West Reading Campus - Drexel University College of Medicine

Tower Health West Reading MD Program Building

In 2021, Drexel University and Tower Health will open an additional location for Drexel University College of Medicine in West Reading, Pa., less than a mile from Reading Hospital, a Magnet-recognized facility and Tower Health’s flagship hospital. Tower Health's mission and values align with Drexel University's to deliver the highest quality medical education and serve our community.

Once the campus is complete, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health will begin educating first-year medical students, who will study at the largest hospital between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This immersive learning experience includes the same outstanding curriculum as the Philadelphia campus, expert faculty, and opportunities for students to pursue their passions through exposure to a diverse and underserved community. The first years in the class of 2025 will accompany the 3rd and 4th year College of Medicine students undertaking their clinical rotations at Reading Hospital.

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I would strongly recommend Reading Hospital and West Reading as a good place for medical students to study. I really enjoyed my experience during my OB/GYN rotation here. If I had been able to, I would have chosen to study all four years here. - Jordy Salcedo Giraldo, Drexel University College of Medicine Class of 2020

Tower Health at Reading Hospital has a proven track record for delivering the highest quality patient care to a population of 2.5 million people. Pair that environment with education and training provided by one of the finest medical schools in the country, to make a top choice destination for the health care providers of the future. By fostering compassion and integrity, our students are trained to empower and educate, respect and respond, and above all, hear and heal patients.

What you learn in the first few weeks in a classroom is immediately applied to diverse patient populations with distinct medical needs. Students’ participation in service projects that directly impact the community are encouraged and supported by College of Medicine faculty and staff. West Reading is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of others.

Our relationship with Tower Health and this four-year regional campus creates an excellent destination for our medical students to build the emerging skills required by today’s physicians to meet the ever-growing needs within health care. - John Fry, Drexel University President

Students can advance their medical skills and education in simulated patient rooms, anatomy laboratories, and simulation labs that promote interdisciplinary education with residents, physicians and nurses.

In addition, the building’s design was constructed to enhance student life, promote health and wellness, and encourage an immersive learning experience. Students will have access to a fitness center with indoor and outdoor recreation space, Information Commons (Library), lounge areas, a game room, and café. When fully operational, the campus will have capacity to educate and train 200 medical students.

The largest hospital system between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pa.

Designated as one of the top 100 hospitals in the country by Healthgrades and nationally recognized for clinical quality and safety.

A state leader in surgical volume with more than 13,000 annual procedures.

In 2018, Reading Hospital –

treated more than 135,000 people in its emergency room
delivered 3,600 babies
provided more than 750,000 outpatient services
had 34,000 inpatient admissions

Designated by the PA Department of Human Services as an Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence.

Community wellness programming centered on improving the health of Berks County and beyond.

Tower Healthplex - Radiology Tower Healthplex - Healing Garden Lobby
Tower Healthplex - PACU2 Tower Healthplex - Aerial Concept

West Reading is an eclectic area and a thriving borough undergoing substantial redevelopment, with a walkable downtown that features shops, restaurants and boutiques. It is home to the largest employer in Berks, Tower Health, as well as the largest novelty candy maker in the world, Palmer Candies. It is a family-friendly area that offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.

Women kayaking in river near West Reading, PA

The Reading Public Museum features many permanent artifacts and works of art, as well as several temporary exhibits, and the Neag Planetarium offers tours of the night sky, music shows, and astronomy lessons.

West Reading is home to numerous arts and cultural events, including the Berks Jazz Festival. Additionally, the surrounding area is no stranger to the great outdoors. More than 125 miles of biking and hiking trails can be found at Antietam Lake, Blue Marsh Recreation Area and French Creek State Park, among others.

Goggleworks Center for the Arts, West Reading, PA

Dining in West Reading includes the region’s best family restaurants, brew pubs, and bistros, along with traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Celebrate and socialize at one of many Penn Avenue Festivals – from pretzels and craft beer to Art on the Avenue. Every Sunday morning visit the Farmers Market for the very best in locally sourced foods.

Just outside Reading Hospital’s back door, the Arboretum at the Museum covers 25 acres of natural beauty along the beautiful Wyomissing Creek with trails for nature walks and runs.

To learn more about all that West Reading and Berks Country have to offer, please visit the Pennsylvania's Americana Region website.

Location

Reading Hospital-Tower Health
Sixth Avenue and Spruce Street
West Reading, PA 19611

Directions to the West Reading Campus using Google Maps.

Public Transportation

Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority
1700 North 11th Street
Reading, PA 19604
610.921.0601
http://www.bartabus.com/

Amtrak
Intercity Terminal
20 North 3rd Street
Reading, PA 19601
https://www.amtrak.com/stations/rdi.html

Reading Regional Airport
2501 Bernville Road
Reading, PA 19605
610.372.4666
info@readingairport.org
https://www.readingairport.org/

View Google Map: Reading Hospital

College of Medicine

How to Apply

Learn More

Contact the MD Program