News & Events
Diversity Week at DUCOM 4/29 - 5/3
- Monday, April 29: Paint Your Flag (12 – 2 p.m. HSB 2E02); Dabke Night w/ MENA (5:30 p.m. HSB & Zoom); Trivia/Board Game Night (6:30 p.m. West Reading 150)
- Tuesday, April 30: Health Literacy Talk w/ LMSA and WR Public Health (4 – 5 p.m., HSB & Zoom)
- Wednesday, May 1: Caring for the Muslim Patient w/ MSA (3 - 5 p.m. HSB 4E05 & Zoom); VSIG Hosts a talk on vascular disease (7 p.m. Zoom)
- Thursday, May 2: Diversity Symposium w/ Aspiring Physician Executives and Black Doctors Network (8 a.m. – 3 p.m. HSB); Around the World event (7 – 8:30 p.m. HSB 4E05)
- Friday, May 3: Infant Care Package Service (2:30 - 4:30 p.m. HSB R304); Navigating Equity in Professional Spaces w/ LMSA and SNMA (4:30 – 5:30 p.m. HSB 4E05 & Zoom); Double Dutch (5:30 - 6:30 p.m. HSB Lawn)
Diversity in Medicine Symposium
Aspiring Physician Executives (APEX) and Drexel Black Doctors Network (DBDN) will be hosting a Diversity in Medicine Symposium during Diversity week on May 2, 2024. The symposium will be focused on poster presentations related to diverse populations and supporting minority students in research. There will be prizes for poster presentation. The first-place reward will be an Apple Watch while second and third place both will receive Pathoma books along with certificates.
Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. - Submit Abstract
Abstract Acceptance Notification: Monday, April 22, 2024
Online Poster Submission Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. - Submit Poster
“I am a clinician at Drexel’s Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice. Our patient population is primarily people living with HIV, although the bulk of what I do for them is management of other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, since most of our patients’ HIV is well-managed and their viral load is undetectable. We also see people who are on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV) and people undergoing curative treatment for hepatitis C monoinfection (i.e., not co-infected with HIV).” Read more.
On May 10, 2023, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion celebrated the achievements of graduating students during the annual James A. Batts Jr. Diversity Dinner. The event, held at the Germantown Cricket Club, also helps fundraise for the Dr. James A. Batts Student Fund, which supports current medical students from underrepresented communities. Learn more about the dinner, the Student Fund and Dr. Batts.
View Photos
LMSA Community Health Fair
Friday, May 5, 2023 – 8 a.m. to Noon
Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, 25 N 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19601 (See Map)
About: Join us Friday, May 5, from 8 a.m. – Noon for the 2nd Annual Community Health Fair by the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)! Volunteering physicians and medical students from Drexel University will be giving out free routine medical exams. Screenings will include blood pressure, diabetes, vision, women's health, men's health, nutrition, fall risk assessment and more. There will also be FREE food, dominoes, bingo, raffles and a kid's area.
Contact information: Ashlye Melecio abm339@drexel.edu
Annette Gadegbeku, MD, associate dean of community health, and Leon McCrea, MD, MPH, senior associate dean of diversity, equity & inclusion wrote about primary care for HCP Live on April 19, 2023. Read more.
Leon McCrea II, MD, an associate professor and senior associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Medicine, was quoted in April 11 stories in WTXF-TV (FOX-29) and The Philadelphia Inquirer about a conference yesterday at the National Constitution Center organized by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and the Delaware Valley DEI Consortium that gathered Philadelphia health leaders with the aim of combatting health disparities. Read more. Watch video.
Delaware Valley DEI Consortium Equity in Medical Education Summit
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
We are honored to invite you to join the Delaware Valley DEI Consortium on April 11, 2023, for the region’s first Equity in Medical Education Summit, "We’re Making Change Happen."
In partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation’s Institute for Health Equity, this Summit will be the first in an annual series bringing our region’s unparalleled medical education resources together to promote equity and improve the health of our communities.
See Diversity Week 2023: Around the World Photos on Facebook
Monday, February 13 through Friday, February 17, 2023
- Feb 13: Black Women in Leadership Panel (Zoom)
- Feb 14: Chai & Chat (Queen Lane)
- Feb 14: Paint Your Flag (West Reading/Queen Lane)
- Feb 15: Bachata & Cumbia Dance Class (West Reading)
- Feb 15: Community Service with HOP (Queen Lane)
- Feb 16: Around the World (Queen Lane)
- Feb 17: Afrobeats Dance Class (Queen Lane)
- Feb 17: Community Service at Centro Hispano (West Reading)
Learn more.
