From Drexel To Salus, (Almost) Back to Drexel: Emily Damico ‘24PA and Momina Khan '24PA

Hearing about the upcoming merger between Salus and Drexel University seemed like an ironic coincidence for two second-year Physician Assistant (PA) Studies students, Emily Damico ‘24PA and Momina Khan '24PA. 

Both Khan and Damico attended Drexel University for their undergraduate studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Through their degree programs, they were both on the Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) track, to ensure all of their pre-requisite courses were completed for their eventual applications to PA school. 

After graduating from Drexel, both enrolled in Salus University’s PA Studies program. 

With more than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students at Drexel, and more than 1,000 graduate students at Salus, the institution size is one of the elements where Drexel and Salus differ. Despite the size difference between the two universities, Damico and Khan attested to the personalized attention they each received in the classroom at both Salus and Drexel by the equally professional faculty.

“I think the Salus community is very tight knit and close, and I would say Drexel is pretty similar in that sense, even though Drexel is bigger,” said Khan. 

Both Damico and Khan have enjoyed their time at Salus thus far, and are looking forward to graduating this fall. 

“I really like Salus. My cohort is currently 46 students, we have a great sense of community within the program,” said Damico. “All of our faculty and fellow classmates are so supportive. Everyone wants everyone to succeed, it’s a really healthy environment to be a part of, especially in our rigorous program.”

The faculty and student environment was also a big factor in Khan’s decision to choose Salus. “During my interview, the staff was very friendly and they made me feel comfortable. I was like, this is a program and professors that I can see myself constantly interacting with and feeling comfortable talking to.” 

This sense of support followed Khan throughout her Salus experience, especially during her busier years in the program. “I liked that during our didactic year, the faculty really checked on you to make sure you're doing okay,” she said. 

For Damico, an attractive factor for both universities was access to a cadaver lab. “I was fortunate enough to have a cadaver lab experience during undergrad which is uncommon for most undergrad programs,” said Damico. “At Drexel, the undergrad involvement was limited to only observation, and at Salus, the PA students are the ones performing the dissections. I think it’s great both schools have this access because it enhances everyone’s learning experience.”

Khan attested to the fact that both Salus and Drexel offer a variety of resources and support in slightly different environments.

Although Damico and Khan will have graduated from Salus before the two institution’s academic programs merge in the summer of 2025, they see a tremendous benefit for current and prospective students when it comes to the partnership of both of their alma maters. 

*Merger pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, specialized accreditors and additional third parties.