Tower Health and Drexel University have announced plans to jointly develop a branch medical school campus of Drexel University College of Medicine in West Reading near the campus of Reading Hospital, subject to the appropriate accreditation approvals. It is expected that upon approval of the regional accreditor, the branch campus will be operational for the 2020-2021 school year.
"The affiliation between Tower Health and Drexel University to develop a branch medical school campus in West Reading leverages the outstanding reputation of Drexel University's medical school, and Tower Health's proven clinical quality of care as a provider and payer," said Clint Matthews, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tower Health. "This innovative collaboration also addresses the challenge of an increased demand for highly trained physicians, and will provide a positive economic impact to the Berks County region."
By collaborating with Drexel University College of Medicine, Tower Health begins to build an academic medical center and brings undergraduate and graduate clinical education and research to a single campus. Tower Health will serve as an important resource to the academic mission of Drexel University College of Medicine.
"We are so pleased to share with Tower Health in this effort to expand opportunities for medical training in our region, which will benefit practitioners and patients alike," said John Fry, Drexel president.
The branch medical school is anticipated to result in a positive community and economic impact on the Berks County region by way of increased jobs for physicians, educators, and other disciplines, increased spend within the Berks community, and elevated education level of the population.
"We are very excited about this new collaboration, which offers our students a great opportunity to train with excellent physicians at a top-quality facility," said Drexel College of Medicine Dean Daniel V. Schidlow, MD.
Tower Health is evaluating sites for the location of the potential Drexel University College of Medicine branch campus. Ideally, the school will be located in close proximity to Reading Hospital, but a final site has not been identified.
About Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine is the successor to two historic medical schools: Hahnemann Medical College (founded in 1848) and the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania (1850), the first medical school in the world for women. Today, with more than 1,000 medical students, the College offers some of the most innovative and rigorous academic programs available, incorporating the University's expertise in engineering and technology into traditional medical training. The College of Medicine is home to one of the nation's leading centers for spinal cord research; one of the foremost centers for malaria study; and a highly regarded HIV/AIDS program with extensive NIH-funded research in prevention and therapeutic interventions. Drexel University College of Medicine is highly respected in numerous other specialties including the neurosciences.
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 22 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.