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CDU Newsletter August 2023 to Historic MD Program
engage with these aspiring doctors who will make a profound impact on our community ,” said Davenport .
Her visit reaffirmed the collaborative efforts between CDU and Los Angeles County to enhance healthcare and improve outcomes for the diverse population they serve .
This first day of the program also included a range of activities and sessions to get the students up to speed . Students had the opportunity to introduce themselves to their classmates , fostering a sense of community from the very beginning .
The day also featured informative sessions on the history and mission of CDU , a review of the program ’ s curriculum , and a panel discussion with course directors , providing valuable insights into the MD program ’ s structure and goals .
Deborah Prothrow-Stith , MD , Professor of Internal
Medicine and Founding Dean of the CDU MD Program , emphasized the historic significance of the day , stating , “ Today , we mark a pivotal moment in the transformation of medical education . CDU ’ s MD program represents a commitment to training a new generation of physicians who embody diversity , compassion , and social justice .”
CDU ’ s MD program represents the 157th medical degree program in the United States and stands as one of only four MD programs offered at a Historically Black Medical School .
The establishment of the program , which has been a goal since CDU was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts Uprising to address healthcare disparities in South Los Angeles and beyond , exemplifies CDU ’ s commitment to academic excellence , community engagement , and addressing the critical health needs of underserved populations .