West Reading Avenues Winter 2020-2021 - 13

You attended the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown
University, completed your residency at Johns Hopkins
University, and Yale University. What led you to the
west coast? How does it feel to return to the east coast?
It had always been a dream of mine to live out west. I raised
my children in Connecticut, and after they were all out of
the house and off to college, I wanted to experience the west
coast. I was fortunate enough to find a job initially in Arizona,
ultimately landing in California. After eight years away from
the east coast, it was time to return to my roots and be near
family and friends. The position of Regional Vice Dean at
Drexel University College of Medicine in West Reading was
the perfect professional and personal opportunity; helping to
build this amazing campus, and also allowing me to return east.
I am enjoying seeing the seasons change again and being close
to relatives and friends.
What led you to a career in medicine?
I was always interested in science, medicine and the idea of
helping others when they are most vulnerable. I was particularly
inspired by my female pediatrician. It was unusual at that time
to encounter a female physician role model. I was also fortunate
to have parents who encouraged my siblings and me to be
anything we wanted to be, so I decided I could succeed. It was
not easy and there were those along the way who doubted it
would happen for a variety of reasons. I was not admitted to
medical school the first year I applied. Luckily, I was driven to
become a physician and was stubborn enough to persist until
it became a reality.
What prompted your transition from a clinical focus to
medical education/administration?
I left clinical practice in order to stay home with my children
full time. It was a difficult decision, but it was definitely the
right one at the time for me and my family. While I was home,
I obtained my law degree because of my interest in health care
reform. Once my children were all off in college, I resumed my
career in academic medicine, concentrating on administration
and medical school education.
When is Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower
Health scheduled to open?
The medical students are scheduled to arrive and start their
first year in August of 2021.

What is unique about the facility?
The facility will be state-of-the-art. It will include traditional
and nontraditional learning environments, simulated patient
rooms, anatomy laboratories and simulation labs to promote
interdisciplinary education with residents, physicians, and nurses.
The building is designed to enhance student life, promote health
and wellness, and encourage an immersive learning experience.
Students will have access to a yoga room, a fitness center with
indoor and outdoor recreation space, Information Commons
(library), lounge areas, a game room, and café.
What can individuals in the community expect from
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health?
What can the community expect from the students?
The students will bring a high level of excitement to the
community and should quickly become engaged in community
service as well as helping to take care of patients in local health
care sites. Their interest in delivering care and learning about
their community should be infectious to many they interact
with. The community is a key part of the new campus. Local
patients will be a crucial component in educating and creating
these new physicians who will hopefully continue their training
in local residencies and ultimately practice in the surrounding
areas; giving back to those who helped them learn and succeed.
What hobbies/
activities do you
like to participate in
outside of work?
Daily exercise which includes
biking (indoors on a stationary
bike or outside), walking and/
or hiking. I used to spend a
fair amount of time running
but sustained a knee injury,
so I am still working to get
my knee back to normal.
I love spending time at the
shore or near any body
of water. I enjoy baking,
reading, and most
importantly spending
time with my family
and friends.

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West Reading Avenues Winter 2020-2021

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