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For Staci Bush, PA, ’03 a career in medicine wasn’t just a calling—it was a discovery made on the campus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

A graduate of the Physician Assistant program in the College of Science and Health, Bush now serves as the Senior Director of Virology Scientific Collaboration in U.S. Medical Affairs at Gilead, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation and public health advocacy.

Her journey into healthcare began with CDU’s Health Careers Opportunity Program’s (HCOP) Summer Institute, a 6-week structured summer program for undergraduate and graduate students featuring clinical, research, and leadership experience modules.

“My time at CDU started with HCOP,” Bush recalled. “I participated in the summer program to see if I was made for medicine—if I could handle the sight of blood. I was already working full time as a high school teacher so I would come in for rotations at the hospital for half a day.”

Eager to learn, she entered the program alongside her sister, who at the time was pursuing pre-medicine. “When we came out of HCOP, my sister said, ‘I can’t do this,’ and I said, ‘I love medicine.’

That moment of clarity transformed a career in education into one of healing. Inspired by her students, Bush took her own advice after encouraging a young mother in her classroom to consider a career in healthcare. “She asked me, ‘Why don’t you do it?’ and I realized—maybe I should.”

Since graduating, Bush has carried CDU’s mission with her at every stage of her career. At Gilead, she leads efforts in virology scientific collaboration, blending clinical insight with advocacy and research. Throughout her work, she remains deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations—just as she did during her training.

“Someone once told me this about CDU’s training, and I believe it: If you can succeed at Drew – where you learn to serve the neediest patients in the most under-resourced communities – you will succeed anywhere,” she said.

Bush also serves as a mentor to aspiring health professionals, offering internships and guiding residents through clinical rotations at her company. Her message to the next generation of medical leaders is clear:

“Remember why you came into this work,” she said. “So many students say they want to help people, but their focus can fade. So remember why you started, that you are here to help, especially those who need the most help.”