Jaydutt V. Vadgama, Ph.D., Chief, Division of Cancer Research and Training/director, Molecular Oncology, Professorship in Cancer Research — for his advancement in understanding the pathogenesis of breast and colorectal cancer in African American and Latina subjects, improving the ability to better treat these and other cancers.

Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Professorship in Cardio-Metabolic Medicine for his advancement in diabetes, obesity and drug addiction.

Eric G. Bing, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, Director, DrewCARES, Professorship in Global Health and HIV for his advancements in global awareness and treatment of HIV.

In presenting the awards, Keith C. Norris, M.D., FACP, Vice President for Research, The Charles Drew University, said, “These doctors today through their work carry on the legacy of our namesake, Dr. Charles Drew as pioneering scientists. They have reinforced The Charles Drew University’s reputation on the university research map, distinguishing it as one of the world leaders making great advancements in the area of cancer, cardio, HIV and AIDS research.” 

Dr. Susan Kelly, President of The Charles Drew University, thanked the three outstanding recipients. “It’s not enough to express the appreciation of the university community, since Jay, Ted and Eric are making such an impact not only here but throughout the world. We honor them not only for their extraordinary research but also for the quality of teaching they provide to our students.”

 “These medical scholars could perform their work anywhere in the nation, the world,” added Dr. Norris, “but they chose our university.”

In an uplifting and sometimes emotional ceremony, the three medical researchers accepted their recognition with humility and gratitude for the University’s support of their programs. 

“The people at Charles Drew, and in particular some of the key leadership, make me feel wanted,” said Dr. Jay Vadgama.  “The university is my home and my family. I need the community here to remind me why I went into a career in Academic Medicine in the first place.” 

Dr. Vadgama went on to say that he and his colleagues have been able to grow more programs, bring in more funds, develop partnerships with UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, “because the community at the University is able to provide me the necessary support.  The national and international communities in my field in cancer research have recognized the importance what we do at The Charles Drew University.”

Honored for his leadership role of endocrinology diseases, Dr. Theodore Friedman came to The Charles Drew University as an emerging scientist from Cedars-Sinai. “He has demonstrated outstanding leadership through his success in obtaining grants, mentorship and administrative input,” said Dr. Norris

“Advancing the latest information and knowledge about the dangers of obesity and diabetes,” said Dr. Friedman “has been slow in the community.  I’m committed to perform research that shows how to more effectively disseminate this information.”

Dr. Eric G. Bing, a Harvard-educated professional, talked about the social and emotional impact of HIV/AIDS.  “I’m honored for all the research progression we’ve made not only here in the U.S. but on a global basis, the university has made tremendous advancement especially in Angola and now Rwanda,” he said.  

Norris said that as a result of the work of these remarkable men, a cluster of medical professionals now come together to network, exchange information and learn from each other which in turn greatly accelerates the research process. “The applied benefits of research now flow more rapidly as a result of experts working together.” 

The Charles Drew University honored their recipients for their leadership on the school’s Medical Sciences Institute.  “We hope this Professorship Award is the start of a continuing tradition and one that Drew can make more often as a result of all the new discoveries our researchers will continue to make,” said Dr. Norris.