Beginning in September, the partnership will provide third-year medical students with clinical rotations in core specialties such as psychiatry and emergency medicine. These early rotations mark a significant milestone as Cooley Dickinson strengthens its commitment to education, training and clinical excellence.

As part of the affiliation, Quinnipiac will assist with housing logistics for medical students, and clinical faculty and advanced practice providers will receive academic appointments, further fostering a strong and inclusive learning environment.

Accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine has a strong focus on continuous quality improvement, community engagement and building a primary care workforce for the future.

The school’s patient-centered curriculum integrates the application of science with outstanding clinical skills training. Faculty are provided with a robust faculty development program focused on teaching skills and career and leadership development. Cooley Dickinson faculty will have opportunities to participate in all these professional development workshops and educational events, such as the annual white coat ceremony, Capstone Scholars’ Day and Commencement. This collaboration builds on shared goals of developing future physician leaders and enhancing patient care through academic rigor.

The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine was named in honor of the renowned surgeon and medical illustrator whose “Atlas of Human Anatomy” remains a core resource for health professions students. His legacy continues through the school’s mission to educate and inspire the next generation of physicians with a focus on art and humanities. The Netter family’s vision, paired with Cooley Dickinson’s longstanding commitment to community-based care, forms a strong foundation for the partnership.

Dr. Sundeep “Sunny” Shukla, vice president of medical affairs and associate chief medical officer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, as well as assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac, has been instrumental in launching the affiliation.

With a background in emergency medicine and a passion for health equity, Shukla views this collaboration as a way to train future physicians and build a robust academic environment at the hospital.

“This is an important step forward, Shukla said. “Our affiliation with Quinnipiac Netter helps us invest in our people – our faculty, our APPs, and our learners – while advancing high-quality care for our community. This is an exciting advance for Cooley Dickinson and we look forward to watching it grow.”

Dr. Lisa Coplit, interim dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac, said, “Quinnipiac Netter is fortunate to welcome Cooley Dickinson Hospital as a clinical partner in our mission to educate compassionate and skilled doctors who address the needs of the communities that they serve. This affiliation not only expands the geographic and clinical diversity of our students’ training but also connects them with a health system deeply rooted in patient-centered care. Together, we are building a dynamic learning environment that prepares future physicians to lead with empathy, excellence, and a commitment to improving access to care for all communities.”