When Salus Met Drexel
With the merger of Salus and Drexel now official, members of the Salus community reflect on what the merger means, what’s changing, and what’s still to come.
By Michael Morsch. Portraits by Jeff Fusco.
The first time Drexel raised its flag over Salus University’s Elkins Park campus in August 2024, it marked the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and the beginning of a promising future together.
That future is now. After two and a half years of detailed work, and with a greenlight from the U.S. Department of Education, accreditors and additional third parties, Salus and Drexel officially became one on July 3, 2025.
What makes this union work? At its heart, it’s about blending complementary strengths. Salus brings a strong portfolio of graduate programs in high-demand health science and rehabilitation professions to Drexel’s catalogue: Optometry, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Blindness and Low Vision, Biomedicine, and Orthotics and Prosthetics. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), founded in 1919 and recognized as one of the most prestigious optometry schools, is now a college within Drexel. Salus’ other programs have been woven into Drexel’s health sciences schools and its campus renamed Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus.
The union also brings substantial clinical resources to Drexel’s fold, including The Eye Institute, Pennsylvania Ear Institute and the Speech-Language Institute. These are not just impressive facilities, they come with a level of expertise in clinical management and backroom operations that will broaden the impact and future direction of Drexel Health.
To get a sense of what’s changed — and the opportunities to be discovered — we spoke with four members of the Salus community: an administrator, a veteran faculty researcher, an alumna and a current student. Each offered their perspective on the institution’s academic strengths, how they complement Drexel, and what it’s been like to witness the integration up close.
Administrator:
Beth Moy
Beth Moy joined Salus University in 2020 as chief of staff to then President Michael H. Mittelman, OD '80, where she led the university’s strategic planning process and later served on the Salus-Drexel Integration Council executive committee. She is now associate vice provost for operations and strategy at Drexel’s Elkins Park Campus.
The Salus-Drexel merger was about advancing our shared vision — elevating excellence in health sciences education, research and patient care. Our goals centered on expanding the student experience with new clinical, research and campus life activities, while also creating more room for faculty and staff growth.
As we thought through that process at Salus, it became very evident that to reach that next level we would need to align ourselves with a larger institution or health system.
Throughout the Salus-Drexel integration, we brought together experts from every area of our two institutions. I don’t think that we would have made the progress we did if there was not an abundant “ethic of generosity,” meaning that everyone came to this with a commitment to collaboration and a willingness to go above and beyond to meet our goals.
Everything is built on trust — without it, little obstacles become big ones. There also remains a strong sense of camaraderie and relentless commitment to problem-solving — a willingness to say when something isn’t working, let’s try something different. Our faculty and staff who continue to engage in this integration are owed a debt of gratitude for all they’ve given to bring our institutions together. Accomplishing so much in such a short time is pretty miraculous.
Administrator:
Beth Moy
Beth Moy joined Salus University in 2020 as chief of staff to then President Michael H. Mittelman, OD '80, where she led the university’s strategic planning process and later served on the Salus-Drexel Integration Council executive committee. She is now associate vice provost for operations and strategy at Drexel’s Elkins Park Campus.
The Salus-Drexel merger was about advancing our shared vision — elevating excellence in health sciences education, research and patient care. Our goals centered on expanding the student experience with new clinical, research and campus life activities, while also creating more room for faculty and staff growth.
As we thought through that process at Salus, it became very evident that to reach that next level we would need to align ourselves with a larger institution or health system.
Throughout the Salus-Drexel integration, we brought together experts from every area of our two institutions. I don’t think that we would have made the progress we did if there was not an abundant “ethic of generosity,” meaning that everyone came to this with a commitment to collaboration and a willingness to go above and beyond to meet our goals.
Everything is built on trust — without it, little obstacles become big ones. There also remains a strong sense of camaraderie and relentless commitment to problem-solving — a willingness to say when something isn’t working, let’s try something different. Our faculty and staff who continue to engage in this integration are owed a debt of gratitude for all they’ve given to bring our institutions together. Accomplishing so much in such a short time is pretty miraculous.
