Health Net and the Centene Foundation Award $5.5 Million Grant to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science for Healthcare Workforce Development
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has been awarded a $5.5 million grant from Health Net, one of California’s most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).
With a shared commitment to expand and strengthen California’s physician workforce, the grant will support CDU’s efforts to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in the medical profession. CDU’s initiatives, such as the Postbaccalaureate Leadership Program, 4-Year Medical Degree Program, Internal Medicine Residency, and Graduate Medical Education programs, aim to recruit, retain, and support students on their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.
“This generous gift highlights the shared commitment of CDU, the Centene Foundation, and Health Net to fostering culturally appropriate care and addressing the critical need for a healthcare workforce that understands the community it serves,” said Dr. David M. Carlisle, president and CEO of CDU.
With these funds, CDU will provide full-ride scholarships to medical students to ease the financial burden of tuition and fees, offer salary support for Internal Medicine residents serving South Los Angeles communities, and enhance wrap-around support services to address academic and personal challenges faced by students and residents. The grant will also support faculty development to mentor students through matriculation and establish emergency financial funds for students in need. Additionally, the university will expand MCAT preparation programs to better prepare students for medical school admissions.
“This grant will not only support students on their path to becoming physicians but also help ensure California’s healthcare workforce has a better understanding of the communities it serves – ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for all,” said Dorothy Seleski, senior vice president of Medi-Cal at Health Net. “At Health Net, we are committed to breaking down barriers to healthcare access by investing in the next generation of medical professionals.”
By empowering future physicians through scholarships, training, and mentorship, this grant will have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape, particularly in underserved and under resourced communities like South Los Angeles.