CoM announces new interim dean | The Triangle

CoM announces new interim dean

Dr. Daniel Schidlow was appointed interim dean and senior vice president of health affairs for the Drexel University College of Medicine Nov. 1, according to a press release from the college.

Schidlow replaced Richard Homan, who recently resigned from both positions. Homan had held these roles since June 2005 and served under former University President Constantine Papadakis.

Before assuming his post earlier this month, Schidlow was a senior associate dean at the College and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. He continues to teach in this department and in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology. Dr. Schidlow joined the College in 1994.

“Research. Education. Patient care. These are the core missions of any medical school,” Schidlow wrote in his inaugural dean’s message. “At Drexel University College of Medicine, they are at the heart of our unique heritage and the foundation upon which we seek to build a dynamic future.”

Schidlow gained experience in these missions during his 35 years working at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Before his appointment to the interim dean position, he served as the physician-in-chief at St. Christopher’s. In a video posted to mdpathways.com, he explained his reasons for his dedication to the hospital.

“The moment I walked into this hospital … I sensed a deep commitment to its missions on the clinical and on the academic side. Today I feel that [this] institution still retains the tremendous … commitment to doing the right thing for patients and our families,” he said in the video.

During his time at St. Christopher’s, where he also completed his fellowship, Schidlow helped children suffering from cystic fibrosis and pulmonary conditions, having been board certified in pediatrics and pediatric pulmonology. At St. Christopher’s he developed clinical programs at partner organizations and more than doubled the 75-member staff to 180 full-time employees.

According to the press release announcing his CoM appointments, Schidlow is internationally respected as a clinical educator and has been awarded for various contributions to the medical field, some relating to pediatrics..

Schidlow earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Chile in Santiago and has studied at various places across the United States. He now seeks to bring more exposure to Drexel, specifically the College of Medicine.

“Ask anyone what they know about Drexel University, and you will undoubtedly hear about its exceptional reputation in engineering and technology. We at the College of Medicine are fortunate to be able to tap into those areas of expertise for collaborative research projects that push the frontiers of nanomedicine and neuroscience,” he wrote in his message.

Schidlow explained that the College is currently a leader in innovative curriculum development and several areas of research, including Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS and malaria.

“In addition, our clinical practices lead the way in pioneering treatments and providing exceptional care in areas of specialty, including women’s health, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders and pain management,” he wrote.

Admitting the College will face challenges, Schidlow reemphasized the importance of focusing on research, education and patient care in the near future.

“Put [these things] together and the challenges grow, but so does the potential for making significant contributions to improve the lives of people in our community, nation and beyond.”