News
Students at the College of Medicine’s West Reading campus at Tower Health were featured in a May 1 WFMZ-TV (Allentown, Pennsylvania) segment about third year students at the campus beginning their clinical rotations. Read more.
Medical students at the College of Medicine’s West Reading campus were featured in an April 28, 2024 WFMZ-TV (Allentown, Pennsylvania) segment about students partnering with the Reading Science Center for the first ever “Celebrate Science” event on the campus. Read more.
Cecilia M. Smith, DO, professor and interim academic chair, Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, has been appointed associate dean, Tower Health Regional Campus on April 10, 2024. Read more.
Drexel University and Thomas Jefferson University are longtime allies in the fight against cancer. That partnership was formalized in 2013 as the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) Research Consortium, a relationship that was reinvigorated in 2021, in preparation for the center’s application to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Read more. (Pulse Spring 2024)
Last semester, the College of Medicine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Professional Studies donated more than 60 microscopes and over 100 boxes of histology slides to the Total Experience Learning (TExpL) program at Albright College in Reading, Pa. TExpL instructors have already begun taking the compound microscopes to Reading School District classrooms to introduce fourth-grade students to a new scientific tool. Read more.
John LeMoine, MD program Class of 2025, talks about the friendships he’s formed during the first half of medical school as he continues in his first clerkship year. LeMoine, along with his roommates, has formed the Mexican and Hispanic Cuisine and Nature Therapy clubs as a way to enhance the extracurricular experience and provide enjoyment of Berks County for all his classmates. Read more on page 18.
Karen Restifo, MD, JD, campus dean, College of Medicine at Tower Health, was profiled by Women2Women magazine about her experience leading the West Reading Campus. In the piece, she speaks about her mission at the campus to create great physicians while serving and supporting the community, as well as citing her parents and other women physicians as key influences crucial to her career success. Read more.
Members of the College of Medicine community came together on Thursday, November 2 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia for Discovery Day 2023. The annual event highlights participants’ original research across many biomedical science and clinical research topics. Read more.
West Reading Welcomes the MD Program Class of 2027
The newest MD program class at Drexel College of Medicine at Tower Health toured Reading Hospital where they will do their future clinical training. They viewed murals in town and back at campus, they painted a portion of one sponsored by SOS Berks Opioid Coalition and designed by Reading artist Marian Njai. When completed, the mural, which is part of a series of opioid recovery-themed artwork to reduce stigma, will display at 11th & Richmond Street in Reading. View photos on Facebook.
Charles B. Cairns, MD, the Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg dean of the College of Medicine and senior vice president for medical affairs, was quoted in an Aug. 11 WFMZ-TV (Allentown, Pennsylvania) story about orientation activities for medical students at the College of Medicine at Tower Health’s West Reading campus. The outlet also produced a story on Aug. 10 about the college welcoming its third class of medical students. View video.
The MD program class of 2027 gathered at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on Friday, August 11, to celebrate their entry into medical school with the White Coat Ceremony. The tradition underscores students’ commitment to the duties and values of the medical profession. Read more.
Shadowing physicians and assisting with research at Tower Health – Reading Hospital over the summer has been more than a way to pad résumés or pass time, said medical students who wrapped up their participation in an internship program earlier this month. Read more.
Transition to clinical role of the inaugural class of the College of Medicine at Tower Health was featured in a May 18 WFMZ-TV (Allentown, Pennsylvania) television segment and web story reported. Read more.
View photos.
"Tower Health has once again fully matched the openings in its residency program and is preparing to add another 108 physician residents in 12 residency program across the health care system. The residents will continue their graduate medical education as part of Tower Health training for another three to five years, depending on their specialties." Reading Eagle (May 9, 2023) Read more.
The College of Medicine was mentioned in a March 28 opinion article in Reading Eagle written by Charles F. Barbera, president and CEO of Reading Hospital, that thanked doctors, including student doctors from the College, and other staff for their contributions to the hospital.
While the Health Outreach Project (HOP) has been part of the College of Medicine’s culture for more than 25 years, the programming only expanded to Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2021, when the College of Medicine at Tower Health opened in West Reading. HOP faculty advisor Eugene York, MD, is impressed with the work students have done to grow HOP programming around the campus. “It has been amazing, in a little over a year, to see what they have started and what they’ve accomplished so far,” York says. Read more.
While the Health Outreach Project (HOP) has been part of the Drexel University College of Medicine’s culture for more than 25 years, the community outreach programming only expanded to Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2021, when Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health opened in West Reading. HOP faculty advisor Eugene York, MD, is impressed with the work students have done to grow HOP programming around the campus. Read more.
Daniel Schidlow, MD, a professor and emeritus dean in the College of Medicine, and Abigail Murtha, a student in the College, were interviewed in a Dec. 5 WFMZ-TV (Allentown, Pennsylvania) story about a course Schidlow is teaching at the College’s West Reading campus on the maladies that afflicted famous composers. Read more.
