August 2023 Page 10 CDU Newsletter
CDU Students Attend Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Meeting
The inaugural class of Charles R . Drew University of Medicine and Science ( CDU ) 4-year MD program , residents , and College of Medicine leadership made a memorable appearance at the July 11 meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors .
The students were extended an invitation by Second District Supervisor Holly J . Mitchell to participate in the session , where they were acknowledged for their presence during the discussion of Agenda Item 10 .
“ We are joined today by an amazing group of young people who are the inaugural class of the Charles Drew University of Medicine Medical School ,” said Supervisor Mitchell . “ This is the second day of medical school , and they have chosen to come and be with us today as a reflection of their commitment to not only study medicine , but what the study of medicine will do in their effort to address issues of social justice and racial inequality . And so I ’ m glad that you ’ re here to witness your government in action-- the good and the bad , if you will .”
The agenda item , titled , “ New Actions to Provide Debt Relief and Support to Student Borrowers ,” resonated with the CDU students , many of whom are facing significant financial challenges in pursuit of their medical education . The motion presented by supervisors Hilda L . Solis and Lindsey P . Horvath proposed a series of actions aimed at helping student borrowers cope with the burden of loans , including disseminating information about debt relief programs .
While expressing her support in favor of the motion , Supervisor Mitchell addressed the extra weight the first-year medical students were carrying in pursuit to become physicians .
“ When we recognize the extra burden they will face as first-year medical students , because of the supreme court decision , when we recognize the number of Latinx and African American doctors this medical school will produce for L . A . county , and we are asking them to incur this debt on top of the debt that they ’ ve incurred as undergrads , please know that we tip our hat to you ,” remarked Supervisor Mitchell . “ Stay in there . Stick with it . You know , we need you . So , I ’ m glad that this motion asks for our county departments to stay involved in that process , and I think it ’ s great for us to be proactive about our outreach and communication to the public .”
Following the discussion , the motion was unanimously carried 5-0 , signifying the Board ’ s commitment to supporting student borrowers and exploring avenues to ease the burden of student loans .