Ralph Riviello, MD, MS, associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, has recently been appointed president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. The chapter represents more than 1,300 emergency medicine physicians and residents in the state.

Riviello joined Drexel University College of Medicine in July 2009. Prior to this appointment, he spent seven years at Jefferson Medical College. Before that, Riviello was an assistant professor at the University of Virginia and at Ohio State University. While at Jefferson, he won a Golden Apple Award for dedication to Emergency Medicine Residency Education and was given the Clinician of the Year Award.

In addition to his work in the ER, Riviello is also a strong advocate for victims of sexual assault. In 2010, he was honored by Women Organized Against Rape/Philadelphia Rape Crisis Center with a Bridge to Courage Award for his work against sexual violence in the city of Philadelphia. Riviello was recognized because of his efforts both in direct patient care, for running one of the city's rape crisis centers, and in policy development for the city. In 2011 he helped establish the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center, and serves as its Medical Director.

Nationally, Riviello is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. He has served on the review boards of such noted publications as Emergency Medicine Specialty Reports, Emergency Medicine Reports, and Annals of Emergency Medicine. Riviello has published 18 research papers, authored or co-authored 11 book chapters and edited one book. He has given more than 30 invited presentations and has been awarded more than $250,000 in research grants.

Riviello earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Scranton. He earned his medical degree from Hahnemann University and a master of science degree in Forensic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.