For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Physician Refresher/Re-entry Program For Returning Physicians

In 1968, Woman's Medical College/Medical College of Pennsylvania (Drexel University College of Medicine's predecessors) developed a refresher program for clinically inactive physicians who wanted to gain relicensure and return to clinical practice. Returning physicians had left for a variety of reasons: family, health, career change to a non-clinical field, relocation and more (JAMA, 248(22): 2994-8, Dec 10, 1982). From 1968 to 1993, the program successfully helped more than 400 physicians (Academic Medicine, 70(1), January 1995).

In 2006, the program was relaunched as Drexel Physician Refresher/Re-entry program and redesigned using the College's excellence in education, instructional technology resources and national expertise in physician remediation and re-entry to include onsite and distance learning modules.

A study from 2006-2010 (Medical Teacher, 34, 285-291, 2012), showed that 86% were successful in achieving their initial goal. For many returning physicians these goals include:

  • Enhancing an area of focus
  • Enriching clinical skill
  • Updating knowledge of general medical information

The key components of the re-entry education include updating didactic medical knowledge, assessment, preceptorship and continued self learning. Through these components we're able to help returning physicians become acclimated to the current medical system and gain medical relicensure. We also provide career counseling and work with employers to help participants return to the workplace.

Returning Physicians / Referring Stakeholders

Drexel Physician Refresher Course, Returning Physicians / Referring Stakeholders, North America
Highlighted states indicate where participants have traveled from to attend our program.

Returning Pediatricians

We individualize a program based on your specific goals/needs. This may include multi-source assessments, exercises in virtual patient care, review of documentation skills, clinical reasoning, review of professionalism/ethics skills and more in the settings of virtual and/or in-person preceptorship. Contact us to learn more.

View Available Courses for Physicians

Learn More

 
 Back to Top


   After having been away from clinical medicine for an extended period, completing the Drexel Medicine Physician Refresher/Re-Entry Course helped prepare me for re-entry to practice. The program provided structured coursework but was also tailored to meet my specific goals, by allowing me to choose the content for my H&Ps, presentations and other individualized assignments.   
Kathy Alizo, MD - 2021
Read More Testimonials