Below is a message from Drexel President John Fry and Nina Henderson Provost M. Brian Blake, PhD:
After eight successful years at the helm of the Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Daniel V. Schidlow will step down as dean on June 30, 2019.
An internationally-recognized clinician in pediatric pulmonary diseases, Dr. Schidlow became the Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and senior vice president of medical affairs of the College in 2012, following eight months as interim dean. In that role, Dr. Schidlow has led one of the nation’s largest and most diverse medical schools, with more than 2,000 medical and graduate students.
During his tenure, he created a vision for and championed a complete renewal of the undergraduate medical education curriculum, overseeing its transformation to a modern, state-of-the-art model. In 2013, the College established the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies to enhance scientific and educational training. A staunch supporter of the Drexel Pathway to Medical School program for under-represented minority students, he has actively engaged in increasing student and faculty diversity, as well as professional development for emerging faculty leadership, including the creation of the deanships of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and of Faculty Development. In an increasingly competitive environment, the College of Medicine under Dean Schidlow’s leadership has grown a successful research enterprise and promoted the college’s leading participation roles in regional and national research consortia.
In a further expansion of the College under Dr. Schidlow, Tower Health and Drexel University recently announced exciting plans to jointly develop a branch medical school campus near Reading Hospital.
We want to thank Dr. Schidlow for being an unflappable and caring leader during times of rapid change in health care, including a transition to new ownership of two of the College’s primary teaching hospitals. Known for his wit, bow ties, and love of classical music and opera, Dr. Schidlow made it his practice to get to know students and provide strong support for their life-work balance and community engagement. After a well-deserved sabbatical beginning next July, Dr. Schidlow will return to the faculty to pursue his passion for education and academic endeavors.
A committee headed by Aleister J. Saunders, PhD, senior vice provost for research, will lead a nationwide search for a new dean, with the goal of having new leadership in place at the College of Medicine next July.
There will be ample time to honor Dr. Schidlow. For now, please join us in congratulating him on his exemplary service to Drexel as dean of the College of Medicine.
Sincerely,
John Fry
President
M. Brian Blake
Executive Vice President and Nina Henderson Provost