"Having a medical school here will absolutely change the lives of those that may not be able to see a physician due to cost, and it gives the younger population a clear view that they have the option to pursue a career in medicine that they may not have been exposed to before. It touches my heart that I will be able to give back to a community that I love and have a deep connection to." Read more.
In a Nov. 29 column, Eduardo Espiridion, MD, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the College of Medicine at Tower Health and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Tower Health - Reading Hospital, offered advice for managing holiday season stress and protecting your mental health. Read more.
Drexel’s College of Medicine was mentioned in an Oct. 31 Reading Eagle story about a community health fair it hosted with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading and Tower Health at its Reading Campus. Read more.
On October 12, Tower Health hosted its second annual Research Day. The event showcased the recent scholarly activity of fellows, residents and medical students across the health system through poster and podium presentations. Read more.
College of Medicine student Megan Bradley, a trained resiliency coach, offered tips for bouncing back and through hurdles in academia.
Entering medical school is a major transition for incoming students, bringing nerves and excitement in equal measure. Each year, second-year MD Program students serve as peer mentors to incoming first-year students – and this fall, the peer pairings had added significance on the College of Medicine’s West Reading Campus. Read more.
Health Talk: September 14, 2022 - Topic: Future of Health Care in Berks County. Interview with Karen Restifo, MD, JD, regional vice dean of Drexel University College of Medicine’s Tower Health campus in West Reading. Berks County Medical Society. Listen to podcast.
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health Welcomes New Students
Karen Restifo, MD, JD, regional vice dean of the College of Medicine’s campus at Tower Health, was quoted in an Aug. 4 WFMZ-TV (Allentown, Pennsylvania) segment about its newest class of students touring the West Reading area, including painting a mural and enjoying treats from a local bakery. Watch video.
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health opened its doors last summer to its first cohort of medical students, launching a proud new chapter in the college’s 174-year history. Drexel Magazine (Summer 2022) Read more.
Free health fair in Reading connects medical students with seniors
There are numerous obstacles for older Latinos in Berks County and nationwide when it comes to getting proper health care, local Latino leaders say. Reading Eagle (May 11, 2022) Read more.
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, Class of 2025, Orientation Week
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health Campus Overview Update
Eugene York, MD, course director of the Health Advocacy Practicum at the College of Medicine at Tower Health, was quoted in a Dec. 7 Sanatoga Post article about the Tower Health ‘Street Medicine’ clinic adding eye services. The clinics were also mentioned in a Dec. 6 WFMZ-TV (Allentown, Pennsylvania) segment. Read more.
2021 Building Berks Award
Drexel University College of Medicine is honored to have received a 2021 Building Berks award from the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) in Berks County, Pa. The award was given for the design, aesthetics and economic impact of our new regional medical campus, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health. We are so glad to be part of the Berks County community and to have been celebrated among so many innovative local projects. Event photos can be found on the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=GreaterReadingChamber&set=a.4608988189190495.
Meet Marquis Winston, MD Program Class of 2025, West Reading Campus
"The College of Medicine takes pride in giving back to their community, something that means a great deal to me. I was drawn to opportunities to join student-run outreach programs or volunteer in local clinics; the chance to be a part of a cohort of like-minded students making a difference in a community is really what drew me to the College of Medicine." Read more.
College of Medicine Students Participate in Mural Painting Project
Karen Restifo, MD, JD, regional vice dean for the College of Medicine at Tower Health campus, was quoted in stories about students from the inaugural class of the new College of Medicine at Tower Health campus painting a community mural sponsored by ruOK Berks?, the Berks County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The news was reported August 3 by Reading Eagle and Berks Weekly, and Aug. 4 by WFMZ-TV.
View photos.
Drexel University College of Medicine, Tower Health and local community members came together Tuesday, July 27 to celebrate the grand opening of the new four-year regional medical campus, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health. The campus, located less than one mile and within walking distance to Reading Hospital, will welcome its inaugural class of 40 first-year medical students in early August. Read more.