“Everything is built on trust — without it, little obstacles become big ones. There also remains a strong sense of camaraderie and relentless commitment to problem-solving — a willingness to say when something isn’t working, let’s try something different. Our faculty and staff who continue to engage in this integration are owed a debt of gratitude for all they’ve given to bring our institutions together. Accomplishing so much in such a short time is pretty miraculous.”
Drexel’s Elkins Park Campus is home to the largest concentration of face-to-face graduate health sciences students on a single campus. We bring 21 leading-edge degree granting programs in high-demand fields that provide exciting new opportunities for Drexel’s undergraduate students who may not have exposure to the kinds of health science professions for which we train.
Importantly, experiential education — the foundational tenet of a Drexel degree — is also at the heart of these programs. The Eye Institute in East Oak Lane and Chestnut Hill, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute and the Speech-Language Institute on the Elkins Park Campus expand Drexel’s reach in community-centered patient care. Our clinical care and operational infrastructure provide breadth and depth to Drexel’s clinical portfolio in ways that meaningfully expand Drexel’s lived commitment to service to the community and interprofessional education.
As we let the dust settle — there’s still work to be done — the sky is the limit. We’ve always known that the growth of the disciplines lies at the intersection between our programs and what Drexel offers.
There is an unprecedented opportunity to really strengthen the Drexel brand in terms of what we do as a teaching institution. But also, what we do from a clinical care and applied and translational research perspective.
The potential for growth for Drexel, both in the area of health sciences regionally, nationally and internationally, because of Salus’ unique programs with international reach, is really unprecedented.
“I am excited to see what we build together. The best is yet to come.”
Faculty Researcher:
Mitchell Scheiman,
OD, PhD ’16, FAAO
For nearly 50 years, Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD '16, has been a leader in binocular vision, vision therapy and pediatric optometry. Formerly the dean of research and director of graduate programs in biomedicine at Salus University, he now serves as senior associate dean of research at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Drexel University. Whether as a faculty member, vision therapy practitioner, or leader of ground-breaking clinical studies, Scheiman has always shown a clear dedication and passion for the profession of optometry.
Salus is small. The number of researchers is small relative to the entire population. However, those conducting research have been highly effective. We’ve done some fabulous work in the area of myopia control, which aims to slow down the development of nearsightedness in children. We were involved in one of the early myopia control studies called the Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET). It set the stage for further research on myopia. Subsequently, we have been conducting myopia control studies continuously since 1990.
The other area we’ve worked with — the public knows it as “lazy eye” — is technically referred to as amblyopia. It is actually the leading cause of blindness or visual impairment in children. In the 1990s, we began collaborating with a group known as the Pediatric Eye Doctor Investigator Group. We’ve now completed or have been involved in more than 25 amblyopia studies, including everything from diagnosis to treatment.
Faculty Researcher:
Mitchell Scheiman,
OD, PhD ’16, FAAO
For nearly 50 years, Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD '16, has been a leader in binocular vision, vision therapy and pediatric optometry. Formerly the dean of research and director of graduate programs in biomedicine at Salus University, he now serves as senior associate dean of research at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Drexel University. Whether as a faculty member, vision therapy practitioner, or leader of ground-breaking clinical studies, Scheiman has always shown a clear dedication and passion for the profession of optometry.
Salus is small. The number of researchers is small relative to the entire population. However, those conducting research have been highly effective. We’ve done some fabulous work in the area of myopia control, which aims to slow down the development of nearsightedness in children. We were involved in one of the early myopia control studies called the Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET). It set the stage for further research on myopia. Subsequently, we have been conducting myopia control studies continuously since 1990.
The other area we’ve worked with — the public knows it as “lazy eye” — is technically referred to as amblyopia. It is actually the leading cause of blindness or visual impairment in children. In the 1990s, we began collaborating with a group known as the Pediatric Eye Doctor Investigator Group. We’ve now completed or have been involved in more than 25 amblyopia studies, including everything from diagnosis to treatment.
