Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital, has appointed Anthony Altobelli III, MD, as chief medical officer. In this role, Dr. Altobelli will oversee a number of departments and clinical staff at the 343-bed hospital, including Medical Affairs, Intensivists, Somerset Family Practice, Residency Affairs, the Medical Library, Infection Prevention, Regulatory Compliance, Performance Improvement, Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners, Graduate Medical Education, Physician Advisors, Care Management, OR/Perioperative Services and Risk Management.
A practicing cardiologist, Dr. Altobelli has held the role of interim chief medical officer at RWJUH Somerset since fall 2024. Most recently, he served as associate chief medical officer at RWJUH in New Brunswick and clinical chief of cardiology at RWJUH in New Brunswick and the central region of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. He is also co-director of Sports Cardiology at RWJBarnabas Health and a cardiology consultant for Princeton University Student Health Services.
“As an established physician leader, Dr. Altobelli embraces the highest standards in overseeing clinical operations and patient care across our service lines,” said Deirdre A. Blaus, chief administrative officer, RWJUH Somerset. “In addition, his experience at RWJUH further strengthens the collaborative bond between our two hospitals, which elevates care for our communities.”
“Dr. Altobelli’s familiarity with RWJBarnabas Health and laser focus on quality and patient safety is paired with a deep understanding of what it means to be a supportive mentor and a compassionate clinician, especially since he still has his finger on the pulse of patient care through his cardiology practice,” said Andy Anderson, MD, executive vice president and chief medical and quality officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “He is an ideal leader to advance clinical care at RWJUH Somerset.”
In 2024, Governor Philip Murphy appointed Dr. Altobelli to the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners to serve in one of the 12 physician seats with a term of three years. He was also named as the 2024 New Jersey Physician of the Year by the American Heart Association.
Dr. Altobelli actively participates in the education and training of medical students and physicians. He serves on the RWJUH Medical Executive Committee, is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and holds board certification in cardiovascular diseases from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Altobelli earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgetown University and his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital–Cornell and a fellowship in the Division of Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
For more information about RWJUH Somerset, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.