Drexel University College of Medicine

09/04/2026

Asif M. Ilyas, MD '01, MBA, professor of orthopedic surgery and pediatrics and associate dean of clinical research, has been named academic chair of orthopedic surgery. In this role, he will lead efforts to strengthen and unify the orthopedic surgery enterprise across the College of Medicine’s regional and affiliate campuses.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gzabsZ

09/02/2026

Clinical rotations are a defining moment in medical education. During the 2024-25 academic year, the College of Medicine implemented a Career Exploration Clerkship — an additional experience for third-year students providing insight into how professional journeys are forged and sustained.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Utlydp

08/31/2026

Akhil Vaidya, MD, a distinguished professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, was quoted in an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer about the recent increase of cyclosporiasis cases in Philadelphia compared to previous years.

Read the article here:

The intestinal parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes “explosive” diarrhea, had contaminated lettuce sold in 15 states, including Pennsylvania.

08/28/2026

Prerna Mewawalla, MD, an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, was quoted in a recent article in The American Journal of Managed Care about the FDA approving iberdomide and dexamethasone to treat patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Read the article here:

The cereblon E3 ligase modulator, or CELMoD, also received a breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA.

08/26/2026

Elias El Haddad, PhD, professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and Charles B. Cairns, MD, Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean of the College of Medicine and senior vice president of medical affairs and Drexel Health Operations, were among the authors of a recently published article in Nature on viral reactivation in acute and long COVID-19.

Learn more:

Chronic reactivation of distinct herpesviruses and anelloviruses occur during acute and long COVID-19, and track with disease severity, inflammation and outcomes, revealing immune signatures with prognostic potential.

08/25/2026

Wen-Jun Gao, MD, PhD, a professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, was quoted in a recent article from The Transmitter about the link between the loss of interneuron plasticity and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Read the article here:

Restoring expression of an experience-dependent interneuron plasticity gene aids memory and cuts seizures in CNTNAP2 knockout mice, a new study shows.

08/25/2026

Over the summer, 11 College of Medicine faculty members mentored undergraduate student researchers through the Pennoni Honors College STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program. STAR gives first-year Drexel students the opportunity to gain research experience during the summer after their freshman year, and this Thursday they’ll present the projects they contributed to at the STAR Summer Showcase.

See the full list of faculty mentors and learn more: https://bit.ly/4qGphQW

08/24/2026

Since ChatGPT made its public debut in 2022, the generative AI industry has been driving headlines, markets, hopes and fears across sectors. Current and future physicians at the College of Medicine are managing the challenge through policy, research initiatives, student projects and a proposal for an AI literacy curriculum.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fWCa5p

08/21/2026

On Friday, August 14, our newest cohort of students in the Salus at Drexel University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program received their short white coats during a ceremony at our Elkins Park Campus. Read more about the ceremony here: https://bit.ly/45COBNS

08/20/2026

Last week, we welcomed our newest graduate students to the College of Medicine, marking the beginning of their academic journeys in biomedical sciences, premedical, prehealth, the health professions and more. During their orientation, students explored campus, met with faculty and professional staff, learned about their programs and even had an ice cream social!