CDU News | Page 3
President ’ s Message
Greetings ,
I often reference the concept of “ The CDU Community ” in conversations , speeches , and other communications , but what does it really refer to ? Who is part of the CDU Community and what does it mean to be a part of it ?
Loosely speaking , the CDU community is comprised of the many people who make up the greater CDU ecosystem . At its core , you ’ ll find our students , staff , and faculty . This is where the diligent work of cultivating diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations takes place . However , none of that would come to pass were it not for the existence and support of an extended range of people and organizations who round out the CDU Community .
There are our partners , which include the vast network formally and informally connected to CDU . School districts , healthcare providers , researchers , donors , universities , supporters in the political sphere , hospitals — all of these and more can be counted among our partners and enhance the CDU experience in varied but essential ways while also being enriched through a relationship with our University .
One does not have to look far to find another important and vital part of the CDU Community . It lies right beyond the borders of our campus . It ’ s the neighborhoods and people of South Los Angeles , to whom we have pledged a better future through equitable health outcomes fueled by workforce diversity across the medical professions . These neighborhoods are the soil from which CDU has grown and bloomed . There are others like them across the country and the globe , neighborhoods just like ours whose futures are to some degree tied to what we do here at CDU .
If you don ’ t fall into any of these categories and find yourself wondering if you are part of The CDU Community , then I can put that cognitive dissonance to rest . You most certainly are . I can only scratch the surface when it comes to defining this community , but I can assure you that if you are reading our monthly newsletter , you are already clearly engaged with our mission and vision .
You will find evidence of what the CDU Community can achieve throughout this month ’ s edition of CDU News . Tales of clothing drives , generous financial support , inspired research , and more lie within . These stories combine with the countless tales and deeds that have accumulated since our founding in 1966 to paint a picture of a powerful force that has come together as one . It ’ s a community I am proud to be in and I thank you all for being part of it .
Sincerely ,
Dr . David M . Carlisle , MD , PhD . President and CEO