2026

September
- Drexel Alumni Shape the Next Generation of Pathologists’ Assistants
  
  September 17, 2026
  
  Kelly Lozier, MS, PA(ASCP), and Krista Mingione, MS, PA(ASCP), both graduated from the Drexel University College of Medicine Pathologists’ Assistant (PathA) program in 2017 and have since returned to the College to take on leadership roles in the program. Today, Lozier serves as program director, and Mingione serves as clinical education director of the PathA program, guiding the next generations of pathologists’ assistants and giving back to the community at Drexel that helped shape them.
  
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- Mark Trombetta, MD, Named Academic Chair of Radiologic Sciences
  
  September 17, 2026
  
  Mark Trombetta, MD, has been named academic chair of radiologic sciences. He has served as interim academic chair since 2021 and as a professor of radiation oncology.
  
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- Leadership Changes in the Department of Medicine
  
  September 15, 2026
  
  James B. Reilly, MD, MSHP, has been appointed academic chair of the Department of Medicine. He is also senior vice president of academic affairs at Allegheny Health Network and regional associate dean for the College of Medicine. Meera Harhay, MD, MSCE, has been named vice chair of research for the department. She also serves as medical director of clinical research in the College of Medicine’s Office of the Vice Dean for Research and Innovation.
  
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- Dementia Advances in Two Phases, Suggests New Drexel-Led Study
  
  September 15, 2026
  Dementia symptoms progress in multiple stages of preclinical, mild, moderate, and severe without following a strict linear path. Now a recently published study in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia, led by researchers at Drexel University’s College of Medicine, reveals new insights about what is happening to tau and brain cells during the progression of tau-associated disease, suggesting that dementia advances in two phases. The findings also build a case for better understanding microtubule changes as a basis for phase-specific therapies against frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and potentially other tau-related brain diseases.
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- Erum N. Ilyas, MD ’01, MBE, Appointed Academic Chair of Dermatology
  
  September 08, 2026
  
  Erum N. Ilyas, MD ’01, MBE, has been appointed academic chair of Drexel University College of Medicine’s provisional Department of Dermatology.
  
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- A Voice Disorder May be an Early Sign of Dementia
  
  September 03, 2026
  Those experiencing worsening voice quality – in pitch, clarity, volume, reduced vocal range or other voice disorders – and no hearing loss may be at 58% greater risk of cognitive impairment or dementia than those who are not experiencing a voice disorder, according to the first large-scale study on diagnosed voice disorders and cognitive decline. The findings, which suggest that voice disorders may be a more accurate early sign of cognitive decline than hearing loss alone, were recently published in the Journal of Voice from researchers at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.
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- Asif Ilyas, MD ’01, MBA, Named Academic Chair of Orthopedic Surgery
  
  September 02, 2026
  
  Asif M. Ilyas, MD ’01, MBA, has been named academic chair of orthopedic surgery. He has served the College as interim chair of the department since December 2025 and is a professor of orthopedic surgery and pediatrics, and associate dean of clinical research.
  
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August
- College of Medicine Faculty Mentor Undergraduate Student Researchers Through STAR Program
  
  August 21, 2026
  
  Over the summer, 11 College of Medicine faculty members mentored undergraduate student researchers through the Pennoni Honors College STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program. STAR gives first-year Drexel students the opportunity to gain research experience during the summer after their freshman year, and this Thursday they’ll present the projects they contributed to at the STAR Summer Showcase.
  
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- MD Program Class of 2030 Celebrates White Coat Ceremony in Philadelphia
  
  August 07, 2026
  
  On Friday, August 7, the MD program Class of 2030's White Coat Ceremony was held at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. This symbolic rite of passage for incoming medical students was first established in 1993 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and represents the beginning of a student’s journey into medicine.
  
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- Drexel University's Recent Academic Activity: Sponsored Opportunities and New Partnerships From Spring 2026
  
  August 07, 2026
  Last term, Drexel University’s colleges, schools and departments received funding, created partnerships and otherwise contributed to the success of Drexel’s academic enterprise.
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- Faculty Highlights: Recent Awards and Grants from Spring 2026
  
  August 04, 2026
  Drexel faculty members received funding for sponsored research as well as external recognition and honors last term.
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July
- Gary Davis, MD, Named Chief Student Wellness Officer
  
  July 24, 2026
  
  Gary Davis, MD, has been named chief student wellness officer for Drexel University. Dr. Davis has ably served as the leader of the Drexel Student Health Center since 2022. He and his team have provided exceptional care for Drexel students during this time, ensuring that they are receiving the best in care and treatment when sick or in need of medical support.
  
