RWJBarnabas Health is reshaping its leadership at two of its hospitals, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, patient care, and educational initiatives across the state. The West Orange-based health system recently announced that Dr. Abraham Houng has been appointed chief academic officer at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) in Livingston, while Aaron Harjart will assume the role of president and CEO at Community Medical Center (CMC) in Toms River.

Dr. Houng, who continues to serve as medical director of CBMC’s Burn Center, brings extensive academic and clinical expertise to his new role. Having rejoined CBMC in February, Houng previously held faculty positions at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. He also served as fellowship director and associate program director for surgical training programs, in addition to previous roles as attending surgeon and associate program director at both CBMC and Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

Dr. Houng’s educational background is equally impressive. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He completed his residency in general surgery at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in burn surgery and surgical critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

CBMC President and CEO Richard Davis highlighted Houng’s contributions, stating, “Dr. Houng has distinguished himself as an outstanding surgeon and educator. In his new role as Chief Academic Officer, he will focus on initiatives that advance medical education, clinical training, and research excellence.” Houng added that he looks forward to collaborating with faculty, trainees, and colleagues at Rutgers Medical School to implement innovative academic programs and strengthen the medical center’s research initiatives.

Meanwhile, Aaron Harjart takes the helm at Community Medical Center beginning January 1, 2026, succeeding Patrick Ahearn upon his retirement. Harjart has been serving as COO at the 592-bed teaching hospital since 2023 and previously held the position of southern region senior vice president for service line and practice integration at RWJBarnabas. His work has included streamlining hospital operations, improving patient communications, reducing readmission rates, and expanding key service lines in gastroenterology, oncology, and maternal care.

Before joining RWJBarnabas, Harjart spent five years as COO at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus. He holds a master’s degree from Amberton University, a bachelor’s from Hardin-Simmons University, and has been recognized as a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives since 2021. Bill Arnold, executive vice president and southern region president for RWJBarnabas, praised Harjart as “a respected leader with a deep understanding of hospital operations, care delivery, and our commitment to patients,” noting that his collaborative approach will be instrumental in continuing the transformation of healthcare in Ocean County.

These leadership updates coincide with RWJBarnabas Health’s ongoing commitment to improving patient access and care. Recent system initiatives include the opening of a new helistop at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, designed to expedite critical patient transport. Both Houng and Harjart are expected to play pivotal roles in furthering the health system’s mission to advance clinical excellence, educational innovation, and community-centered healthcare.

For readers interested in the latest developments in healthcare and wellness initiatives across the state, additional information can be found through health and wellness coverage highlighting New Jersey hospitals, programs, and medical advancements.

With these appointments, RWJBarnabas Health reinforces its dedication to clinical leadership, operational efficiency, and academic growth, signaling a strengthened focus on delivering top-tier healthcare to communities throughout New Jersey.