CDU MD Students Honored at LA County Board of Supervisors Meeting
The second cohort of students in the historic CDU 4-year MD program and College of Medicine senior leadership and faculty made a memorable appearance at the July 30 meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
The students were extended an invitation by Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to participate in the session. More than half of the 60 students in the College of Medicine’s Class of 2028 are from California and 25 students are native to LA County’s five supervisorial districts.
“We talk often about the need for diversity in our health care professional system and we have a medical school right here in LA County that is doing it,” remarked Supervisor Mitchell. “What’s so important about that, based on all of the research that we’ve seen, is the commitment you all have made prior to your entrance into medical school and the commitment you’re going to make to all of us upon your successful graduation.”
Dr. Gomez, Senior Associate Dean of Medical Education, joined Supervisor Mitchell behind the podium to express the significance of the students’ commitment to taking care of the underserved.
“Our students are donning their white coats representative of empathy and service to communities, all communities, especially those vulnerable communities, communities of those who are ill, those who have been underserved in the past,” said Dr. Gomez. “No more is the white coat going to be a symbol of disparaging care, resource care only for the wealthy, we commit that this white coat will represent true empathy, and true care for all communities, communities of color, LGBTQ, communities of disability, all communities that are deserving of care.”