Shaping a Smarter, More Inclusive Future for Medicine

At Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC), transformation is not just strategic—it’s personal. From the education of future physicians to the discovery of lifesaving treatments, every advancement is grounded in the belief that care must be innovative, inclusive, and community centered.

“As a medical college, our core missions are education, clinical care, and research,” says Dean Said Ibrahim. “But we’ve added a fourth that’s just as essential: community engagement and the well-being of our providers.”

Under this expanded vision, SKMC is aligning academic excellence with the needs of today’s healthcare landscape. Clinically, the college is building bridges between Jefferson’s academic and community care models—recruiting dual-role leaders who guide both the medical school and the health system. “It’s one of the most important ways for us to really bring the clinical mission together,” Ibrahim notes. These efforts are complemented by a growing portfolio of clinical trials and translational research that bring science from the lab directly to the bedside—and then into communities.

This commitment to community also guides how SKMC supports its students. In 2025, 96.5% of graduating students matched into residencies—many at their first or second choice—and 25% remained at Jefferson. Students come from more than 15 countries, and SKMC is continuing to expand access and opportunity through a focus on socioeconomic, geographic, and gender diversity. “We want to make sure our student body reflects the communities they’ll one day serve,” Ibrahim says.

That future-focused thinking extends to the classroom as well. “We’re exploring ways to incorporate artificial intelligence and other technologies into training,” Ibrahim shares. “Because that’s going to be part of how medicine is practiced.”

Research remains a cornerstone of SKMC’s identity. Thanks to donor support, new pilot and bridge grant programs are unlocking discoveries across disciplines—from immunology to cancer biology. “That’s why philanthropy is critical,” says Ibrahim. “We’re reaching out to those who believe in our mission, so we can continue supporting the science that leads to better care.”

SKMC is also investing in its own people. From mental health support to faculty awards and leadership programs, the college is focused on fostering wellness and recognition. “We have to make sure that those we depend on to provide care are cared for themselves,” Ibrahim emphasizes.

At SKMC, every gift strengthens this vision. Together, we’re building a future where medical education, research, and care reflect the values of the communities we serve.