Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science

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Impact of KDMC's Crisis Continues on Drew University

(Los Angeles, CA) Nov 1, 2006—Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science announced today, after an emergency meeting of its Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC), that it would voluntarily withdraw from Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) sponsorship effective July 1, 2007. This action, which is expected to be ratified by the Drew Board of Trustees on Friday, was taken in the interests of the nearly 250 Resident Doctors whose learning environment has been made unstable by the loss of accreditation at King/Drew Medical Center (KDMC), Drew’s former teaching hospital.

“It was an overwhelming vote for the welfare of the Residents and a tribute to the university’s courage under fire,” said Drew University President Dr. Susan Kelly. “It would have been a proud and moving moment for any University President. Against what they might personally have preferred, the deans, faculty and Residents of this university did the best thing for its Residents – and they did it quickly.”

The decision is expected to be accepted by the ACGME Board. Drew will now work to rebuild its Residency programs in partnership with some of the many local hospitals that have shown an interest in partnering with the university.

“We are 100% committed to supporting our residents and following the standards and guidelines of ACGME” said Dr. Nancy Hanna, Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education.

On October 26, 2006 ACGME had announced the loss of King/Drew Medical Center as Drew’s teaching hospital partner as a “catastrophic event” in their terms, although ACGME did not find any certification deficiency directly related to resident supervision or medical education. The ACGME had given the university until January 5, 2007 to offer an alternative plan. “The committee’s action this morning, over two months ahead of the deadline, shows ACGME and the community that Drew is a responsible partner in the accreditation process, dedicated to swift and appropriate remedies,” Dr Hanna said.

“It’s good that we can make this tough decision that is ultimately in the best interests of the Residents and the patient population that we serve,” said Dr. Erold Jean-Francois, a Resident in Ophthalmology. “It brings stability and a sense of empowerment in place of what has been a roller coaster ride.”

Dr. Kelly said that Drew will establish a stronger academic and clinical structure and apply for a new accreditation for the first program by January 2008. “In five years time, Drew University will be transformed with a new Resident program structure, an expanded two-year program and, with University of California support, a new four-year medical degree focused on graduating more doctors from diverse backgrounds who are committed to serving poor communities.” Just last week, Governor Schwarzenegger wrote a strong letter of support to UC Regent President Parsky for Drew’s ambitions to have its own four-year medical degree and to make a bigger contribution to the doctor shortage. “This is a time of great opportunity for Drew - cunningly disguised as a series of body blows,” Dr Kelly wryly added.

(The Graduate Medical Education Committee is made up of 30 members. There are 5 Residents, 6 Deans and Associate Deans, and 19 Program directors and Associate Program Directors. The GMEC holds the internal authority to vote and decide on any major ACGME matters. Members are appointed by the department’s chairs, the Dean of the College of Medicine and the University President. The Residents are elected by their peers.)