Title: Chaplain, Therapist
Company: Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System
Location: Philadelphia, PA/USA
Education: BSW, Temple University, with Honors (2025); Doctorate of Theology in Chaplaincy, Focus in Thanatology, CAPSTONE University (2024); MA in Special Education and Teaching, Relay Graduate School of Education (2023); DMin, The New Seminary (2022); MDiv, The New Seminary (2021); Master’s Degree in Comparative Religion, Temple University (2017); Master’s Degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution, Arcadia University (2013); Bachelor’s Degree in Religion, Religious Studies, Temple University (2010); Associate’s Degree in Health Services, Allied Health, Health Sciences, Community College of Philadelphia; Associate’s Degree, Miftaah Institute; Master’s Degree, Respect Graduate School; Pursuing Master’s Degree in Social Work, Temple University
Career History: Chaplain, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System (2017-Present); English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher, 7th to 11th Grade, TECH Freire Charter School, Philadelphia, PA (2020-2022); Chaplain, Einstein Healthcare Network (2018-2020); Chaplain, Lankenau Hospital (2017-2018); Helper, Shaw Construction Inc., Fulton, AR (2011)
Issa Kabeer, Chaplain and Therapist at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of religion.
Driven by hard work, perseverance and a passion for helping others, Mr. Kabeer has excelled in his role since 2017. In this capacity, he provides spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families, often navigating complex medical situations, all the while leading with empathy and compassion.
In addition, he creates bridges between people and organizations, works with interfaith and student organizations, and serves as a student ambassador, student government representative, coordinator, and facilitator, among numerous roles. Above all else, he takes most pride in his willingness to help and support fellow staff members by covering their shifts when they are unable to work. He often stays in the hospital for multiple days, especially during severe storms.
Mr. Kabeer was previously active as an English Language Arts teacher of seventh to 11th graders at TECH Freire Charter School in Philadelphia from 2020 to 2022, focused on curriculum development and student support in a technology-integrated environment. He launched his career as a chaplain at Lankenau Hospital, where he gained extensive experience in patient advocacy and holistic care, and then Einstein Healthcare Network, between 2017 and 2020.
He has also excelled in such leadership positions as student ambassador for the Golden Key Honor Society since 2015 and an e-board member for B.R.I.D.G.E. since 2016. His dedication to community engagement has extended to volunteer roles with Jump Start Tutors, AmeriCorps, and Philly House; he also served as a facilitator for the National Society of Leadership and Success and a council member for the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Over the years, Mr. Kabeer has earned a bachelor’s degree in religion and religious studies from Temple University, and master’s degrees in international peace and conflict resolution from Arcadia University and in comparative religion from Temple University. He followed up these accomplishments with a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from the New Seminary, a master’s in special education and teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Doctorate of Theology in chaplaincy from CAPSTONE University.
Mr. Kabeer most recently completed his Bachelor of Social Work, with honors, plus an Outstanding Social Work Senior Award, from Temple in 2025. Looking toward the future, he intends to attain a MSW degree and doctorate in chaplaincy, and subsequently run for political office in Philadelphia. Outside of his primary roles, Mr. Kabeer is an accomplished actor, whose credits span commercials, voice acting for games, radio plays, and produced films.