In this rapid-fire episode, Dr Leon McCrea II gives listeners his wide-ranging perspective and deep insight into how creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces is about much more than only metrics. He brings us right into the conversations that matter, from giving and receiving feedback around DEIA issues to identifying both micro- and macro-aggressions to creating holistic metrics for success in medical education and residency. Dr McCrea shares his passion for helping both learners and patients feel seen, respected and served. Learn more.
Advancing DEIJ Through Collaboration and Bravery
November 30, 2022
12 - 1 p.m.: seminar
1 - 1:30 p.m.: roundtable discussion with faculty and students
Speaker: Alvaro Tori, MD, associate dean for diversity affairs, Indiana University School of Medicine; medical director of respiratory care and associate professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of pediatric critical care medicine at Riley Hospital at IU Health; member of the LGBTQ+ community
RSVP: Bernadette Campoli at bc858@drexel.edu
AWIS Meridian Award 2022
Roshell Muir, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in infectious diseases and HIV medicine, is a recipient of the annual Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Meridian 2022 Award, which recognizes mid-career STEM professionals who are strong leaders and innovative thinkers, and who are committed to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility. Dr. Muir was nominated for this award by Michele Kutzler, PhD, associate dean for faculty, professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology, and Drs. Ellie Cantor and Eleanor Brown, who sit on the Executive Board of AWIS-Philadelphia (PHL). Dr. Muir is actively involved with AWIS-PHL, and currently serves as president-elect of the chapter, where she has held multiple leadership positions on the Executive Board for the past four years.
Dr. Muir is a researcher, educator and mentor in the Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine at Drexel. She has expertise in immunology and vaccinology studies that straddle the fields of basic science and applied clinical research, with a focus on how specialized cell subsets in the follicles can be targeted for novel vaccines against HIV and other viral infections. In addition to her scientific pursuits, Dr. Muir also has a keen interest in highlighting gender, racial and ethnic disparities in science and medicine, and has authored several articles on well-being, equality of opportunities for underrepresented groups in academic medicine, and equality of patient access to clinical trials. She will also serve as an advisory committee member for a recently awarded NIH R01 study on gender inequity in the biomedical field. Dr. Muir has served as a representative on the College of Medicine’s Women in Medicine and Science Committee, which promotes professional development for women staff and faculty, and was an integral member of the planning committees for the annual Women’s Leadership Summit, which focuses on gender equity in medicine, science and leadership. Dr. Muir was also named an emerging staff leader in 2021 by the College of Medicine’s Offices of Faculty and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The End of Roe and the Future of Reproductive Health Justice
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Online Event - RSVP Required
The impact of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey at the end of its last term has been broad and, in most cases, catastrophoc for patients and providers. As we forge a path forward without a federally protected right to abortion, it's critical to understand the implications of our current legal landscape for a wide swath of reproductive health services ranging from abortion to contraception to infertility treatment. Learn more.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2022
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 though October 15 and recognizes the contributions of Hispanic/Latinx-Americans to the history and culture of the United States. The DUCOM LMSA chapter invites you to celebrate with us by participating in our upcoming events! Download flyer.
Queen Lane Events
- 9/21: Learn salsa with LMSA (Download Flyer)
SAC 7 – 8:30 p.m.
- 9/30: Empanada Sale Fundraiser for Puentes de Salud (Download Flyer)
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 10/03: Cafecito & chill
SAC 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- 10/08: Health Fair at Esperanza Health Center (4621 N 5th St) (Download Flyer)
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- 10/11: LatinX Physician Panel on Zoom
7 – 8 p.m.
- 10/15: LMSA HHM Brunch
West Reading Events
- 9/21: Learn salsa with LMSA at Movement Center (Download Flyer)
7 – 8:30 p.m.
- 10/04: Movie Night ENCANTO & Empanada Distribution
7 – 9 p.m.
- 10/11: LatinX Physician Panel on Zoom
7 – 8 p.m.
MD Program Student Honored at 2022 SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference
Olubunmi Ajao, MS, was elected to the position of convention planning co-chair at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) in April 2022. Attended by medical students and professionals, the AMEC includes a wide range of educational and networking events. It is consistently the largest gathering of underrepresented minority medical students at any time of the year in any place in the nation.
Drexel University community members are invited to attend Drexel University College of Medicine and Tower Health’s LGBTQ+ Symposium, an all-day virtual event on Wednesday, June 15. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., presenters from the Philadelphia region and across the U.S. will share their perspectives as patients or as health care professionals, to educate attendees about providing quality, equitable health care for the LGBTQ+ community. Read more.
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Germantown Cricket Club, Philadelphia
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is pleased to invite you to this year's James A. Batts Jr. Diversity Dinner. Learn more.
Drexel alumn Julie Hyppolite recently co-authored "Underrepresented Minority Family Physicians More Likely to Care for Vulnerable Populations" in The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine March 2022 issue. The paper examined data that found family physicians who identify as underrepresented minorities in medicine were more likely to have a larger percentage of vulnerable patients in their care.
The LMSA National Conference took place from March 2 to March 6 at Philadelphia’s Logan Hotel. Students from the College of Medicine’s LSMA chapter helped promote the conference and organize events, from a gala to a networking event at The Mütter Museum. Additionally, students and faculty gave prospective students a tour of the Queen Lane campus. View photos.
In the News
Leon McCrea II, MD, an associate professor and senior associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Medicine, was featured in a Feb. 22 AAFP News article about strength in diversity in academic medicine. Read more.
The Drexel University College of Medicine community celebrated Diversity Week from February 21 through 25, 2022. Events included: Skin of Color Presentation by Dr. Alaina James; Chai & Chat Fundraiser; Seizure Recognition & First Aid Course; Goodie Bag Creations for Donations; Physician Networking; Around the World; Share Your Story, Mural Event; and Paint N' Sip. Read more.
In this installment of Destination Excellence, we asked the three newest members of the College of Medicine’s Diversity Committee to share their experiences: how and why they joined the committee, how they feel about serving and what they hope to achieve. The Diversity Committee meets monthly, advising College of Medicine leadership on processes, policies, and implementation and evaluation issues. The group includes mentors, clinicians, educators and experts within their fields. Read more.
Allyship was the theme of the second annual Women’s Leadership Summit, a discussion of gender equity in medicine, science and leadership, from the Women in Medicine and Science Committee (WIMSC). WIMSC held the Friday, Dec. 3 event in collaboration with the Offices of Faculty, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program. Read more.
In The News
Leon McCrea, MD, MPH, spoke to The Philadelphia Tribune for a Nov. 8, 2021, story on the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium’s first weekend vaccinating 5- to 11-year-olds. Dr. McCrea was there with his daughter, who was “super excited” to get her vaccine. Read more.
"I still remember the moment when I told my parents that I had been accepted into medical school, and the look on their faces when I donned my white coat for the first time (albeit over Zoom). They were, and still are, so proud of me and made sure to remind me every chance they got. I remember the feeling of them believing in me and their support before I even began this journey." Read more.
Recent Student Honors
Will Justice, MD program class of 2022, won the 2021 National Medical Fellowship National Alumni Scholarship Award. This scholarship helps address the severe national shortage of physician leaders who are committed to the health of underserved communities. Selected scholars have demonstrated evidence of community service and leadership potential at this phase in their career.
Aderinsola 'Sola' Aderonmu, MD program class of 2023, won the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student for their community involvement and dedication to health disparities in medicine.
Peter Liu, MD program class of 2024, received a 2021 Medical Student Research Award from the American College of Gastroenterology. The $5,000 prize is given to fund a medical student's summer research. Peter was also an oral presenter at the 2021 Liver Meeting, held by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. He presented "Outreach Pilot to Understand and Overcome Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccination in Liver Transplant Recipients."
Congratulations, Will, Sola and Peter!
On October 21, more than 270 students, residents, fellows and postdoctoral trainees presented their research at Discovery Day. Posters and platform presentations were judged for awards across several categories. View the winners.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2021 Welcome Celebration
View photo gallery.
DEI Orientation Schedule 2021
Tuesday, August 3 at SAC Hall Queen Lane
- 1:15 – 4:00 p.m.: Microaggressions Workshop
with Dr. Rita Guevara
Wednesday, August 4 at SAC Hall Queen Lane
- 9:00 – 9:25 a.m.: Where were we? Where are we? Where are we going?
with Dr. Leon McCrea & Dr. Renell Dupree
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Leadership & Alliances Panel (Diversity Panel)
with Dr. Leon McCrea and faculty & student representatives
- 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: 13th Documentary & Chapter 5 - Dominic from Beauty in Breaking
with Dr. McCrea & OL's & chairs (2 sessions)
Thursday, August 5 at West Reading Campus
- 10:05 – 10:25 a.m.: Where were we? Where are we? Where are we going?
with Dr. Leon McCrea
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Leadership & Alliances Panel (Diversity Panel)
with Dr. Leon McCrea & faculty & student representatives
- 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: 13th Documentary & Chapter 5 - Dominic from Beauty in Breaking
with Dr. McCrea & OL's & chairs
- 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Microaggressions Workshop
with Dr. Rita Guevara & Dr. Yanick Vibert & OL's
CHOP Inaugural Youth Equity Health Summit
Dr. Annette Gadegbeku was the keynote speaker at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Adolescent Initiative's inaugural Youth Equity Health Summit. Watch the video.
Congratulations Dr. Guevara!
We're proud to share that Rita Guevara, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics and our assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, is one of AL DIA's 2021 Top Doctors. Congratulations, Dr. Guevara! Read more.
A desire to help others, a love of learning, and skills like self-reliance and adaptability have gotten Daniyal Dar where he is today. Dar said he gained those skills along the path to medical school, navigating secondary education as a first-generation college student. Read more.
Congratulations to Dr. Ted Corbin
Dr. Ted Corbin was invited to the Josiah Macy Foundation: Addressing Bias and Reducing Discrimination in Health Professions Learning Environments (Atlanta, Georgia). Dr. Corbin was also invited to the National Academy of Medicine Roundtable on Black Men and Black Women in Science.
Medicine Grand Rounds at Chestnut Hill Hospital
Dr. Annette Gadegbeku gave Medicine Grand Rounds at Chestnut Hill Hospital on “Working to get the Win: Community Medicine to Achieve the Quadruple Aim.”
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COVID19 Rapid Response Grant Award for Sonia Navas-Martin and Julio Martin-Garcia
Congratulations to Sonia for the COVID19 Rapid Response Grant Award: SARS-Cov-2 Infection and Sensing in Primary Human Macrophages - Sonia Navas-Martin (CoM), Julio Martin-Garcia (CoM).
Women's Empowerment Summit - March 9, 2020
The 2nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit was held on Monday, March 9th, in Behrakis Grand Hall. The event included workshops on Networking, Self-Care and Wellness, and Yoga and Meditation. The Keynote Address was presented by Valerie Gay, the Deputy Director for Audience Engagement and Chief Experience Officer at the Barnes Foundation. The panel discussion featured a conversation with Mother and Daughter Entrepreneurs/Business Leaders, Claudia Timbo of CompanyVoice and Sunny White of Xavier Creative House.
AWIS - Essential Strategies for Negotiating - February 26, 2020
An interactive professional development program led by Ana E. Núñez, MD, at the University of the Sciences.
Location: University of the Sciences
LGBTQ Health Symposium – February 12, 2020
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2019 Latino Medical Student Association Policy Summit - Washington DC
Marysol Encarnacion, MS2 (2nd from left); Alexandra Portugues, MS2 (1st from right)
2019 Annual LGBTQ+ Family and Allies Brunch
October 6, 2019
Congratulations to Princess Ogidi
Princess Ogidi
Congratulations to Princess Ogidi, who was one of 20 students selected from across the United States to participate in the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program! The purpose of the program is to increase diversity in the field of ophthalmology by helping medical students who are underrepresented minorities in medicine become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants.
2019 Golden Apple Awards
Issa DiSciullo and Ana Núñez, MD
The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) congratulates two of its “Golden Apples” – Lorie Cannon, Academic Coordinator (WHEP) and Issa DiSciullo, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. ODEI is pleased and honored to have to recipients this year and grateful to have both Lorie and Issa on the team. Thank you for making a huge impact on the student experience and thank you to the students for noticing their hard work, dedication and commitment. The Golden Apple is an annual award given to faculty, staff and residents in recognition of their excellence in teaching and outstanding service to the school and student body. Recipients of these awards are nominated and voted upon by the student body to honor their dedication and commitment.
