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
Monday, February 13 through Friday, February 17, 2023
- Feb 13: Black Women in Leadership Panel (Zoom)
- Feb 14: Chai & Chat (Queen Lane)
- Feb 14: Paint Your Flag (West Reading/Queen Lane)
- Feb 15: Afrobeats Dance Class (Queen Lane)
- Feb 15: Bachata & Cumbia Dance Class (West Reading)
- Feb 16: Around the World (Queen Lane)
- Feb 17: Community Service with HOP (Queen Lane)
- Feb 17: Community Service at Centro Hispano (West Reading)
Learn more.
The Orthopedic Enrichment Program (OEP), a new educational opportunity made available to medical students across the Philadelphia region, held a launch event on Saturday, December 3, 2022. The OEP was created to address racial, ethnic and gender disparities that exist broadly in medicine and specifically in the field of orthopedic surgery. Read more.
In cardiology, women comprise only 18% of fellows, less than 15% of practicing general cardiologists, and less than 5% of interventional cardiologists. This is a stark difference to the patients they serve, with recent estimates indicating that more than 50% of women in the United States above 40 years old suffer from cardiovascular disease. Read more.
Dr. McCrea talks with Rita Guevara, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics and assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at Drexel University College of Medicine, as well as students and Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) co-presidents Justin Camacho, MBA, MD Program Class of 2025, and Julianna Kinsolving, MS, MD Program Class of 2025.
In this episode, Dr. McCrea talks with Janet Cruz, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Family, Community & Preventive Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine.
In this episode, Dr. McCrea talks with Annette Gadegbeku, MD. Dr. Gadegbeku is an associate professor and chief, Division of Community Health in the Department of Family, Community & Preventive Medicine, as well as associate dean, community health, within the newly formed Office of Community Health & Health Equity.
Advancing DEIJ Through Collaboration and Bravery
November 30, 2022
12 - 1 p.m.: seminar
1 - 1:30 p.m.: roundtable discussion with faculty and students
Speaker: Alvaro Tori, MD, associate dean for diversity affairs, Indiana University School of Medicine; medical director of respiratory care and associate professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of pediatric critical care medicine at Riley Hospital at IU Health; member of the LGBTQ+ community
RSVP: Bernadette Campoli at bc858@drexel.edu
AWIS Meridian Award 2022
Roshell Muir, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in infectious diseases and HIV medicine, is a recipient of the annual Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Meridian 2022 Award, which recognizes mid-career STEM professionals who are strong leaders and innovative thinkers, and who are committed to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility. Dr. Muir was nominated for this award by Michele Kutzler, PhD, associate dean for faculty, professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology, and Drs. Ellie Cantor and Eleanor Brown, who sit on the Executive Board of AWIS-Philadelphia (PHL). Dr. Muir is actively involved with AWIS-PHL, and currently serves as president-elect of the chapter, where she has held multiple leadership positions on the Executive Board for the past four years. 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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