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.

• Learn more about diversity and clinicians, clinicians to be, researchers, and researchers to be
• Learn more about Drexel University College of Medicine's diverse history
• Learn more about promoting diversity

Download the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion info sheet [PDF].

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.

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

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.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders

"Educators 4 Education (E4E) and Drexel School of Medicine partnered to host its first Health Career Camp for Philadelphia youth. The Camp began on June 24, 2024 and ended on June 28, 2024. E4E partnered with Drexel Medical students through The Arnold P. Gold Foundation in the creation of the Career Development and Health Awareness Summer Program for 12 young men from Philadelphia. The program was also made possible by funding from the City of Philadelphia Anti-Violence Community Expansion Grant." Read more at the Globe Times. (July 5, 2024)

Batts Health Equity & Inclusive Excellence Dinner Celebrates 2024 Graduates

On May 7, College of Medicine students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered at the Germantown Cricket Club for the annual Batts Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence Dinner. Read more.

Diversity Week at DUCOM 4/29 - 5/3

• Monday, April 29: Paint Your Flag (12 – 2 p.m. HSB 2E02); Dabke Night w/ MENA (5:30 p.m. HSB & Zoom); Trivia/Board Game Night (6:30 p.m. West Reading 150)
• Tuesday, April 30: Health Literacy Talk w/ LMSA and WR Public Health (4 – 5 p.m., HSB & Zoom)
• Wednesday, May 1: Caring for the Muslim Patient w/ MSA (3 - 5 p.m. HSB 4E05 & Zoom); VSIG Hosts a talk on vascular disease (7 p.m. Zoom)
• Thursday, May 2: Diversity Symposium w/ Aspiring Physician Executives and Black Doctors Network, see below (8 a.m. – 3 p.m. HSB); Around the World event (7 – 8:30 p.m. HSB 4E05)
• Friday, May 3: Infant Care Package Service (2:30 - 4:30 p.m. HSB R304); Navigating Equity in Professional Spaces w/ LMSA and SNMA (4:30 – 5:30 p.m. HSB 4E05 & Zoom); Double Dutch (5:30 - 6:30 p.m. HSB Lawn)

Diversity in Medicine Symposium

Aspiring Physician Executives (APEX) and Drexel Black Doctors Network (DBDN) will be hosting a Diversity in Medicine Symposium during Diversity week on May 2, 2024. The symposium will be focused on poster presentations related to diverse populations and supporting minority students in research. There will be prizes for poster presentation. The first-place reward will be an Apple Watch while second and third place both will receive Pathoma books along with certificates.
Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. - Submit Abstract
Abstract Acceptance Notification: Monday, April 22, 2024
Online Poster Submission Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. - Submit Poster

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:

 
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