New Jersey’s role as a leader in health innovation was on display this fall as Quest Diagnostics welcomed more than 160 Hackensack Meridian Health medical students into its state-of-the-art Clifton laboratory. Over six weeks, students from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine rotated through the sprawling 250,000-square-foot facility, gaining rare hands-on exposure to the science behind diagnostic testing.
The collaboration builds on a four-year partnership between Quest, headquartered in Secaucus, and Hackensack Meridian Health, based in Edison. Quest already manages lab operations and performs reference testing for 11 hospitals within the HMH network. Now, the partnership has grown into an educational model that connects classroom learning with the day-to-day realities of clinical diagnostics.
Students moved through core disciplines such as microbiology, pathology, and hematology, guided by Quest’s highly trained laboratorians. For many, it was their first opportunity to see how the tests that underpin more than 70% of medical decisions are performed. Dr. Jenny Zepf, associate professor of medical sciences at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, emphasized how valuable this direct experience is for future clinicians. “Our first-year students now rotate through Quest’s core laboratories, learning not just what tests to order, but understanding the science, the quality controls, and the limitations that will make them better doctors.”
The Clifton lab itself represents one of the most advanced diagnostic centers in the world. Built on a 12-acre site, the $250 million flagship facility processes more than 300,000 tests each day for patients across seven states. Serving over 40 million people annually, it combines automation with barcode tracing to streamline accuracy and real-time follow-up. More than 1,000 employees work on-site, making it not only a vital part of New Jersey’s healthcare landscape but also a significant source of jobs and innovation.
Located within the ON3 campus in Clifton and Nutley, the lab shares its neighborhood with Hackensack Meridian’s $79 million ambulatory care center and its Center for Discovery and Innovation. That proximity made the educational partnership between Quest and the medical school a natural step. Ruth Clements, president of Quest’s east region, explained that the relationship “grew out of that existing partnership” and was strengthened by geography. “They’re one of the largest health systems in New Jersey, and we’re the leading laboratory in New Jersey. It organically makes sense to collaborate,” she said.
Dr. Stanley Terlecky, vice dean of research and medical sciences at the medical school, called the program “an innovative model” that blends Quest’s diagnostic expertise with the school’s mission to prepare the next generation of physicians. By showing students how complex lab testing works, the initiative also strengthens patient care, as future doctors will have a deeper understanding of diagnostics and how to interpret results.
The collaboration reflects a broader trend across the state: partnerships that prioritize education, innovation, and patient outcomes. Quest, with its roots in New Jersey dating back to the 1960s, has grown into a global leader with more than 56,000 employees worldwide, including 3,750 in New Jersey. In 2024, the company processed more than 217 million tests nationwide and reported nearly $10 billion in revenue. Yet its newest effort—training medical students alongside seasoned lab professionals—may be one of its most impactful investments in New Jersey’s future.
Students who participated in the rotations walked away with not only technical knowledge but also a new appreciation for the behind-the-scenes role laboratories play in healthcare. Clements noted that this perspective could reshape how they approach patient care throughout their careers. “I hope students come away with an increased understanding of the complexity of the diagnostic industry, but also the beauty of it and what goes on behind the scenes at a huge operation,” she said.
By giving medical students unprecedented access to its Clifton flagship lab, Quest is helping to close the gap between medical education and the diagnostic insights that drive clinical decisions. For Hackensack Meridian Health’s future physicians, the experience underscores a simple truth: healthcare is stronger when hospitals, labs, and educators work together.
For readers interested in more on New Jersey’s forward-looking approach to medicine, wellness, and innovation, visit Explore New Jersey’s Health & Wellness section.
