This spring was an exciting time for our College of Medicine. In March, the MD class of 2021 learned where they are headed in the next phase of their medical education. I am proud to report that the match rate for this class was over 95%, compared to the national average of 92.8%. These programs can clearly see what we have always known: Drexel MD program graduates are bright, talented, well-educated, resilient and adaptable for what the future holds.

Spring also brought Explore & Serve Day, an opportunity for graduate students in the Division of Pre-medical & Pre-health Programs to share their research and community service endeavors with their classmates and faculty. The research and community service requirements of these programs are not only supportive of the College’s commitment to making a difference in our communities, they are also important in developing these students into the well-rounded health professionals they will become.

Spring is also a time for graduation and celebration. Fifteen master’s and PhD students from biomedical graduate programs successfully defended their theses this spring, capping off years of hard work, academic and scientific rigor, and thoughtful collaboration. You can read more about their efforts on page 8.

Most notably, the College of Medicine celebrated Commencement on Tuesday, May 18, at an in-person ceremony at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. It was thrilling to send the class of 2021 off to the next phase of their training and careers in the same place after more than a year of not being able to gather together. Of course, there were attendance caps and COVID safety protocols in place. We are grateful for everyone’s understanding and careful compliance with these restrictions, which allowed this event to happen safely.

It was also a privilege to bestow Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, with an honorary doctorate, and to hear his wise words to the graduating students. Dr. Weissman’s groundbreaking work on mRNA vaccines laid the foundation upon which two of the current COVID-19 vaccines were built. It was lost on no one that we were honoring someone whose dedication to excellence and innovation was the very reason we were able to gather at all.

As we say goodbye to the class of 2021, we are thrilled to be welcoming new students soon. The incoming MD program class of 2025 is an impressive and talented one. It is also the largest, including 40 students who will be the first to complete their preclinical years at our new West Reading Campus. The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies will also soon welcome an accomplished new crop of master’s and PhD students. We cannot wait to see who you all become and what you can achieve during your time with us.

A warm thank you to everyone who has helped guide our community through an unpredictable and difficult year. Your leadership, dedication and support are humbling.

Charles B. Cairns, MD
Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean
Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs