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Sabrina Montgomery is a student in the inaugural CDU 4-year Medical Degree program.

Montgomery, who graduates in Spring 2027, is a proud Inglewood, California native. Both her educational journey and formative years unfolded in Inglewood and South Los Angeles.

As she grew up in these communities, Montgomery witnessed the stark inadequacy of medical, educational, and economic resources. This observation instilled in her an unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities, particularly those of color.

“The passing of my grandfather from kidney failure during my childhood and my father’s struggle with early-onset dementia, culminating in his recent passing, further fueled my determination to pursue a career in medicine,” explained Montgomery.

Witnessing her grandfather confined to an electric chair and undergoing dialysis left a lasting impression on her life and ignited her curiosity about medicine. She was only in the sixth grade when her grandfather succumbed to his illness.

“As I grappled with the reasons behind his death and the necessity for dialysis, I began questioning healthcare disparities,” said Montgomery. “It became clear that individuals in underserved communities face disproportionately higher rates of poor health outcomes. This realization deepened my interest in the medical field, propelling me to seek answers to these questions and a commitment to learning how to prevent others from experiencing the loss of family members as I did.”

Attending CDU was a long standing dream of Montgomery’s. She recognized the striking alignment between the University’s goals and the aspirations she held for her future as a physician.

“What drew me in was the prospect of attending a school where I would have close access to trailblazers who look like me in both the medical and public health fields — individuals actively engaged in transformative work within the Black and Brown communities I call home,” explained Montgomery. “I yearned for an educational experience where I could be mentored and trained by those who share my background and are making a tangible impact. Few schools could offer such a compelling appeal.”

She describes her time at CDU as being incredibly fulfilling.

“From the very first moment I set foot on campus, and every day thereafter, I’ve felt a genuine sense of belonging,” said Montgomery. “I am profoundly grateful that CDU recognized something in me and chose to invest in my potential in the way they have.”

The Inglewood native anticipates her future with boundless optimism.

“My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement — I am excited about making a lasting impact in the communities that have shaped me into the person I am today,” shared Montgomery. “Specifically, I look forward to influencing the lives of women of color, aiming to develop initiatives that genuinely improve the health outcomes of Black women within the medical system.”