A Message from the Founding Dean
Dear CDU Family, Friends, and Distinguished Associates:
As you may know, last October Charles R. Drew University became the fourth accredited medical school offering the MD degree at a historically Black institution. CDU was awarded preliminary accreditation by the prestigious Liaison Committee on Medical Education, tasked with reviewing and approving new medical school applicant institutions across the US. This accomplishment stands as one of the most exciting occurrences in our school’ s 57-year history.
This honor of becoming a new independent 4-year medical program is truly historic. Finally, after many years of arduous toil and high expectation, this effort represents a bona fide opportunity to address the need to eradicate longstanding health care disparities in South Los Angeles and countywide. The new medical school will train its students to become first-rate, well-trained physicians utilizing the most up-todate medical strategies in history.
It is a well-known fact that a medical education is an expensive proposition. At base, the students being admitted are dynamic, dedicated, and passionate – yet economically challenged. They need your help. I am appealing to you to be an Angel for our inaugural medical school class that will graduate in 2027. 60 students are slated for enrollment in that first class.
To be sure, these are students that reflect the brilliance for which CDU students are nationally known. As a group, they plan to serve in medically under-resourced areas at graduation. Many are from the surrounding communities where the healthcare need is greatest. Their commitment places them in jeopardy, as they and their families may be forced to take on significant financial debt to pursue their dream.
To many, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are asking that you validate their vision by becoming an Angel. Not only will your decision affect the students’ careers, but the community will also receive one of the greatest gifts possible: a sustained, dedicated, long overdue, and vital healthcare resource. Your contribution as an Angel will certainly go a long way.
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 6