Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
For decades the Jersey Shore medical scene consisted of Shore Memorial Hospital (now Shore Medical Center), Atlantic City Medical Center (now AtlantiCare), and Burdette Tomlin Memorial/Cape Regional (now Cooper University Medical Center).
During the past 10 years the medical market in the Cape/Atlantic region has changed substantially while elevating the competition to a whole new level. In the past, there were numerous independent medical practices. Today the independent practices are practically nonexistent. Health care, even at the community level, appears to be consolidating, going in the direction of large corporations.
AtlantiCare has launched an aggressive expansion campaign, resulting in over 100 service locations throughout five counties in southern New Jersey. It has two hospitals and over 1,000 doctors with 6,000 staff and providers.
Much of the growth was guided originally by the vision of George Lynn, past CEO. He was succeeded by his mentee David Tilton, who took the helm in 2007 through 2016. Tilton is credited with navigating AtlantiCare through many award-winning, nationally recognized programs, which eventually resulted in the development of strategic sites and campuses.
In 2016, Tilton passed the torch to Lori Herndon who held many roles with AtlantiCare since 1983. She guided AtlantiCare through considerable growth in the face of extremely challenging times including covid. Herndon is credited with AtlantiCare becoming the region’s largest provider of mental health and drug and addiction recovery services, including the acquisition of the John Brooks Recovery Center. Another highlight during Herndon’s tenure was the opening of the 69,000-square-foot Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City at the end of 2022.
Michael Charlton, who has been the board chairman since 2017, and has been CEO since Herndon’s 2023 retirement, has an ambitious plan to grow the health care provider to twice its size by investing $1 billion into improving the health of South Jersey’s residents.
Cooper University Health Care made a tremendous statement in the Cape/Atlantic region through its merger with Cape Regional Health Care System. It officially occurred on July 1, 2024, and included the Cape Regional Hospital along with the various strategic medical services which are offered in locations throughout the region.
Cooper University Hospital is a 635-bed acute care academic medical center which serves southern New Jersey and the Delaware Valley. It is known for being the largest academic medical center and the only Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey. Cooper has more than 10,000 employees, including 950+ physicians and 550+ advanced practice providers in more than 75 specialties.
Cooper has already made some moves with recent openings in Marmora, along with the acquisition of the well-known Atlantic Gastroenterology practice at 3205 Fire Road in Egg Harbor Township. The Fire Road location will also provide surgery center services for patients at a very strategic location in Atlantic County.
When Cooper announced the merger with Cape Regional, they indicated that it was only the beginning of much more to come along the Jersey Shore.
Virtua Health Care is another medical provider that is quietly making inroads in Atlantic County. They have had a presence at the Cornerstone Commerce Center at 1201 New Road, Linwood for several years. It’s served by a primary medical service facility for a wide variety of health care needs.
Virtua has also established behavioral health services at the location. In addition to the Cornerstone Commerce Center location, a Virtua sign has appeared at 547 New Road, Somers Point. Virtua has apparently taken over the former Pace Orthopedic practice which was headed by the well-known and respected Dr. Glenn Zuck. The practice will now be known as Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics. As far as we know Dr. Zuck has remained on with the transfer.
Last but by no means least is Shore Medical Center and the various medical services that it provides throughout the two counties.
Shore, which is led by CEO Ron Johnson, provides services in oncology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, pulmonary and lung surgery.
Along with the vast services Shore Medical provides, it is proud of its relationship and alliance with Penn Medicine, providing patients with critical direct access to the world-recognized medical care of the University of Pennsylvania. The synergy between Shore Medical and Penn has been a great service for area patients.
The additional medical services that have been added to our region should result in elevated care for local residents. You now have more choices as a consumer and no longer have to leave our area for quality medical care; it has now come to you.
Remember to shop locally for goods and services.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
