CDU Awarded $1 Million from RWJF to Advance MD Program Accreditation
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has received a $1 million award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to support the University’s progress toward full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), with a focus on student success and teaching excellence.
This is one of six awards to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have existing or forthcoming medical schools, part of RWJF’s generational goal of creating equitable and accountable public health and healthcare systems.
“HBCU medical schools have a long history preparing students to thrive in medicine, provide high quality care in underserved communities, and advance timely research in all aspects of medicine and health care,” said Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, vice president of Strategic Portfolios at RWJF. “RWJF is honored to invest in Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science as it builds on this proud legacy. By supporting CDU’s leadership and innovation, we are affirming our belief that diversity in the health professions strengthens care, expands access, and improves outcomes for everyone.”
CDU’s independent 4-Year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program became the first medical degree program to open at a Historically Black University in the U.S. since 1981, when it received preliminary accreditation from the LCME in October 2022. With 180 students enrolled so far, the program is directly addressing physician workforce diversity.
“This award represents a vital investment in our students, faculty, and community as we advance toward full accreditation,” said CDU President and CEO, David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD. “It is another step in realizing a vision that began with our founders nearly 60 years ago—to prepare physicians who not only excel in medicine but who also embody our mission of advancing social justice and health equity for underserved populations. With support like this, we are building the infrastructure needed to ensure our MD program thrives for generations to come.”
The University received provisional accreditation for its MD program in July 2025 and is preparing for full accreditation, with an LCME survey visit scheduled for February 1-3, 2027.