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- Rodrigo A. España, PhD, Appointed Chair of Neurobiology and Anatomy
  
  July 09, 2026
  
  Rodrigo A. España, PhD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. España is a tenured professor of neurobiology and anatomy and has served as the department’s interim chair since July 2024.
  
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June
- New Student-Led Workshop for Medical Students Addresses the Prevalence of Patient-Initiated Harassment
  
  June 18, 2026
  
  Isha Gadgil, MD ’28, created a workshop for medical students geared to address patient-initiated sexual harassment. The workshop, which was held virtually on Tuesday, April 28, will continue as an annual event hosted by the Health Outreach Project (HOP) advocacy chair for rising third-year medical students before they enter their clinical years.
  
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May
- Drexel University's Recent Academic Activity: Sponsored Opportunities and New Partnerships From Winter 2026
  
  May 29, 2026
  Last term, Drexel University’s colleges, schools and departments received funding, created partnerships and otherwise contributed to the success of Drexel’s academic enterprise.
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- College of Medicine Winners Announced at 2026 Graduate Student Excellence Awards
  
  May 19, 2026
  
  The 2026 Graduate Student Excellence Awards were announced at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Congratulations to the College of Medicine award recipients and nominees!
  
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- Drexel College of Medicine Plans to Develop Three-Year MD
  
  May 15, 2026
  In an effort to tailor medical education for learners seeking a more efficient pathway to a medical doctor (MD) degree, Drexel University’s College of Medicine is planning a three-year degree program that aims to enroll its first cohort in the 2028-2029 academic year. The college will maintain its traditional four-year MD program.
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- 2026 Dean’s Awards Recognize Excellence and Impact Among Faculty and Professional Staff
  
  May 14, 2026
  
  After the Commencement ceremony on May 14, 2026, Dean Cairns hosted a luncheon to present awards honoring the hard work, achievements and impact of faculty and professional staff.
  
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- Drexel University College of Medicine Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Commencement
  
  May 14, 2026
  
  On May 14, 2026, Drexel University College of Medicine celebrated the Class of 2026 at a Commencement ceremony held at The Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The ceremony recognized the achievements of future physicians, scientists and health professionals from University City, Tower Health in West Reading, Pa., and the Elkins Park Campus, and included MS, PhD and dual degree recipients from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies. In the Class of 2026, there are 292 MD graduates, including 43 from Tower Health, 39 PhD graduates including three dual degree recipients, and 289 MS graduates including four dual degree recipients.
  
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- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies Hosts Pre-commencement Awards Ceremony
  
  May 13, 2026
  
  On May 13, 2026, faculty, professional staff and students from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies were recognized for their achievements at a pre-commencement awards ceremony.
  
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- Faculty Highlights: Recent Awards and Grants from Winter 2026
  
  May 12, 2026
  Drexel faculty members received funding for sponsored research as well as external recognition and honors last term.
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- Biochemist and Nobel Laureate to Address College of Medicine Class of 2026
  
  May 05, 2026
  Katalin Karikó, PhD, co-inventor on mRNA-related applications of non-immunogenic, nucleoside-modified RNA for vaccines and therapies, including the FDA-approved COVID-19 mRNA vaccines by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna, will address the Drexel University College of Medicine class of 2026 during its commencement on May 14.
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April
- A New Play Brings Drexel University College of Medicine’s History to Life
  
  April 23, 2026
  
  This spring, People’s Light and Theatre Company in Malvern, Pennsylvania, will premiere The Woman Question, a new play that will bring the voices of pioneering women in medicine and the legacy of Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (WMCP) to center stage.
  
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- Researchers Identify Novel Vulnerability in Breast Cancer Brain Metastases
  
  April 22, 2026
  Researchers from Drexel University’s College of Medicine have identified a critical metabolic vulnerability in breast cancer that has spread to the brain, offering a promising new therapeutic target for a disease with few effective treatment options.
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- 2026 Golden Apple Award Winners Impact Medical Students’ Success
  
  April 21, 2026
  
  The annual Golden Apple Awards recognize outstanding service, teaching and mentoring by Drexel University College of Medicine faculty and professional staff. The honorees are nominated by each class of medical students who vote to determine the award winners.
  
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- Drexel University College of Medicine Faculty Named Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors™ for 2026
  
  April 21, 2026
  
  Philadelphia magazine published its annual list of the region's “Top Doctors.” The list of physicians, who were chosen by their peers, can be found in the May 2025 issue. Congratulations to the following Drexel University College of Medicine faculty members who were named this year.
  
