New CDU MD Program Receives a Rousing Sendoff
After what has seemed like an endless amount of research and planning, a hopeful University finally reached the initial pinnacle toward opening the doors of the CDU MD program. The reality of opening with a charter class scheduled for Fall 2023 was confirmed on October 17th with the official announcement of preliminary accreditation awarded by the LCME. Full accreditation will be granted when the first class graduates in 2027.
This accomplishment is surely one of the most significant milestones that CDU has experienced in its 56-year history. The event was celebrated as vociferously within the University’ s circles as a national championship in collegiate football at other institutions. The preliminary accreditation is the first step in a long journey toward developing a foundation for world class medical training that fulfills the promise made at the onset of the University’ s founding.
Founding Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith set the most appropriate tone of the combined press conference / celebration by acknowledging attendees in a packed Cobb building foyer.“ Everybody in this room contributed to this day,” she stated. The crowd went wild with cheers and whoop-whoops of sheer delight.
The mix of official attendees included members of the Board of Trustees, senior administrators, faculty and staff, current and former students, and a cohort of influential supporters representing the key organizations who have buoyed the effort to bring to fruition the first medical school centered in the south Los Angeles. Also on hand via Zoom were other leaders who spoke of the joy of developing a first-rate medical institution dedicated to training students in the manner of 21st century medicine and beyond.
President David Carlisle’ s message to the members of the press and attendees was vital. It echoed many of his statements heard along the way to this moment, as he acknowledged the many contributors whose labor culminated in the here and now of this effort. Notably, he cited the Charles R. Drew Society for assisting in keeping alive the idea of a CDU MD program. He posthumously thanked pioneers such as Dr. Leroy Weekes and Dr. Gus Gill who continually encouraged him to stay the course and deliver the highest quality of service to the community.
Also receiving thanks were the members of the College of Medicine Dean’ s Advisory Committee. Dean Prothrow-Stith, the President amplified, is the quarterback of this effort. In acknowledging the University’ s senior administrators, the President noted that,“ This is what happens when a dedicated, tenacious group of people go to work.” His remarks were heartfelt, he added.
Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Dr. Christina Ghaly cited CDU’ s importance in a community where so many people need to receive high quality health services. The new medical school will grow the workforce of tomorrow, she added. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, paid tribute to University leadership, stating that CDU is a premier institutions training physicians who will make a difference in the world.
Mark Ridley-Thomas, who as Second District County Supervisor was highly instrumental in stabilizing the University’ s ability to carry out its mission, thanked President Carlisle and Dean Prothrow-Stith for their tenacity in never giving up. The ability to elevate the quality of life in South Los Angeles was a significant step because you can’ t keep people down who need to do what they do, he said.
To DAC Chair Dr. Eugene Grigsby, the moment was an opportunity to reflect on the development of the 1991-93 University Master Plan. He cited local residents such as Caffie Green, Mary Henry, Lillian Mobley, and others as
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