The Sharpest Scalpel – Newsletter Archive

The highlight of this issue is the 10th Annual President’s Breakfast, a celebration of leadership, scholarship, and community impact across Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). The event underscored CDU’s ongoing commitment to cultivating excellence and innovation while remaining deeply rooted in service to the surrounding community.

This edition also spotlights CDU’s expanding research portfolio and academic achievements:

• A Special Section on University Research highlights groundbreaking studies advancing health equity and clinical science.

• Provost José Torres-Ruiz shares insights in a one-on-one conversation about the University’s academic vision and evolving programs.

• Vice President Carl McLaney provides updates on the progress of the new Health Professions Education Building, a key milestone in CDU’s campus expansion.

• The HOT TOPIC Forum explores Artificial Intelligence in Medical and Scientific Research, engaging faculty and students in timely discussion about AI’s role in the future of healthcare.

• Students from the 4-Year Medical Program are featured in the Summer Elective Showcase, reflecting CDU’s hands-on approach to medical education.

• The issue also includes a heartfelt remembrance of Dr. Ludlow Creary, honoring his lifelong contributions to medicine and community health.

• Finally, Project Santa Claus 2024 shines as a testament to CDU’s enduring spirit of generosity and service during the holiday season.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel Volume 5, Number 1

The highlight of this issue was the historic $75 million gift from the Hon. Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith described the gift as “the culmination of our hard work and a prayer answered,” marking a transformative moment for the University.

The medical school Class of 2028, CDU’s second cohort, was featured, with special recognition for Assistant Dean Margarita Loeza and her admissions team for their dedication. The White Coat Ceremony welcomed incoming students and provided parents, families, and friends an introduction to campus life. President David Carlisle encouraged students to envision their academic journey, assuring them that the years would pass quickly. The event was filled with excitement, and later in the year, the 2024 Universitywide Commencement celebrated graduates’ achievements with warmth and pride.

An interview with outgoing Interim Provost Dr. Sylvia Manning reflected on her impactful contributions during her short tenure, leaving an organized path for her successor. This issue also covered the release of the 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey, presented by Dr. Barbara Ferrer, County Department of Public Health Director, alongside CDU leaders including Associate Dean Dr. Roberto Vargas. The survey, which gathered data from 9,372 adults and 7,391 children, focused on health disparities by race, ethnicity, and poverty level among Black, Latinx, and Asian communities living below 100% of the federal poverty level in Los Angeles County.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 4, Number 4

President David Carlisle hosted his 9th annual breakfast event at the Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles, spotlighting the urgent need for immigration reform. The theme reflected the University’s dedication to fostering timely and complex conversations.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Carlisle invoked the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reminding attendees that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He introduced keynote speaker Caitlin Dickerson, award-winning investigative journalist and producer, formerly of The New York Times and NPR, now at The Atlantic, where she covers immigration. A Los Angeles native raised in Merced, California, Dickerson described her hometown as an agricultural hub and immigrant community, vastly different from LA. She emphasized that immigration is far more complex than a one-way street and explored the real-life consequences of policy on individuals.

Dickerson shared personal vignettes from her reporting, including the story of Brittany, a woman facing uncertainty while her green card application was pending, fearing potential deportation under shifting policies. A panel of experts—Atty. Nana Gyamfi (Black Alliance for Just Immigration), Dr. Efrain Talamantes (AltaMed), and Atty. Sylvia Diaz (UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs)—further examined the human impact of immigration laws.

This edition also featured a special section on the Hispanic Footprint in Contemporary Medicine, highlighting the legacy of pioneering figures such as Dr. William G. Figueroa and Dr. David Hayes-Bautista. COM Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Arthur Gomez guided the narrative, which included an in-depth interview with Dr. Elena Rios, President of both the National Hispanic Medical Association and the National Hispanic Health Foundation.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 4, Number 3

In his annual State of the University address, President David Carlisle delivered a message of optimism and purpose, highlighting the University’s recent accomplishments and its vision for the future. He emphasized that as CDU entered the Fall 2023 semester, its progress was not just a matter of chance but of destiny—one in which every member of the University community plays a crucial role.

As is his tradition, Dr. Carlisle recognized numerous individuals and organizations whose contributions have propelled CDU forward. He acknowledged significant fundraising partners, including Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the American Cancer Society, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information, and the City of Los Angeles. Each has provided essential support for programs that align with CDU’s mission to advance health equity and reduce healthcare disparities.

The CDU Staff Council announced the 2023 CDU Women of Distinction Award recipients: Dr. Bita Amani, Kathleen Arakaki, Raquel Munoz, and Claudia Ramirez. This award, first introduced in March 2022, honors staff and faculty whose exceptional service and leadership have left a lasting impact on the CDU community and beyond.

