Update 2024: Ryan Murphy (IHS ’23, PCOM ’27)
Vice President of PCOM Student Ambassadors
President of PCOM’s chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)

Hometown: Bethany Beach, Delaware
Undergraduate: College of Charleston
Student's next step: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2027

Can you tell me a little about yourself before you came to Drexel?

I grew up at the Delaware beaches and went to College of Charleston Honors College for my BS in Biology. After graduating in 2020 I worked at a pediatrician’s office and then moved to Philly for my masters. When I am not studying you can find me travelling, cooking, or at the beach.

When did you know that you wanted to go into medicine?

I was always interested in the sciences and medicine, but it was not until I worked directly with patients that I knew being a physician was what I wanted to do. I volunteered as a medical interpreter in a free clinic, and then worked as a bilingual medical office assistant. I loved working with patients and seeing how the physicians made an impact in the community.

Why did you choose to apply to Drexel’s Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) program?

IHS really stood out to me because I had the ability to choose what classes I wanted to take. I knew I wanted to focus on areas I struggled with in my undergraduate, and I also wanted to take classes I was interested in like Healthcare for Spanish. I also really liked the community focus in IHS and how students had the opportunity to get involved in volunteer projects and get to know our Philadelphia community.

How is the program going so far?

I have really enjoyed my time in IHS. I have made some lifelong friends, found research I am extremely passionate about, and taken on leadership roles. I also have taken fascinating classes taught by amazing professors.

Have you been involved with any organizations or in any community service experiences since entering the program?

YES! I have volunteered for the Eliza Shirley House and Puentes de Salud. I am the events coordinator for the Pre-Med Pre-Health Graduate Student Association, a teaching assistant for Healthcare in Spanish and Career Development, and I am a student admissions counselor. I also participate in the mentor-mentee program.

Can you tell me about the research you have been doing?

My research is an independent project that focuses on communication methods with Spanish-speaking patients in the absence of a bilingual physician. With my background in Spanish interpretation and working with Spanish-speaking patient populations, this is something I am extremely passionate about.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

I am excited to announce that after graduation I will be attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s class of 2027! My time in IHS has really helped to strengthen my application and I feel very prepared to tackle the challenges of medical school.

What advice do you have for students who are considering coming to Drexel’s IHS program?

I would say IHS is a fantastic program. The IHS students have a great sense of community and work as a team for everyone to succeed. Faculty and professors in IHS are world class and have been such great mentors to me. I have grown so much as a student thanks to the support and education from the IHS staff and students and would highly recommend this program.