Through the Somerset Health Care Foundation, The Haresh and Pavala Kane Family Foundation has generously funded the creation of a Resident Support Program designed to ease the financial burden of medical education debt for family medicine residents at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas hospital. The program will provide $15,000 annually to two residents in each class year (PGY‑2 and PGY‑3), totaling $60,000 in yearly funding. Beyond financial assistance, it will also expand education, engagement and mentorship opportunities within RWJUH Somerset’s Family Medicine Residency Program.
“During my own residency, there was no program like this available, and I saw how the burden of medical debt affected many of my colleagues,” says Haresh Kane, MD, a board‑certified internist, wound care physician, and Somerset Health Care Foundation Board member. “I wish such a resource had existed when I was in training, which is why I’m committed to actively guiding its implementation and mentorship. This program will strengthen our residents, support our physicians and ultimately enhance the care we provide to our patients and community.”
Applications will be open to all RWJUH Somerset family medicine residents, with recipients selected by a dedicated committee. In addition to financial support, the program will offer career coaching, tailored elective opportunities and mentorship, as well as incentives to encourage graduates to begin their medical careers in New Jersey following residency.
“Statistics show that it’s not uncommon for residents to face student loan debt ranging from $150,000 to $270,000, which can be especially daunting when paired with New Jersey’s high cost of living,” says John Bucek, MD, chief academic officer at RWJUH Somerset. “We’re thankful that this program will help offset those costs, enhance the residency experience and deepen the desire of this next generation of skilled physicians to stay in New Jersey to continue caring for our community.”
About The Haresh and Pavala Kane Family Foundation
The Haresh and Pavala Kane Family Foundation is committed to empowering communities through education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, with a focus on creating lasting impact for future generations. Guided by compassion and a strong sense of responsibility, the foundation works to uplift underserved populations by championing innovation, expanding access to essential resources and driving sustainable change.
About the RWJUH Somerset Family Medicine Residency Program
The RWJUH Somerset Family Medicine Residency Program is distinguished by its commitment to graduate medical education and its excellence in family medicine. For the past 50 years, the three-year program has trained more than 300 residents for the practice of the full spectrum of family medicine and provided unparalleled opportunities for one-on-one learning experiences. During their residency experience, family medicine residents collaborate with RWJUH Somerset physicians and faculty to provide care for patients at the program office, in the hospital and throughout the community.
For more information about RWJUH Somerset’s Family Medicine Residency Program, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.