Many physicians are inspired by doctors who helped heal them. For Darilyn V. Moyer, MD ’85 RES ’88, it was one physician’s career advice that set her on the path of her life.
As a child, Dr. Moyer was treated for pneumonia by pediatrician Sandra Rowan, MD, one of the few female physicians practicing in Reading, Pennsylvania, during the 1960s and 1970s.
“I’ll never forget her coming to my bedside,” Dr. Moyer recalled. “She said, ‘You seem like a bright young woman—have you thought about a career in medicine?’ She told me, ‘We need more women physicians.’ That stuck with me and galvanized my career.”
Dr. Moyer went on to build a career spanning clinical care, education, and national leadership. She served for 10 years as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American College of Physicians (ACP), retiring this year.
Her Temple journey began in medical school, where she and her husband, pulmonologist Scott B. Rosenberg, MD, were members of the Class of 1985. Both completed residencies at Temple University Hospital, where Dr. Moyer served as chief resident, before pursuing fellowships at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
They returned to Philadelphia in 1992, and Dr. Moyer joined Temple School of Medicine in a role focused on HIV care, general internal medicine, and infectious diseases. She later served as Professor of Medicine, Executive Vice Chair for Education, Residency Program Director, and Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education.
Dr. Moyer has remained closely connected to Temple through teaching, clinical practice, and service on the Board of Visitors. She also created the Darilyn Moyer MD Medicine Residents Fund to support internal medicine graduate medical education.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Darilyn since she was a Temple Hospital resident, and even then, her compassion, intellect, and commitment to patients stood out,” said Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS, The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean, Lewis Katz School of Medicine. “Her career reflects the very best of Temple: service, mentorship and a deep sense of humanity, and her impact continues to be felt among the physicians she has taught, supported and inspired.”
Below, Dr. Moyer reflects on the values that shaped her journey from Temple physician to national leader.
Q: What aspects of your Temple education most shaped how you approach medicine and leadership today?
Dr. Moyer: The people at Temple were wonderful citizens of humanity, in addition to being great clinicians, educators, and researchers. They cared deeply about people and recognized that the patients we served often had very different experiences because of the social and political determinants of health.
That is what good servant leaders do. They care more about the people they are shepherding than about themselves. There is no ego involved. That is one of the things I loved most about the people at Temple.
Q: Why have professionalism, patient-centered care, and mentorship remained central to your leadership?
Dr. Moyer: Healthcare is very challenging. We want the best outcomes for every patient, but many people—including those we care for in North Philadelphia—face barriers before they even reach the clinic. They may struggle with co-pays, access to affordable healthy food, safe places to exercise, or environmental conditions that worsen illnesses such as asthma.
Health equity is about flattening the playing field so everyone can achieve the best possible outcomes. It is not about taking something away from one person and giving it to another. It is about making sure everyone has a fair opportunity to be healthy.
Q: How has being a national physician leader reflected your core values?
Dr. Moyer: ACP has a tremendous voice and impact nationally and internationally. Being able to amplify my core values through the organization was critical.
In January 2020, ACP released “A New Vision for American Health Care,” outlining reforms to provide access and coverage for all. We support universal healthcare, regardless of the model used. Coverage alone is not enough; people also need access to care and a primary care practitioner to help coordinate it. Our healthcare system is extraordinarily difficult to navigate—even for clinicians.
Q: How do you define “humanity” in medicine?
Dr. Moyer: It is the grandparent rule: Treat every patient who crosses your path the way you would want your grandparent treated.
Feedback should also come from a place of care. We give it because we want people to succeed. In clinical settings, we should always put the patient’s perspective at the center. When you ask what happened and how we can do better for the patient, people lower their guard because the conversation is centered on a human being.
Q: What lessons do you hope young physicians will carry forward from this moment in medicine?
Dr. Moyer: The next generation of physicians is very caring and understands the importance of ensuring the best possible outcomes for everyone. I believe they can be the change we want to see.
I hope they continue to speak up for equity, treat people fairly, and follow evidence and data to do what is right for patients. Everything is better when diverse voices—including diverse opinions—are part of the conversation. That diversity makes our decisions, policies, and institutions stronger.
Q: What has it meant to continue serving Temple through teaching, mentoring, and the Board of Visitors?
Dr. Moyer: I wanted to stay connected and true to my roots. It is our duty to pay it forward and give back. We cannot let our experience and wisdom simply walk out the door. We need to lift others as we climb.
My parents and professional mentors modeled that for me, and I have tried to be that person for others. Temple is a very special place with special people, and I adore it.
Q: Looking back on your career at Temple and with ACP, what accomplishments feel most meaningful?
Dr. Moyer: A career in medicine is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do. It makes you better and shows those around you the importance of caring for others. Health is one of our most important gifts.
My most meaningful accomplishments are the people I have coached, mentored, and sponsored. Watching them follow their own leadership paths and make an impact in clinical care, education, research, and leadership has been, by far, the most rewarding part of my career.
To celebrate Dr. Moyer’s commitment to mentorship and medical education, consider supporting the Darilyn Moyer, MD, Medicine Residents Fund, which provides discretionary resources for Temple’s internal medicine residency program. Learn more or make a gift at giving.temple.edu/moyerfund.