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2018 Pennoni Panels Discussion on Diversity and Inclusion
March 1, 2018
About the Video - The significance of diversity has been expressed through the think pieces and research lamenting the lack of representation of various marginalized groups in media and positions of power. But what do we mean by diversity? What is the difference between representation and tokenism? How do we talk about diversity in a more meaningful way, beyond categorization and statistics? This panel seeks to address the significance of diversity, the discourse surrounding diversity, and the ways in which we can address issues of diversity in our respective fields and institutions.
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Celebrating Our Early Black Physicians
On July 30, 2017, Ana E. Núñez, MD, presented "Celebrating Our Early Black Physicians" at the National Medical Association's 115th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. Download presentation [PPT]
Dean's Message: Something to Celebrate
Pulse (Summer 2017)
Recognize, Appreciate and Tame Unconscious Bias
Pulse (Summer 2017)
Q&A: Ana Núñez, MD, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Drexel University College of Medicine Alumni Magazine (Spring/Summer 2017)
Medical Student Joy Abiola Fatunbi Wins Excellence In Medicine Minority Scholars Award
(June 16, 2017)
Increasing racially and ethnically underrepresented women in medical school through an innovative program
International Journal of Medical Education (May 24, 2017)
"Dr. Maurice Clifford's Portrait Dedication Ceremony & Reception"
(April 2017)
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Ongoing/Annual Events
The Drexel University College of Medicine Student National Medical Association hosts an annual Big Brother/Sister Picnic for Drexel's Graduate Studies students in the Drexel Pathway to Medical School Program (DPMS) in September on the Queen Lane campus.
Every February, Philadelphia celebrates African-American culture's influence on the city's rich history with special events such as film screenings, art exhibits, history tours and more.
See how Philadelphia celebrated Black History Month in 2016.
In honor of Dr. James Batts, an annual dinner is held during the spring for underrepresented graduating seniors, alumni and faculty. Learn more.
At the start of the academic year, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion hosts a reception to welcome all students and their families who have self-identified as underrepresented in medicine.
The Diversity Welcome Breakfast is held annually for the incoming underrepresented in medicine students during orientation week. The breakfast allows students from the upper classes to welcome first-year students who self-identify as underrepresented in medicine. With the breakfast taking place during orientation week, the event serves as a nice icebreaker for the new students, letting them know that, while they may identify as under-represented, they are not alone at Drexel.
Each year, there is a holiday event where students from diverse backgrounds can come and socialize together in a relaxed atmosphere.
From parades to art exhibits, Philadelphia offers a wide range of activities celebrating Latino art and culture.
See how Philadelphia celebrated Latino Heritage Month in 2016.
During the fall, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion hosts a community & family gathering reception to welcome all first year students and their families who have self-identified as part of the LGBTQ community.
The Marion Spencer Fay Award is presented in honor of Marion Spencer Fay, PhD, dean and president of Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania from 1946 to 1963. The National Board for Women in Medicine established an award in her name in 1963 to recognize her pioneering leadership.
Learn more about the Marion Spencer Fay Award
The Martin Luther King Day of Service in Philadelphia is the largest MLK event in the country. Thousands of Philadelphians participate all over the region.
Learn about the College of Medicine's 2016 activities.
National Coming Out Day is celebrated in Philadelphia as part of the Outfest, an extensive festival area that includes restaurants, bars and dance parties.
Learn about 2016's Outfest.
There are Pride celebrations throughout Philadelphia during National Gay Pride Month, including the LGBT Pride Parade and Festival.
Learn about 2016's LGBT Pride Parade and Festival.
Staff Ground Rounds is a continuing education series for frontline clinical staff. Each learning session is designed to help attendees sharpen skills, keep up with the changing demands of today’s health care environment, and continue professional growth. All clinical staff are welcome to attend these sessions. Attendance is mandatory for medical assistants, who may earn CE credit for their participation.
See upcoming dates and topics.
The College of Medicine history includes our heritage as the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, the first medical school in the world for women. Visit the Doctor or Doctress? website. Explore American history through the stories of women physicians.
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