We’re bringing a lot to Drexel. Drexel will now have the advantage of being one of the institutions in the country conducting work with amblyopia.
The other area in which we’ve been heavily involved is vision therapy, also known as vision rehabilitation. This has been a controversial subject for decades.
We conducted a randomized clinical trial in the early 2000s that demonstrated office-based vision therapy to be the most effective treatment for this condition. That was impactful because it was the first quality data that had been collected.
Since that time, we have conducted five additional randomized clinical trials on the subject of vision therapy, all funded by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
We’re bringing together a group of researchers who are highly respected around the country, if not the world, in terms of research on vision therapy, amblyopia and myopia. We hope to continue our success in obtaining grants and producing and disseminating results that are meaningful to both the clinical population and parents and families.
Another thing we bring to Drexel that I’m excited about is collaborating effectively with other professions at the University.
I’m especially excited about bioengineering, as so much of optometry relies on innovative tools, gadgets, advanced instruments, and cutting-edge technology. Collaborating with bioengineering has the potential to spark new research efforts and attract significant funding opportunities. We really believe that. Not just bioengineering, but also in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and the College of Medicine there are numerous avenues of collaboration available.
“We’re bringing some crucial assets to Drexel, and Drexel has some significant assets we hope we can utilize.”
Alumna:
Jennifer Tsai,
OD ’14
Jennifer Tsai, OD '14, is an optometrist, advisor, researcher and founder of LINE OF SIGHT, a concierge eyecare clinic in New York City specializing in dry eye and ocular aesthetics. She also created Eyegenic, a skincare line for healthy eyelids. As a trusted advisor and clinical researcher, she works with groups like Bausch + Lomb, InMode and Alcon and has been a guest of ABC, Vogue and Good Morning America. She also shares eye and wellness tips with her 500,000 followers at @drjenandjuice and has been recognized by Forbes Next 1000, JP Morgan Chase and Inc. 5000.
When I chose to pursue my doctorate at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, I wasn’t just looking for a school. I was looking for a place to make me a well-rounded optometrist.
What stood out to me was how forward-thinking and clinically rigorous the program was. From day one, it emphasized hands-on patient care experiences, critical thinking and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of optometry.
PCO didn’t just prepare me for a job. It gave me the tools to innovate and lead in a profession that’s constantly evolving. PCO laid the foundation for everything I do now.
Alumna:
Jennifer Tsai,
OD ’14
Jennifer Tsai, OD '14, is an optometrist, advisor, researcher and founder of LINE OF SIGHT, a concierge eyecare clinic in New York City specializing in dry eye and ocular aesthetics. She also created Eyegenic, a skincare line for healthy eyelids. As a trusted advisor and clinical researcher, she works with groups like Bausch + Lomb, InMode and Alcon and has been a guest of ABC, Vogue and Good Morning America. She also shares eye and wellness tips with her 500,000 followers at @drjenandjuice and has been recognized by Forbes Next 1000, JP Morgan Chase and Inc. 5000.
When I chose to pursue my doctorate at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, I wasn’t just looking for a school. I was looking for a place to make me a well-rounded optometrist.
What stood out to me was how forward-thinking and clinically rigorous the program was. From day one, it emphasized hands-on patient care experiences, critical thinking and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of optometry.
PCO didn’t just prepare me for a job. It gave me the tools to innovate and lead in a profession that’s constantly evolving. PCO laid the foundation for everything I do now.
What set PCO apart for me was how early and how often we were exposed to real clinical settings. From the very start of the program, we weren’t just learning from textbooks; we were hands-on with patients and developing our confidence in real time.
The faculty also played a huge role in shaping my journey because I noticed they didn’t just teach, they mentored. My teachers challenged me to think critically, to understand the “why” behind every diagnosis, and to always consider the patient as a whole. The early exposure and learning experience were invaluable.
