Drexel University College of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry is committed to developing and implementing programs that are consistent with the College's mission to innovate in education, research, and in the delivery of compassionate care. Priorities have been delineated, with teaching programs being paramount. High-quality clinical care and increased research funding have a high priority, as do service and consultation to the public sector.
These are challenging and exciting times for the field of psychiatry. The Department of Psychiatry embraces change as part of life in our complex health care system. Our department closely collaborates with its clinical partners to ensure that our responsibilities for our academic missions are fulfilled, while supporting the missions and goals of our affiliated clinical partners.
Training medical students and psychiatric residents is central to our mission. Drexel University College of Medicine is a leader nationally in medical education and the College is among the top medical schools in the country for educating medical students who choose to specialize in psychiatry.
Divisions, Centers & Programs
Research
The field of psychiatry is extremely exciting, with research findings that are elucidating the underlying molecular and genetic foundations of psychiatric illness. Treatments are emerging that integrate the latest findings from psychopharmacological studies with those psychosocial interventions that have demonstrated efficacy. Such multimodal treatment strategies are effective in not only reducing psychiatric symptoms, but in promoting wellness. Learn more.
News and Announcements
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 Barbara A. Schindler, MD who was named this year. Read more.
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. Read more.
Bioscience in Berks
Wei Du, MD, professor and academic chair of the Department of Psychiatry, will present "Elevating Clinical Research" at the Bioscience in Berks: Innovation Symposium on Friday, January 17, 2025. Learn more.
“Parents’ screen time impacts child’s mental health, shock new study finds”
Research from Karen Heffler, MD, an associate professor, and David Bennett, PhD, a professor, both in the College of Medicine, that linked screen time in toddlers with later development of atypical sensory behaviors, was mentioned in a Sept. 17 New York Post story about new research that shows parents’ screen time can impact the child’s mental health.
“Children under two should not be exposed to TV or screen time”
Research from Karen Heffler, MD, an associate professor, and David Bennett, PhD, a professor, both in the College of Medicine, that linked screen time in toddlers with later development of atypical sensory behaviors, was mentioned in articles by Earth.com and by Parent Herald.
Read more Department of Psychiatry news.
Upcoming Events
Please visit the College of Medicine calendar to view all upcoming events.
In the Media
March 14, 2025: Josef Witt-Doerring, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry, was quoted in a Verywell Health article about the health risks associated with high doses and long-term use of the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam, as the drug has been featured in this season of White Lotus, a popular television series.
February 28, 2025: Olapeju Simoyan, MD, a professor in the College of Medicine, was featured in an American Medical Women’s Association Blog profile about Simoyan’s career path and advice for women in medicine.
December 23, 2024: “Holiday season can amplify mental health issues, stress for those experiencing challenges” WFMZ.com
October 25, 2024: Karen Heffler, MD, an associate professor, in the College of Medicine, was quoted in an Earth.com article about research with David Bennett, PhD, a professor in the College of Medicine, that linked screen time in toddlers with later development of atypical sensory behaviors.
September 2, 2024: Research from Karen Heffler, MD, an associate professor, and David Bennett, PhD, a professor, both in the College of Medicine, that linked screen time in toddlers with later development of atypical sensory behaviors, was mentioned in a New York Post article.
See all College of Medicine faculty in the media.
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