreneurship Pathway will further encourage imaginative thinking and practical application through mentorship, workshops, and project-based learning within the school’s educational framework. This new model integrates with Penn’s long-standing commitment to intertwining various academic disciplines, ensuring students can draw from the university’s vast resources across its 12 schools.
Highlighting the breadth of transformative potential this initiative encapsulates, Dr. Jonathan A. Epstein, Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine, expressed optimism for the impact of the RTW Foundation’s generosity, stating, “This outstanding contribution enables us to experiment with pioneering educational methodologies and implement tools that will keep our curriculum aligned with the rapid advancements in medical science.” He voiced hope that the new curriculum could eventually serve as an open-source repository for other institutions, further broadening its influence on medical education globally.
Historically, the education of medical students has often adhered to a rigid framework aimed at delivering standardized knowledge across various disciplines and clinical experiences. However, PSOM’s latest initiative signals a critical shift away from this one-size-fits-all approach. Notably, the groundwork for today’s reimagined curriculum traces back to “Curriculum 2000,” which underscored professionalism and patient-centered care under the guidance of former Senior Vice Dean for Education, Dr. Gail Morrison.
With dedicated operational leadership from Dr. Lisa M. Bellini, Executive Vice Dean of PSOM, and Dr. Jennifer R. Kogan, Vice Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education—both stalwarts in medical education—the institution is well-positioned to refine and elevate its instructional methodology.
As the medical field stands on the precipice of transformation, facilitated by continuous technological advancements and innovative care models, the Perelman School of Medicine’s initiative serves as a beacon of hope. Through a collaborative and visionary approach, PSOM not only honors its storied legacy but also embraces the immense responsibility of preparing the next generation of physicians for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
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