Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Why Diversity Matters
Excellence in medical education, clinical care and research are attained through our diversity of students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff. At Drexel University College of Medicine, having a diverse, equitable, inclusive environment is core to who we are. We engage in diverse experiences which address health inequities in an inclusive environment. These experiences occur in an array of settings, from attending at a homeless clinic, to helping a woman and her children who are victims of domestic violence, to conducting clinical research to decode the ‘why’ of health equity in outcome. This work ultimately results in helping tomorrow’s Drexel doctors and researchers to be superb in health care delivery and to lead the charge of innovation in the science of medicine.
Download the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion info sheet [PDF].
YOUR VOICE MATTERS – GET INVOLVED
The nation and our Drexel University College of Medicine community are once again saddened and outraged that another Black man is the victim of excessive police violence. On August 23, 2020, Jacob Blake was shot multiple times in the back by police in Wisconsin, in front of his three sons as they sat in the back of his car.
The College of Medicine condemns violence against the Black community, finding this and recent events intolerable. We, at the College of Medicine, absolutely believe that Black lives matter and are steadfast in our commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.
This propagation of a history of implicit and explicit bias and institutionalized racism, in which violence against the Black community, particularly Black men, is pervasive, and is a public health crisis that impacts every social determinate of health. It permeates all aspects of life, including the basic right to bodily autonomy and safety.
The medical community has specifically had a difficult history inextricably intertwined with racism; we have much to atone for. Thus, we have much work to do. It is imperative that we remain unwavering in our work toward anti-racism, and advocate for systemic, effective change within our organization and community. As a community of compassionate educators, physicians, researchers, professional staff and students, we must continue to find ways to improve racial and social equity.
We must work together to dismantle racism and eliminate all forms of bias.
It is imperative that physicians, biomedical scientists, health educators and future physicians be heard. We ask you to become involved with our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our mission to create opportunity for all, as we strive to truly attain an equitable, inclusive environment at the College of Medicine and in the communities that we serve.
Please feel free to email bc858@drexel.edu or call 215.991.8450, to learn more about our office and explore ways to get involved.
Diversity News & Events
As a lead coordinator for the Alliance of Minority Physicians' "Cracking the Clerkships" series, I've had the privilege of playing a pivotal role in forging connections between Drexel and UPenn students. This pioneering collaboration marks the first year Drexel students have participated in this enriching series. Read more.
Conversations That Matter Episode 11: Ana Núñez, MD, FACP
Dr. McCrea speaks with Ana Núñez, MD, FACP, a professor of General Internal Medicine and Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Núñez previously served as associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at Drexel University College of Medicine, and was also a professor of medicine and the director of the National Center of Excellence in Women's Health and Women's Health Education Program. Dr. Núñez is also a College of Medicine alumna.
Listen: Spotify or SoundCloud
The College of Medicine’s Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), in partnership with other APAMSA chapters in the northeast area, came together on September 16, 2023, for the annual regional conference, held this year at Temple University. Attendees included pre-health students, medical students and residents from Temple, Drexel, the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Cooper, Georgetown, Sidney Kimmel, Penn State and more. Read more.
On October 21, 2023, Drexel University College of Medicine’s Student National Medical Association (SNMA) had the honor of hosting Region VIII’s Leadership Institute (RLI). RLI was originated by our very own Dr. Leon McCrea during his tenure as the SNMA Region VIII director while attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. This conference was established to enhance the leadership skills of SNMA and MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students) leaders and general members through educational seminars. Read more.
"My journey as a medical student and my aspirations to become a doctor have always been centered around giving back to my Latino community. To me, "giving back" encompasses a multifaceted approach that involves healing, educating, mentoring, supporting, providing comfort and understanding, and most importantly, representing my culture in the health care field, where diversity is desperately needed." Read more.
Conversations That Matter, a podcast from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is back for season 2! Host Leon McCrea II, MD, MPH, speaks with Seema Baranwal, MD, FACP, senior associate dean for student affairs, an associate professor of medicine, and a physician at Drexel Internal Medicine. Read more.
James A. Batts Jr. Diversity Dinner
On May 10, 2023, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion celebrated the achievements of graduating students during the annual James A. Batts Jr. Diversity Dinner. The event, held at the Germantown Cricket Club, also helps fundraise for the Dr. James A. Batts Student Fund, which supports current medical students from underrepresented communities. Learn more about the dinner, the Student Fund and Dr. Batts.
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Read more diversity news and events.
Diversity Statement
Drexel University College of Medicine, in the tradition of our predecessor schools, Woman's Medical College and Hahnemann Medical College, recruits and supports a diverse medical school faculty, professional staff and student body.
- It is only with a commitment to diversity that the mission and vision of the College can be realized.
- Each individual and her/his ideas have value and contribute positively to the mission and vision of the College.
- Learning with a diverse faculty and student body enhances critical thinking and the educational experience.
- Students who learn in a diverse environment are better prepared to provide the highest level of professionalism, innovation and creativity to all aspects of patient care, education and research.
- Our definition of diversity comprises characteristics that include but are not limited to race; color; religion; gender; sexual orientation, identity and expression; national origin; age; disability; veteran status; and education or economic disadvantage.
Drexel University College of Medicine is firmly committed to producing a diverse population of physicians and scientists. Supported by the Mission and Vision Statements of the College of Medicine, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion provides support to all students and student groups regardless of:
- Race or national origin
- Color
- Religion
- Gender
- Sexual orientation, identity, and expression
- Age
- Disability
- Veteran status
- Education or economic disadvantage
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