As Drexel University College of Medicine celebrates historic milestones — 175 years since the founding of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, 150 years of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, and the 30th anniversary of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program — it is also looking boldly toward the future. Central to this is the College Forward and Strategic Plan 2030, a comprehensive, community-driven initiative designed to shape the College’s trajectory.

Charles B. Cairns, MD, the Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean of the College of Medicine and senior vice president of medical affairs at Drexel University, notes the importance of this initiative, saying, “College Forward is an opportunity for us to be responsive and agile to changes nationally and at the University, and to positively shape our future.”

From Vision to Action: The Strategic Planning Framework and Timeline

The College Forward and Strategic Plan 2030 initiative is structured around four mission-critical pillars, each supported by a dedicated task force:

• Medical and Graduate School Education
• Research and Innovation
• Drexel Medicine and Clinical
• Faculty Affairs and Development

The process is being conducted in three phases, with clear timelines and deliverables:

• Phase 1 (January–February 2025): strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis and strategic priority identification.
• Phase 2 (March–June 2025): Implementation planning, working group formation and pilot initiatives.
• Phase 3 (July 2025–June 2030): Implementation, continuous quality improvement and outcome assessment.

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning

More than 60 faculty members served on the Phase 1 Task Forces for each pillar, completing a SWOT analysis for their mission area. Their recommendations have provided a roadmap to collaboratively move forward with the implementation of key priorities to address the changing academic medicine landscape.

Phase 2: Implementation in Motion

As of June 2025, the College has entered Phase 2 of the strategic plan. This phase focuses on translating strategic priorities into tangible outcomes through implementation teams, working groups and faculty focus sessions. The goal is to ensure that, by July, the College is aligned and ready to execute on key imperatives.

At the start of Phase 2, faculty and professional staff were invited to self-nominate for working groups aligned with each mission area. These groups play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the roadmap, with additional opportunities for students and professional staff to engage throughout the years-long process.

“The work and discussions that have occurred through the task forces, implementation planning teams and faculty focus groups have helped shape a path for the College’s future growth. I appreciate everyone who has participated so far and look forward to continued engagement from our community at a high level,” says Seema Baranwal, MD, the William Maul Measey Chair in Medical Education and vice dean of institutional effectiveness, who is leading the planning effort.

Outcomes and Impact

The College Forward and Strategic Plan 2030 initiative is designed to deliver measurable outcomes across all mission areas:

• Modernized, student-centered education: Innovative curricula that enhance learner engagement and success.
• Streamlined academic programs: Reduction of redundant offerings and reinvestment in high-impact pathways.
• Integrated research enterprise: Consolidated resources to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Strengthened clinical partnerships: Aligned clinical missions with measurable improvements in care quality.
• Empowered faculty: Transparent policies and development pathways that support innovation and retention.
• Operational readiness: A phased implementation plan that ensures accountability while demonstrating measurable improvement.

Community Engagement and Leadership

A cornerstone of the strategic plan is inclusive community participation. As the College of Medicine prepares for an LCME report in August, the value of the community’s input is paramount. Faculty, professional staff and students are encouraged to:

• Participate in listening sessions and town halls.
• Share feedback via the online form.
• Stay informed through regular updates and newsletters.

A Shared Journey Toward Excellence

The College Forward and Strategic Plan 2030 is more than a roadmap — it reflects the College of Medicine’s values, aspirations and commitment to excellence. With a clear vision, structured implementation and a deeply engaged community, the College is poised to continue to lead nationally in education, research and clinical care. “It’s an exciting time at the College, and we’ve proven time and again throughout our history that our community rises to challenges and succeeds,” says Baranwal.

Visit bit.ly/DUCOM2030 to learn more and access the feedback form.

 
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