A Transformational Gift to Innovate Medical Education at the University of Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES, January 23, 2026 – In an unprecedented move to redefine medical education, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania recently received an extraordinary million donation from the RTW Foundation. This landmark gift—led by Penn Medicine Board of Trustees member Rod Wong, M’03, and Marti Speranza Wong, C’98—marks the largest contribution dedicated to advancing curriculum innovation in the institution’s storied history. This initiative, dubbed the Entrepreneurship Pathway, not only honors Rod Wong’s achievements but also underscores the commitment to preparing future medical leaders for the complexities of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
As the healthcare sector embraces transformative technologies ranging from gene therapy to artificial intelligence, medical education must adapt correspondingly. The new curriculum at Penn will be developed in collaboration with faculty, staff, and students, and aims to lay the groundwork for a learning environment that emphasizes precision education. This approach, akin to precision medicine, allows for tailored educational experiences that resonate with the individual needs of students, much like personalized treatment regimens take into account a patient’s genetic makeup and lifestyle.
The innovative curriculum will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including ambient listening tools and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) simulations. Such technologies promise to enhance clinical reasoning skills and facilitate teamwork, essential competencies in modern healthcare settings. For instance, immersive simulations can provide medical students with a deeper understanding of anatomy and procedural skills, such as suturing and conducting ultrasounds, thus bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The initiative’s multifaceted approach is reflective of Rod Wong’s entrepreneurial vision, which has spanned multiple sectors including medicine, business, and biotech investment. Wong articulated his aspiration succinctly: “I believe medical innovation is the key to ensuring a better future. As the pace of scientific discovery accelerates, so too must the education of the physicians who will lead the charge.”
Prominent figures within the university share Wong’s enthusiasm for this pioneering investment. J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, President of the University of Pennsylvania, lauded the gift as a significant step toward fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. “This leading approach to medical education, influenced by an entrepreneurial model, positions the Perelman School of Medicine at the forefront of shaping the future of medicine,” he noted. Such sentiments resonate deeply within the academic community, particularly amidst increasing calls for curricular reform across medical schools nationwide.
Following the earlier success of initiatives such as PennHealthX, launched with Wong’s support in 2013, the RTW Foundation’s gift will also establish the Roderick Wong, M’03 Endowed Lectureship in business and entrepreneurship. This program will provide a platform for influential leaders in healthcare innovation to engage with students and faculty twice annually. In parallel, the new Entrepreneurship Pathway is designed to offer mentorship and project-based learning, further fostering an environment of bold, innovative thinking.
The groundwork for this curricular reimagination has roots in the historical evolution of medical education, which has traditionally adhered to a one-size-fits-all model. This outdated paradigm is challenged by the new approach that began with “Curriculum 2000,” a program that emphasized professionalism and patient-centered care. Under the direction of esteemed educators like Jonathan A. Epstein, MD, Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine, and Lisa M. Bellini, MD, Executive Vice Dean of the school, the reimagined curriculum seeks to empower students through experimental learning and cutting-edge teaching methodologies.
The global impact of these educational reforms could be profound; by sharing new curriculum tools and strategies as an open-source resource, the initiative could set new standards for medical education internationally. Collaborations with VinUniversity in Vietnam and the American University in Dubai, where the UAE’s premier medical school is set to open in 2027, illustrate a commitment to elevating medical training across borders.
In sum, the RTW Foundation’s transformative gift marks a pivotal moment in medical education, propelling the Perelman School of Medicine into a new era characterized by innovation, flexibility, and a relentless commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for the future.
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