August 2023 Page 4 CDU Newsletter
CDU Welcomes Inaugural Cohort
CDU embarked on an extraordinary journey on July 10 , 2023 , as it welcomed the inaugural cohort of students to its historic MD program .
The day started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony , held in the newly renovated section of the Cobb Building , that marked the official start of the program and the beginning of an exciting chapter in the university ’ s legacy .
The launch of CDU ’ s MD program carries immense significance , particularly in diversifying the physician workforce . As the first independent 4-year medical degree program offered through a Historically Black institution west of the Mississippi River , this milestone will pave the way for increased diversity and inclusion within the medical field .
Graduating 60 doctors annually starting in 2027 , this program aims to address healthcare disparities and foster equitable access to quality care in underresourced communities .
The program has attracted and accepted a diverse group of students for its first cohort , which includes 36 female and 24 male students . Approximately half of the cohort is Black and a quarter are Hispanic / Latino . The average age of enrolled students is 27 years old , with the oldest being 44 and the youngest being 20 . Over half of the cohort are proficient in languages other than English , including Spanish ( 46.6 %), Arabic ( 6.6 %), and American Sign Language ( 3.3 %). Among the students , 42 are from California , while the remaining 18 come from other states .
A notable highlight of the day was the presence of Fesia Davenport , CEO of Los Angeles County . She visited the campus to familiarize the new students with Los Angeles County and Service Planning Area- 6 ( SPA-6 ) in which CDU is located . “ I am delighted to