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
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.
View Photos
LMSA Community Health Fair
Friday, May 5, 2023 – 8 a.m. to Noon.
Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, 25 N 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19601
Join us Friday, May 5, from 8 a.m. – Noon for the 2nd Annual Community Health Fair by the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)! Volunteering physicians and medical students from Drexel University will be giving out free routine medical exams. Screenings will include blood pressure, diabetes, vision, women's health, men's health, nutrition, fall risk assessment and more. There will also be FREE food, dominoes, bingo, raffles and a kid's area. For more information, please contact Ashlye Melecio at abm339@drexel.edu.
Annette Gadegbeku, MD, associate dean of community health, and Leon McCrea, MD, MPH, senior associate dean of diversity, equity & inclusion wrote about primary care for HCP Live on April 19, 2023. Read more.
Leon McCrea II, MD, an associate professor and senior associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Medicine, was quoted in April 11 stories in WTXF-TV (FOX-29) and The Philadelphia Inquirer about a conference yesterday at the National Constitution Center organized by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and the Delaware Valley DEI Consortium that gathered Philadelphia health leaders with the aim of combatting health disparities. Read more. Watch video.
Conversations That Matter
In the latest episode of “Conversations That Matter”, senior associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion Leon McCrea II, MD, MPH, talks with Safiyya Shabazz, MD, the owner and medical director of Fountain Medical Associates in Philadelphia. Listen on Spotify or SoundCloud.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
We are honored to invite you to join the Delaware Valley DEI Consortium on April 11, 2023, for the region’s first Equity in Medical Education Summit, "We’re Making Change Happen." Learn more. or Download flyer.
Monday, February 13 through Friday, February 17, 2023
See Diversity Week 2023: Around the World Photos on Facebook
Learn 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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