The ultimate goal of medical care and biomedical research is to serve humanity. That purpose shapes everything we do, from admissions and curriculum design to teaching, mentorship, research and care.
At our institution, we recognize that understanding varied backgrounds and perspectives is essential for preparing today’s medical and healthcare professionals and for advancing research that fosters global collaboration.
Our College pioneered programs in patient communication, medical humanities and professional formation, many of which have been adopted by peer institutions. Equally distinctive is the breadth of clinical experience available through our long-standing partnerships with several regional medical campuses and affiliate training sites. Our affiliations provide students with access to multiple medical centers and patient care environments, where they work with faculty and patients from diverse backgrounds in urban, suburban, inner-city, working-class and rural communities, gaining exposure to a wide range of health conditions and healthcare needs.
For decades, our premedical, pre-health and health graduate education programs have helped scores of talented students develop competitive, well-rounded academic portfolios and become successful medical students and healthcare providers.
Many of our research programs take advantage of cross-discipline expertise. Our biomedical graduate programs leverage expertise across Drexel University, bringing together scientists, clinicians and faculty from public health, nursing, engineering, biomedical engineering, business, law and the arts.
Beyond the campuses, we uphold the University’s commitment to civic engagement and to serving our local and global communities. We were one of the first medical schools to include a service component in the curriculum. Today, we partner with numerous community organizations to help improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond.
Our civic-minded approach to learning and our emphasis on real-life problem solving is at the core of a Drexel education. Our students and faculty volunteer countless hours to address health inequities by working at local clinics, managing educational programs and running outreach projects, while leveraging University technology and resources.
Collaborative work, like team learning and interprofessional healthcare education, is essential to who we are as a school. We also provide paths for our students to develop new interests through dozens of clubs and groups, or to continue their established pursuits in civic activities, music and the arts. We promote wholeness, wellness, balance and a sense of connection and cooperation with the world and with each other, so our students can lead better lives as professionals.
Our students come to the College with their own ideas and ambitions. Given the opportunity to grow as individuals, by meeting new challenges in an environment of collaborative learning and respect, they discover a deep sense of purpose. Our graduates emerge assured of their knowledge and skills, with a healthy perspective and a measure of humility that is the hallmark of lifelong learners.
Charles B. Cairns, MD
Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean, and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Drexel Health Operations