The third entering class of Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health’s MD program will follow in the footsteps of their classmates on Thursday, August 10. As part of their orientation, they will paint a mural that, when complete, will be displayed at the corner of North 11th and Richmond Streets in Reading.
Before painting, medical students will participate in a walking tour through West Reading with local artist Michael Miller. On the tour, they will learn about Miller's connection to public art and view the collection of murals created in West Reading and the Greater Reading community. During their orientation week, the medical students participate in this activity to introduce them to the community they will serve, and call home for the next four years as they learn the skills needed to become physicians.
Back on campus, they will paint a portion of a mural designed by Reading artist Marian Njai, sponsored by SOS Berks. Once completed, the mural will be displayed at the corner of North 11th and Richmond Streets in Reading.
“The Berks County community has welcomed our students with open arms,” said Karen Restifo, MD, JD, regional vice dean, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health. “The medical students are now a part of our community. They have a lasting impact on the lives of the patients they help care for. The mural is another meaningful way for them to make their mark in Berks County.”
The SOS Berks Opioid Coalition created a series of murals based on recovery, aimed at spreading awareness and acceptance while reducing stigma. The theme, “Addiction Doesn’t Define Anyone” is intended to provide the perspective that substance abuse disorders can affect anyone and that addiction doesn't define who a person is. The mission is to inspire hope for those struggling with addiction and support from the community, by putting a human face on it. Ms. Njai’s mural design is based on Yvonne Stroman's recovery story. Yvonne described how bicycling, journaling, helping others in recovery, and mentoring young people provide many joys in recovery.
Sue Perrotty, Tower Health president and CEO, noted, “We are thrilled to welcome the third class of medical students to our Tower Health family. Educating tomorrow’s healthcare providers is one of our top priorities in the health system. This year’s class brings together individuals with unique backgrounds and diverse experiences that will further enhance their education and development.”
Media are invited to attend the following:
- The students will depart from the Clock Tower entrance of Reading Hospital at approximately 3 p.m. to take a walking tour of West Reading.
- The mural painting at Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health begins at 3:30 p.m. located at 50 Innovation Way in Wyomissing.
- The event will proceed rain or shine.
Photos from the event are also available upon request.
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a regional integrated healthcare system that offers compassionate, high-quality, leading-edge healthcare and wellness services to communities in Berks, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. With approximately 11,500 employees, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, in partnership with Drexel University. Tower Health is strongly committed to academic medicine and training, including multiple residency and fellowship programs, the Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, and the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading. The system also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; home healthcare provided by Tower Health at Home; TowerDirect ambulance and emergency response; Tower Health Medical Group; Tower Health Providers, our clinically integrated network; and 25 Tower Health Urgent Care facilities across our service area. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.