Microgreens Project Grows Community Connections

College of Medicine students know that food plays an important role in health, and they want not only to share that knowledge with Philadelphians from underserved communities, but also to empower them to grow their own fresh food. Students are engaged in work through the Health Outreach Project (HOP) to provide community members with the tools to grow microgreens, a nutritious vegetable that is simple to grow. Read more.

Health Outreach Project Looks Back on First Year at West Reading Campus

While the Health Outreach Project (HOP) has been part of the Drexel University College of Medicine’s culture for more than 25 years, the community outreach programming only expanded to Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2021, when Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health opened in West Reading. HOP faculty advisor Eugene York, MD, is impressed with the work students have done to grow HOP programming around the campus. Read more.

Health Screening Clinics Continue to Serve at Whosoever Gospel Mission

On April 9, HOP hosted our first health screening clinic of the year at the Whosoever Gospel Mission. Volunteer first-year medical students took blood pressure, blood glucose and other basic health metrics for patients while our amazing volunteer resident physicians consulted patients about other health questions. Since more than 20 men were seen at the clinic, our patient advocacy coordinator and patient intake coordinator were crucial in ensuring a smooth flow and a relaxed patient experience. Students were excited to practice their clinical skills and provide meaningful care and friendly conversation. With this in mind, HOP project Whosoever is looking forward to the next clinic in the fall.

Community Clinics off to a Great Start at Greater Enon Missionary Baptist Church

On March 12 HOP hosted our first community clinic of the season at Greater Enon Missionary Baptist Church. Led by our fearless Arc Clinic committee, volunteers were up bright and early prepping the clinic area and ensuring all health education presentations were up and running. First-year medical students ran stations including triage, vision examinations, respiratory and heart monitoring, blood pressure checks, blood glucose level evaluation and health education.

A few College of Medicine alumni generously contributed their time as resident physicians to provide patient consultations and expert guidance to our M1s throughout the day. The clinic remained busy for the duration of the day as patients received complimentary preventive care and had their medical needs attended to.

Volunteers noted that their favorite moments came in the conversations that they struck up with patients of all ages, as the students got to know those individuals they were caring for on a deeper level. Students reported that the clinic was a resoundingly positive experience and one they hope to repeat at the same site again in the future. For now, HOP is looking forward to more community clinics at additional sites throughout the Philadelphia area.

Collaborative Research by Drexel, Cooper Medical Students Demonstrates Method to Reduce Opioid Use Disorder Stigma

Last month, medical students from Drexel University College of Medicine and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University published research that reduces negative stigma about people with opioid use disorder through overdose reversal training sessions. Read more.

In 2021 HOP...

• 1,017 patients seen
• 759 hours spent with patients
• 491 times that DUCOM students volunteered
• 297 hours spent planning for events and clinics
• 91 student leaders
• 9 health fairs ran
• 3 new clinics and projects started
• ONE TEAM WITH ONE GOAL to make all this happen!