West Reading Campus Opening in the Media
Ribbon cut on new medical school in Berks
"From its Gilded Age of industry to its accomplishments on the Reading Railroad, you can add this moment to the annals of Berks County history." wfmz.com (July 27, 2021)
69 News at 5:30: Berks Edition - Medical school opens in Wyomissing
"A new state-of-the-art medical school is now open in Wyomissing. 40 students will attend classes and study at the school, which is a joint venture between Drexel University and Berks County-based Tower Health. Jim Vasil has the latest on today's ribbon cutting and what the school means for the area." wfmz.com (July 27, 2021)
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health in Wyomissing ready for students
"Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health is ready to welcome its inaugural class of first-year medical students next week." Reading Eagle (July 27, 2021)
Drexel College of Medicine at Tower Health Celebrates Campus Opening
"On Tuesday, July 27, Drexel University College of Medicine celebrated the opening of a new four-year regional medical campus, located at 50 Innovation Way, Wyomissing, PA., in collaboration with Tower Health." BCTV (July 27, 2021)
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health Celebrates Campus Opening
"Drexel University College of Medicine celebrated the opening of the new four-year regional medical campus Tuesday morning, located at 50 Innovation Way, in Wyomissing, in collaboration with Tower Health." Berks Weekly (July 27, 2021)
Meet Josette Graves, MD Student
"I am looking forward to connecting with my classmates and exploring the area! Given our small class size at the West Reading campus, our inaugural class will feel like family." Read more.
Meet Our West Reading Students
Students Temi Daramola, Simar Chawla, Nolan Feola and Cassandra Mitchell talk about their clerkship experience at Reading Hospital - Tower Health.
Eugene York, MD, is the course director of the Health Advocacy Practicum (HAP) at Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health in West Reading, Pa. He has served the College of Medicine as a clinical associate professor. A clinician at Reading Hospital – Tower Health, Dr. York founded the Reading Hospital Street Medicine Program. Read more.
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health – July 2021 Opening on Track
Dr. Karen Restifo, Regional Vice Dean of Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, located in West Reading, Pa., gives a progress update on the new building’s construction and what awaits the incoming MD Program class.
"The new Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health is not yet ready to welcome visitors, but Dr. Karen Restifo can already see what the inside of the building will look like in a few short months. "Every time I come in here, it's more and more inspiring," said Restifo, regional vice dean of Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, during a recent tour of the building. "I can envision the students studying here, and the faculty and staff coming in and getting ready for the students to come."" Read more.
"The first class of 40 students arrives at the Wyomissing campus in August." Philadelphia Business Journal (Subscription Required) Read more.
"The Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health in Wyomissing is getting ready to welcome its inaugural class. The school is on track to welcome 40 first-year medical students in August." WFMZ-TV 69 (May 5, 2021) Read more.
Daniel V. Schidlow, MD, is the director of the Bioethics and Professional Formation course at Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health in West Reading, Pa. Schidlow served the College of Medicine as the Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and senior vice president of medical affairs for eight years, returning in 2020 after a sabbatical to serve as a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology & Physiology, and Medicine. Read more.
Karen Restifo, MD, JD, was appointed to the newly created position of regional vice dean of the College of Medicine’s Tower Health campus in West Reading, Pennsylvania. She comes to Drexel with a wealth of experience in medical school leadership. She also brings to the table a deep understanding of student affairs, the accreditation process and medical ethics. Read more.
"As a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, the West Reading campus will offer a host of cutting-edge simulation technology that will work hand in hand with the Standardized Patient (SP) program to provide our students with an interactive learning experience. One example that will be utilized a lot is the SimMan 3G Plus, a realistic human patient simulator that can be used to portray all types of scenarios, requiring physical findings that would be difficult or dangerous to replicate with an SP." Read more.
"As the director of admissions and student affairs, it is my responsibility to work alongside the admissions and student affairs team to select and support highly motivated and skilled medical students to join the College of Medicine’s West Reading campus. My goal for the West Reading campus is to recruit a diverse class that will help create a unique identity at the new location. I look forward to attracting medical students who are excited and focused on helping to address the critical health problems in our society. Drexel University, the College of Medicine and Tower Health are well-aligned to address these issues." Read more.
The Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health is taking shape in Wyomissing, with completion set for July. "The hope would be that as students come out here and train out here, they will fall in love with the area and will hopefully stay in residencies," said Dr. Karen Restifo, the college's regional vice dean. Read more.
The pursuit for more information about the COVID-19 coronavirus has led a group of College of Medicine researchers to West Reading, Pa. and back again, with some of their vital work taking place before the sun is up. Read more.
SLAM architects aren't just building a new facility in West Reading for Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health -- they're building a community hub. Read more.
"I've been considering specializing in OB/GYN for a while. I think women's health is really important and interesting. I really wanted to spend this summer looking into that a little more, and did an internship that was half clinical shadowing in the hospital, and half doing clinical research with my mentor Dr. Jiang, an OB/GYN doctor in West Reading." Read more.
Tower Health and Drexel University celebrated an official “Topping Off” ceremony for the development of an additional site location of Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, to be opened in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. Read more.
Tower Health and Drexel University held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 17 for the Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health four- year regional campus in West Reading. Read more.
The College of Medicine will gain a four-year regional medical campus in West Reading near Reading Hospital thanks to a 20-year academic affiliation agreement signed by Drexel University and Tower Health. The collaboration between the two institutions was celebrated in a signing ceremony at the end of February, after it received the approval of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. (Drexel University College of Medicine Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2019) Read more.
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