Charles R. Drew University Appoints New Academic Leadership

Los Angeles, California, July 6, 2005— The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Board of Trustees selected Thomas Yoshikawa, M.D., Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, to fill the newly created position of Provost/Chief Operating Officer and Acting President, effective July 1.

In his appointment, Dr. Yoshikawa will function as the chief academic officer of Drew University and be responsible for all academic administration, faculty appointments and promotions and development of academic policies and programs. He will also direct and coordinate activities of the deans and chairpersons of both colleges as well as provide advice on personnel matters.

“Dr. Yoshikawa brings 39 years of professional experience to his new position,” said Bart H. Williams, Esq., Chairman of the Drew University Board of Trustees. “I am confident that his impressive track record of accomplishments will continue as we move the University forward.”

"My ultimate goal is to continue with the positive strides we have made,” said Dr. Yoshikawa. “I am passionate about our vision; I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students.”

As one of his first duties, Dr. Yoshikawa announced the appointment of Ronald A. Edelstein, Ed.D., as Acting Dean of the College of Medicine; Vidya Kaushik, M.D., as Acting Chair Department of Internal Medicine; and Nancy Hanna, M.D., as Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education.
Affiliated with the Department of Internal Medicine since 1995, Dr. Yoshikawa received his B.A. Degree in 1962 from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and his M.D. Degree in 1966 from the University of Michigan. He completed his internship, residency and fellowship in infectious diseases at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Presently, Dr. Yoshikawa is the editor of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.

For more information, please contact Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science at 323-563-5822 or visit our website at www.cdrewu.edu.
Founded in 1966 in response to the lack of adequate medical facilities in the South Los Angeles area, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is the only historically Black and Hispanic serving institution for graduate medical and health professions education west of the Mississippi. A private, not-for-profit institution, the University’s mission is to conduct education and research in the context of community service in order to train physicians and allied health professionals to provide care with excellence and compassion, especially to underserved populations.