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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) embarked on an extraordinary journey on July 10, 2023, as it welcomed the inaugural cohort of students to its historic MD program.

The day started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in the newly renovated section of the Cobb Building, that marked the official start of the program and the beginning of an exciting chapter in the university’s legacy.

The launch of CDU’s MD program carries immense significance, particularly in diversifying the physician workforce. As the first independent 4-year medical degree program offered through a historically black institution west of the Mississippi, this milestone will pave the way for increased diversity and inclusion within the medical field. Graduating 60 diverse and diverse-minded doctors annually starting in 2027, this program aims to address healthcare disparities and foster equitable access to quality care in under-resourced communities.

The program has attracted and accepted a diverse group of students for its first cohort, which includes 37 female and 23 male students. Approximately half of the cohort is Black and nearly a quarter are Hispanic/Latino. The average age of enrolled students is 27 years old, with the oldest being 44 and the youngest being 20. Over half of the cohort are proficient in languages other than English, including Spanish (46.6%), Arabic (6.6%), and American Sign Language (3.3%). Among the students, 42 are from California, while the remaining 18 come from other states.

A notable highlight of the day was the presence of Fesia Davenport, CEO of Los Angeles County. She visited the campus to familiarize the new students with Los Angeles County and Service Planning Area-6 (SPA-6) in which CDU is located. “I am delighted to engage with these aspiring doctors who will make a profound impact on our community,” said Davenport. Her visit reaffirmed the collaborative efforts between CDU and the county to enhance healthcare and improve outcomes for the diverse population they serve.

This first day of the program also included a range of activities and sessions to get the students up to speed. Students had the opportunity to introduce themselves to their classmates, fostering a sense of community from the very beginning. The day also featured informative sessions on the history and mission of CDU, a review of the program’s curriculum, and a panel discussion with course directors, providing valuable insights into the MD program’s structure and goals.

Deborah Prothrow-Stith, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine and Founding Dean of the CDU MD Program, emphasized the historic significance of the day, stating, “Today, we mark a pivotal moment in the transformation of medical education. CDU’s MD program represents a commitment to training a new generation of physicians who embody diversity, compassion, and social justice.”

CDU’s MD program represents the 157th medical degree program in the United States and stands as one of only four MD programs offered at a historically black medical school. The establishment of the program, which has been a goal since CDU was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts Uprising to address healthcare disparities in South Los Angeles and beyond, exemplifies CDU’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and addressing the critical health needs of underserved populations.