ANNUAL REPORT 2021
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND HEALTH
Student Profile
David Ohnoki
David Ohnoki is a student in the College of Science and Health ’ s Physician Assistant program . Ohnoki , who graduates in December 2022 , grew up in the South Bay area of Los Angeles . He decided to go into the medical field during his undergraduate studies , as he recalls taking a public health class and watching the series “ Unnatural Causes ,” which talks about the social determinants of health .
“ This was my first exposure to the idea and I remember being so upset learning that the single best predictor of a person ' s longevity is which zip code they were born in ,” reflected Ohnoki . “ I believe that everyone , regardless of where you were born , has the fundamental right to live a long , healthy , happy life . I remember thinking after I left class that day that I will do something to help eliminate these disparities and little did I know it would lead me down the physician assistant route .”
Ohnoki decided to attend CDU because of the university ’ s vision and mission statements , which he keeps posted next to his desk . “ My professional goals are almost exactly aligned with CDU and wanting to eliminate health disparities and focus on social justice , I knew CDU was where I needed to be ,” shared Ohnoki . “ I wanted to be surrounded by like- minded individuals who also are focused on the community and thought CDU would be the best place for that due to its values and traditions .”
He said that his time at CDU has been both challenging and uplifting , as he acknowledges many students struggled through the pandemic – his program not being an exception . “ The struggle of not having face to face social time really made it difficult to connect on a deeper level with our class . However , we also accomplished some amazing things and showed both resilience and grit as a class to get through it ,” stated Ohnoki . “ With the support of the CDU faculty and staff we all did the best we could with the hand we were dealt and I believe we are stronger because of it .”
Ohnoki is the president of his class and founding treasurer of the Social Justice Society , a student organization . He is also a Recognizing and Eliminating Disparities in Addiction through Culturally-informed Healthcare ( REACH ) scholar – the first PA to be accepted into Yale ’ s Psychology department ’ s REACH program .
“ I feel honored to be the first PA admitted to the REACH program . I ’ m also grateful to be in the position to have nudged the PA profession forward even if it ’ s in a small way ,” shared Ohnoki . “ My hope is that in doing so it thanks all those amazing PAs who came before me and have blazed the trail for us .”
MERVYN M . DYMALLY SCHOOL OF NURSING
Student Profile
Charity Msamalia Chimwala-Selico
Charity Msamalia Chimwala-Selico is a student in the Mervyn M . Dymally School of Nursing ’ s Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) Program . She first graduated from CDU in 2018 with her Masters in Nursing , Family Nurse Practitioner and will be graduating with her Doctor of Nursing Practice in the inaugural cohort in December 2022 .
Chimwala-Selico , who is also a professor at the SON ’ s Entry Level Masters of Nursing Program , was born in Zambia . Her family migrated to North America in the early 2000s and she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing ( BSN ) program at Armstrong Atlantic State University — now Georgia Southern University . After obtaining her BSN degree , she completed a critical care residency at Memorial Hospital , the only level one trauma center within a 100 mile radius of Savannah , Georgia .
“ I believe nursing is my calling and education is my passion . As a family nurse practitioner , I am able to help bridge the gap in access to quality health care ,” said Chimwala-Selico . “ The medical field allows me to be the truest expression of all that is . I am fortunate to serve God through my medical talent and contributions to humanity .”
The CDU Urban Health Institute ’ s partnership with her home-country Zambia is what particularly attracted Chimwala-Selico . She said she was very impressed by the close knit community and relatable staff she experienced during her CDU campus tour .
“ My first day of school was particularly difficult . It was January 14 , 2017 – at the time , my only child ’ s birthday . I had to make a conscious decision to maintain my composure and my professor noticed this ,” shared Chimwala-Selico . “ During break time , she spoke with me and encouraged me . I was very surprised at how family-oriented and community-friendly the institution is .”
She also noted that the small class size makes for a more personalized experience . “ From the very first day of class , I felt the community - that I was visible , audible and never alone ,” she said .
CHARLES R . DREW UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE 31