The Californer - Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Presented With Million Check at Ceremony

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CDU advocate Assembly member Mike A. Gipson conferred a celebratory check on campus

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- A special event was held on the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) campus recently to commemorate the recent $50 million allocation from the State of California to the University. Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson presented the check.

"It gives me great pleasure to demonstrate our commitment to this great institution of higher learning with this check of $50 million," said Assemblymember Gipson. "Let's celebrate the future of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, an institution that matters to the people."

The overall impact of the proposed new medical education program that is pending review and approval by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education will benefit the state by increasing the number of Black and Latino medical graduates joining the healthcare workforce, with the first class slated to begin in Fall 2023.

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"CDU believes in the ability of education advocacy and empowerment to change lives and create opportunities," said Dr. Carlisle. "I stand a little bit prouder as we gather to acknowledge and celebrate one of this university's most significant funding awards to date, a one-time $50 million allocation from the state of California to support our new four-year medical degree program."

Today, as a Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI), the university's graduates go on to serve communities across the nation. The new program is expected to educate 60 students annually.

"When the dreams of a people get matched with competent and effective elected officials, you get to celebrate because reality becomes that dream," Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith noted. "I thank you and all of those who helped put this together for us."

As a testament to how this type of program enriches lives, Felisha Eugenio gave a first-hand look at how the current curriculum impacted her career. Now a CDU Doctor of Medicine resident, she emphasized how CDU played a vital role in changing her life.

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"My roots here at CDU began long before residency, I am a product of its pipelines. I first began attending and then volunteering at what was once the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center across the street. After college, I was a student in the post-baccalaureate program here before matriculating into the Charles R. Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program. So I would not be the physician I am today without the unwavering support of Dr. Daphne Calmes and the amazing team at our medical school," said Eugenio. "CDU's commitment to diversity is not only evident in its educational programs but by the makeup of its student body and educators."

To learn more about Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, please visit www.cdrewu.edu.