Alliance Orthopedics Invests in the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders at Seton Hall

Seton Hall University is pleased to announce a major gift from Alliance Orthopedics to support students in the School of Health and Medical Sciences. Reflecting a shared commitment to educating and developing the next generation of patient-centered healthcare professionals, the gift has expanded applied learning opportunities for students, sponsored alumni engagement events, and supported scholarships that enable high school students interested in medicine and the health sciences to attend a summer clinic on Seton Hall's Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus.

Spearheading the investment were Alliance Orthopedics leaders Dr. Bryant Acquaro '07/ D.P.T. '10, Chief Operating Officer; John Baker, M.S. '15, Chief Research Officer; and Todd Webb, Director of Occupational Therapy. For Acquaro and Baker, both Seton Hall alumni, the gift is particularly meaningful, offering an opportunity to invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals through their alma mater.

"Dr. Bryant and I had similar experiences at Seton Hall. We felt we were given so much to prepare us for our first day as healthcare practitioners that, when it was our turn to give back to the next generation, we didn't hesitate," said Baker.

"What makes this partnership so exciting is the alignment between Seton Hall's vision for healthcare education and the way we practice healthcare at Alliance Orthopedics," added Acquaro. "The University's interdisciplinary approach is preparing students for the future of the profession, and we're proud to support opportunities that allow them to apply what they learn in the classroom through real-world experiences in our clinics."

"We're connecting with students and showing them the many different paths available in healthcare," explained Webb. "Whether it's physical or occupational therapy, or the administrative side of healthcare, Alliance Orthopedics offers a broad ecosystem of opportunities for learning and professional growth."

For Acquaro and Baker, changes across the healthcare landscape made this the ideal time to give back to their alma mater.

"Healthcare is a challenging field, and we're seeing significant consolidation across the industry," said Acquaro. "As a result, there can be a loss of personal connection and rapport that are so important to patient care. Seton Hall's holistic, patient-centered approach to education helps students stand out, and that gives them an advantage when we're looking to hire."

"When I see the new buildings, technology and advancements that today's students have, I'm thrilled," said Baker. "That just goes to show that Seton Hall is constantly reinvesting in its students. We're happy to be a part of that reinvestment."

"The need for well-trained healthcare practitioners is growing," said Jayne M. Brandel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Dean of the School of Health and Medical Sciences. "Thanks to donors like Alliance Orthopedics, we are prepared to meet that need by educating graduates whose knowledge, skills and clinical experiences position them to become future leaders in healthcare."

Experiential learning is a major priority for the University and a pillar of For All, Forever, Seton Hall's $225 million campaign set to conclude next summer. Funding received through the campaign helps build new opportunities for our students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real world contexts.

"As higher education continues to adapt to a rapidly changing world, partnerships like this one are essential to student success," said Jon Paparsenos, Vice President of University Advancement. "We are grateful that Alliance Orthopedics is helping turn the vision for a greater Seton Hall, supported by For All, Forever, into a reality."

Categories: Health and Medicine