In an era of health care companies’ mergers and coalitions, a well-regarded Bayonne medical practice has forged an agreement to work with one of the state’s largest and most respected health systems.
On June 6, local officials, physicians, and members of Barnabas Health’s executive leadership team gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the addition of United Medical PC, 988 Broadway, to the Barnabas Health Medical Group (BHMG).
BHMG, a member of Barnabas Health, is the largest not-for-profit integrated health care delivery system in New Jersey and one of the largest in the nation. United is affiliated with the Jersey City Medical Center, whose partnership with Barnabas Health was made official last week.
Representing the various medical companies were Jersey City Medical Center President and CEO Joe Scott; Byong Park, M.D., board-certified internist and owner of United Medical PC; Thomas Biga, Barnabas Health executive vice president of operations, Philip Borker, BHMG regional director, and Kelly Fulton, BHMG vice president of physician strategy and development.
Mayor Mark Smith, Bayonne Chamber of Commerce President Vincent Virga, City Council President Terrence Ruane, and Third Ward Councilman Raymond Greaves were among the city representatives. Smith assisted Park in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to signify United’s affiliation with JCMC.
“We are truly excited about it,” said Biga. “We look forward to a long, successful relationship with Dr. Park and his group.”
“It’s all about the quality of care we provide for our patients,” said Scott of JCMC and United’s efforts in caring for patients. He said he was thrilled to have Dr. Park as a member of the team.
“We are blown away by what you all have created here,” said Fulton of United’s practice and offices. “We hope that we create something that is sustainable and replicable.”
Winning situation
“This is a win-win situation,” said Mayor Smith. “This facility is going to be used and well appreciated by the city of Bayonne.”
Virga also had good words about the medical alliance and offered the chamber’s assistance.
“I want to promise you the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce will be an advocate,” he said. “Call any time. The chamber will be here to help you and your staff.”
Good citizens
“We said this thing was a good thing to do, so let’s do it together,” Park said. “This is the right thing to do.”
Park said that the good care of patients was the goal of the new coalition and pledged that the group would be “good citizens” of the city.
E-mail joepass@hudsonreporter.com.