While the academic and clinical training at PCO was rigorous, what really made the experience special was being surrounded by like-minded peers and having access to extracurricular opportunities that encouraged creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation. It was during that time that I started thinking beyond traditional optometry and exploring how eye care could connect with wellness, aesthetics and technology.
Those experiences helped shape me not just as a doctor, but as a business owner, speaker and content creator passionate about building something meaningful in this profession.
“I believe the merger with Drexel will only amplify these opportunities — blending PCO’s clinical excellence with Drexel’s resources in innovation, research and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Student:
Nina Danko,
AUD ’28
Nina Danko, AUD '28, grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and completed her undergraduate degree at Holy Family University. After completing a master’s degree in Laboratory Sciences at Drexel in 2024, she was inspired by family members with hearing challenges to pursue a career where she could make a meaningful impact. She’s now in her second year of the Osborne Audiology program at Drexel’s Elkins Park Campus.
Salus is fairly local to me. I wanted to see what the school had to offer and what its programs were. The audiology program struck me as one of the most unique programs. I wanted something where I could make an impact on my family and also on other people. That’s the reason I ended up pursuing audiology as opposed to traditional medicine.
With the programs at Salus, we automatically start out with a specialty. You have the clinical experience from day one. The professors guide you and the class sizes are smaller. It was a great fit for me, and I figured this was where I was supposed to be in life right now.
Audiology is a different type of program for me since my background is so different compared to a traditional applicant in the program, but I love it. I’m learning new subjects — it’s a different perspective on learning health care.
I remember the merger being talked about while I was a student at Drexel. A lot of people were unsure about what was going to happen, and there were a lot of unknowns. But from a student’s perspective, I don’t see anything negative with this merger.
Student:
Nina Danko,
AUD ’28
Nina Danko, AUD '28, grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and completed her undergraduate degree at Holy Family University. After completing a master’s degree in Laboratory Sciences at Drexel in 2024, she was inspired by family members with hearing challenges to pursue a career where she could make a meaningful impact. She’s now in her second year of the Osborne Audiology program at Drexel’s Elkins Park Campus.
Salus is fairly local to me. I wanted to see what the school had to offer and what its programs were. The audiology program struck me as one of the most unique programs. I wanted something where I could make an impact on my family and also on other people. That’s the reason I ended up pursuing audiology as opposed to traditional medicine.
With the programs at Salus, we automatically start out with a specialty. You have the clinical experience from day one. The professors guide you and the class sizes are smaller. It was a great fit for me, and I figured this was where I was supposed to be in life right now.
Audiology is a different type of program for me since my background is so different compared to a traditional applicant in the program, but I love it. I’m learning new subjects — it’s a different perspective on learning health care.
I remember the merger being talked about while I was a student at Drexel. A lot of people were unsure about what was going to happen, and there were a lot of unknowns. But from a student’s perspective, I don’t see anything negative with this merger.
“With Salus becoming part of Drexel, we have more opportunities to make connections and get to know people in other health care programs. I just think it opens the door for greater opportunities. Drexel is a pretty well-known school, so having that on your diploma is positive — I think it’s great.”
As far as what Salus brings to Drexel, with the different health care programs, I think it’s going to open up opportunities for those who are in the undergrad programs at Drexel trying to figure out what they want to do in life. Looking into the unique programs that Salus offers, such as the Doctor of Audiology, builds more future career interests.
For students studying in the city, pursuing graduate school at the Elkins Park Campus offers a chance to experience a different part of the Philadelphia area. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with different faculty members and explore the unique networks and resources that Salus has to offer, not found elsewhere at Drexel.
My plan is to become an audiologist for the U.S. Army. I don’t know yet what specialty, but I’m looking at the operating room because audiologists are now allowed in, which requires an extra year of training. If it’s possible to go into that specialty, great, but if not, then I’ll just be a regular Army audiologist treating patients on base. DM
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