Community Health and Inclusive Excellence (OCHIE)


The Importance of Inclusion

Excellence in medical education, clinical care and research are attained through the varied backgounds and perspectives of our students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff. At Drexel University College of Medicine, fostering an inclusive environment where all are welcomed and supported to succeed is central to our mission. We provide, develop, and support opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in diverse experiences which address health inequities with an inclusive and culturally responsive approach. 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.


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Black Lives Matter

We condemn violence against Black people, and we stand in opposition to racism, prejudice and hatred. We are committed to antiracism and we are taking direct, ongoing steps to foster an environment of opportunity for everyone.

Read Statement on Derek Chauvin Verdict

Learn more about the work we are doing to help create a future of equity and inclusion for all.


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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

2025 Diversity Week Schedule

  • Friday, January 24 - Diversity in Medicine Research Symposium - location: Health Sciences Building 4W14, 4W15 and 4W20
  • Monday, January 27 - Henna Fundraiser & Paint Your Flag - 1:00 p.m. location: West Reading 105 Lobby
  • Monday, January 27 - Henna Fundraiser - 4:00 p.m. location: Health Sciences Building 9W01 COM Lobby
  • Tuesday, January 28 - International Karaoke Night - 5:00 p.m. location: Health Sciences Building 4E06
  • Wednesday, January 29 - Lucky Knot Tying - 2:00 p.m. location: Room 315
  • Thursday, January 30 - Around the World / Paint Your Flag - 5:00 p.m. location: Health Sciences Building 2E02
  • Friday, January 31 - Infant Care Packages - 12:00 p.m. location: Health Sciences Building 4W07

I Choose To Win at 2025 Diversity in Medicine Research Symposium

Interested youth in “I Choose To Win’s Empowered Uth Program” participated in the 2025 Diversity in Medicine Research Symposium held at the Health Sciences Building on Drexel’s campus in Philadelphia on January 24, 2025. Learn more.

Coral Caceres Named Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical School Diversity Scholarship Winner

Buckfire Law, Southfield, Mich., is pleased to announce Coral Caceres, of Bogota, New Jersey, has been named this year’s recipient of the 2024 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical School Diversity Scholarship. Caceres is currently a third-year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine, where she also earned a Master of Science through the Drexel Pathway to Medical School (DPMS) program. This annual award began in 2014 as a way for the Michigan-based law firm to show its commitment to helping medical students pursue their educational and career goals. Learn more.

Health Professionals Scholarship Awarded to Drexel MD Student

Drexel MD student Vershawn Hansen received a $20,000 award from Cook County (Illinois) Provident Scholarship Fund's Health Professionals Scholarship. The Health Professionals Scholarship provides scholarships to medical students and students in a graduate-level clinical academic program. The Health Professionals Scholarship will support awardees who are from, and dedicated to serving, underrepresented communities in Cook County. Learn more. Vershawn has also been awarded the SignatureCare Emergency Scholarship Award ($1000), the United Health Foundation Diversity in Healthcare Scholarship Award ($5000), the Arin Kel Memorial Scholarship ($500), and the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Scholarship ($1000).

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew Explores Black Infant Mortality in Documentary

Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, MEd, MPPM, professor and academic chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, recently participated in the filming of “The Ebony Canal,” a documentary about the crisis of infant mortality, particularly in Black and other communities of color. Information about the film, which was narrated by Viola Davis and directed by Emmy Award winner Emmai Alaquiva, is available at TheEbonyCanal.com. Read more.

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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