In “Conversations That Matter,” a blog and audio series, Deborah J. Tuttle, MD, and John P. Piper, MD, Vice Dean for Educational Affairs Leon McCrea II, MD, MPH, interviews members of the College of Medicine community about their lives, their journeys in medicine, and their thoughts on diversity in medical practice and education.

In the interview below, Dr. McCrea talks with Maryssa Lyons, MD, a PGY-2 general psychiatry resident at Tower Health – Phoenixville Hospital, and with Becks Wilson, the academic coordinator for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Women’s Health Education Program (WHEP).

Dr. Lyons has an interest in LGBTQ+ health care, particularly mental health and stigma reduction. They are a lead organizer for the College of Medicine and Tower Health’s annual LGBTQ+ Health Symposium, which helps attendees gain greater understanding of best practices for providing respectful, comprehensive health care to LGBTQ+ patients.

Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in gender, sexuality and women’s studies from Temple University, and worked for nonprofit organizations around Philadelphia before joining the ODEI team. They organize WHEP monthly seminars and help students who are interested in the scholar tracks, and assist in organizing diversity-focused events, including the LGBTQ+ Symposium.

On our blog and in the latest episode of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion's podcast "Conversations That Matter,” these two members of the College of Medicine community shared their perspectives on their lives and careers, and on creating inclusive and comfortable spaces for queer and transgender people.

Read more about the conversation on the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion's blog.

Learn more about Dr. McCrea.

Follow Drexel University College of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on Instagram at instagram.com/ducom_diversity.