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- National Leadership Program Names 2026-2027 Class of Fellows
  
  April 16, 2026
  
  The Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® (ELAM) program at Drexel University College of Medicine is pleased to announce the selection of its 32nd class of fellows and the 4th class of fellows for its Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH) program track.
  
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- Drexel University College of Medicine and UPMC Altoona Establish Regional Medical Campus Collaboration
  
  April 09, 2026
  
  Starting in May 2026, UPMC Altoona will serve as a regional medical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine. Medical students will have access to experienced faculty and mentors dedicated to medical education, and opportunities for hands-on learning in a dynamic health care environment. This will be the first medical campus in the Altoona, Pennsylvania region.
  
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- Drexel MD Students Launch New Free Clinic at Evergreen Center to Support API Community in Elkins Park
  
  April 03, 2026
  
  Two Drexel MD program students are helping expand access to care for the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community through a new student‑run free clinic based at the Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi) Evergreen Center in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
  
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March
- College of Medicine Inducts Newest Honor Society Members
  
  March 27, 2026
  
  The College of Medicine inducted the newest members into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and Gold Humanism Honor Society during a ceremony and banquet on March 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
  
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- College of Medicine Celebrates Match Day With the Class of 2026
  
  March 25, 2026
  
  On Friday, March 20, 2026, proud faculty, friends and family joined the College of Medicine MD Class of 2026 to celebrate Match Day, an annual event where fourth-year medical students learn where they will be placed for their residency training. Participating in both Philadelphia and West Reading, Drexel MD students joined thousands of medical students nationwide to open their envelopes and reveal their residency match results.
  
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- Announcing College of Medicine Recipients of the 2025-2026 Drexel Faculty Recognition Awards
  
  March 23, 2026
  
  The Office for Faculty Excellence & Academic Culture is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025-2026 Drexel Faculty Recognition Awards.
  
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- Philadelphia’s ‘52 Weeks of Firsts’ Honors the First Medical School for Women (Now Part of Drexel University)
  
  March 09, 2026
  Programming for America’s 250th anniversary highlights the legacy of the country’s first — and last — all-women medical college, which was founded in 1850.
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- Outreach Programs at Drexel University College of Medicine’s Anatomy Laboratory
  
  March 09, 2026
  
  For more than 20 years, the anatomy lab at Drexel University College of Medicine has engaged in outreach to local high schools, colleges, and universities. The program began as a grassroots effort in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy after an AP biology teacher requested an opportunity for her class to study human anatomy in the lab. With support from Drexel MD students and faculty, word spread that these unique learning opportunities were available at the anatomy lab.
  
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February
- Drexel University's Recent Academic Activity: Sponsored Opportunities and New Partnerships From Fall 2025
  
  February 09, 2026
  Last term, Drexel University’s colleges, schools and departments received funding, created partnerships and otherwise contributed to the success of Drexel’s academic enterprise. This update offers a snapshot of activity, courtesy of the Office of the Provost.
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- Faculty Highlights: Recent Awards and Grants from Fall 2025
  
  February 09, 2026
  Last term, Drexel University faculty members were recognized for their scholarly research and prolific academic and professional contributions. This update offers a snapshot of activity courtesy of the Office of the Provost.
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January
- Nancy Spector and Akhil Vaidya Named Distinguished Professors
  
  January 29, 2026
  
  Drexel University recently announced its first cohort of Distinguished Professors. This designation is the highest title the University can bestow on a member of the full-time faculty, and recognizes sustained excellence, national and international distinction, and extraordinary commitment to the University's values. The selection committee named three Distinguished Professors, two of whom are faculty members at the College of Medicine.
  
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- Drexel University College of Medicine Marks 33 Years of the Pediatric AIDS Benefit Concert
  
  January 29, 2026
  
  For 33 years, the Pediatric AIDS Benefit Concert (PABC) has been a defining tradition at Drexel University College of Medicine. On January 24, 2026, students, faculty, professional staff, guests and alumni gathered at Drexel University’s Main Building auditorium for an evening of performances, with all proceeds going to the Dorothy Mann Center for Pediatric and Adolescent HIV at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. To date, PABC has raised more than $780,000 for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
  
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- College of Medicine and Reading Science Center Inspire Future STEM Leaders in West Reading
  
  January 22, 2026
  
  When the College of Medicine opened its West Reading Campus in 2021, one of its first community partnerships started only a few blocks away at the Reading Science Center, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing engaging and accessible STEM learning to local youth. The Reading Science Center became one of the campus's first Health Advocacy Practicum (HAP) sites, hosting a first-year medical student from the inaugural class. Since then, the partnership has fostered numerous volunteer opportunities in the West Reading area.
  
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