The Offices of the Provost and Academic Senate hosted the 10th Annual CDU Outstanding Faculty Awards Ceremony and Dinner Reception, recognizing faculty who embody the University’s mission through their service, teaching, research, and clinical excellence. Award recipients included:

• Outstanding Service Award – Dr. Arthur W. Fleming and Dr. Glenda Lindsey, COM

• Outstanding Teaching Award – Prof. Jennifer Comini, COSH

• Outstanding Research Award – Dr. Shahrzad Bazargan, COM

• Outstanding Clinical Educator Award – Dr. Eleby Washington, COM

• Outstanding Professor Award – Dr. Mohsen Bazargan, COM (also recognized for his service as Faculty Trustee to the CDU Board of Trustees from 2017–2023)

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 4, Number 2

This special souvenir edition celebrated a historic milestone: the opening of CDU’s four-year independent medical school, making it the 157th medical school chartered in the United States. The occasion was marked by a series of memorable events both on and off campus.

The Gateway orientation for the 60-member Class of 2027 set the tone for the week. Welcoming activities included an official recognition ceremony at the Los Angeles County Administrative Headquarters, hosted by 2nd District Supervisor Holly Mitchell. Students were greeted with a warm Welcome to LA presentation from County CEO Fesia Davenport.

President David Carlisle, Sylvia Drew Ivie, Esq. (President’s Special Assistant), and Sr. VP Angela Minniefield shared inspiring remarks on the profound importance of the school’s opening. L.A. Care further honored the occasion by awarding scholarships to selected students during a ceremony at their corporate offices.

The new medical students also enjoyed a visit to Universal Music Group for a meet-and-greet, facility tour, and a taste of Hollywood. The White Coat Ceremony served as a defining moment, offering parents, family, and friends a firsthand glimpse into the students’ entry into the profession of medicine. Course Directors concluded the celebration with an overview of the rigorous and inspiring coursework ahead.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 4, Number 1

The 8th Annual President’s Breakfast addressed one of America’s most urgent and divisive issues under the theme, “Violence in America: A Public Health Emergency.”

California State Attorney General Rob Bonta opened the event with a concise yet impactful summary of his office’s initiatives to reduce gun violence, speaking not only as an official but also as a father of three.

Following him, Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith — an esteemed public health leader, author of nearly a dozen books, and former Director of Public Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — moderated an expert panel. Panelists included Dr. Garen Wintemute (UC Davis Professor and gun violence prevention researcher), Fernando Rejon (Executive Director, Urban Peace Institute), and Carlton Ridenhour, aka Chuck D (Seton Hall graduate and co-founder of Public Enemy).

The discussion was data-driven, thought-provoking, and solutions-focused, exploring how gun violence affects nations, communities, families, and individuals.

On the global front, Dr. Lejeune Lockett, Director of the CDU Office of International Affairs, was interviewed while traveling in South Africa. She shared insights about the Office’s far-reaching impact and reflected on her own international journey — from visiting South Africa as a high school student to living in Namibia before joining CDU.

International connections continued with Dr. Bita Amani, who discussed leading MPH students on an educational trip to Cuba. She emphasized the value of partnerships with institutions such as the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), one of the most influential medical training centers in the world.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 3, Number 4

A historic milestone was reached in the University’s journey — the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) granted preliminary accreditation for CDU’s new medical school.

This accreditation marked the start of a two-year operating window before the LCME’s next site visit, which could lead to provisional accreditation. Final accreditation would follow the graduation of the charter class, with future reviews occurring at longer intervals.

The announcement was met with overwhelming excitement, especially among the leadership team led by President David Carlisle and Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith, who had worked toward this moment for nearly eight years. Dean Prothrow-Stith’s warm, enthusiastic words captured the pride of the day: “Everyone in this room contributed to this day.”

The energy was compared to a juggernaut on a well-laid railroad track, moving forward with unstoppable momentum. Congratulations poured in from across the CDU community:

• Dr. Curley Bonds, CMO of the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, praised the achievement.

• Dr. Richard Seidman, CMO of L.A. Care, supporter, and CDU/UCLA Medical Education Program alumnus, offered his commendations.

• Jeff Kim of the California Wellness Foundation sent his congratulations.

• Dr. Eleby Washington, Chair of the COM Faculty Executive Board, spoke on behalf of all faculty.

Newly appointed Associate Dean for Medical Affairs Dr. Arthur Gomez emphasized CDU’s position on the cusp of leadership in interprofessional education, noting the immediate need for subject area instructors, clinical skills educators, research faculty, and medicine-and-society mentors.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 3, Number 3

This edition focused on two major highlights: Commencement and the upcoming LCME site visit for the new medical school.

The first post-COVID graduation ceremony was held at Dignity Park in Carson, adjacent to the CSUDH campus. The morning keynote address was delivered by philosopher and activist Dr. Cornel West, who encouraged graduates to become “long-distance runners” in the ongoing pursuit of justice, resilience, and the ability to confront pressing social and health challenges.

In preparation for the LCME site visit, Assistant Dean for Medical Education Dr. Glenda Lindsey discussed the distinctive aspects of the new medical school’s curriculum development process, emphasizing that “it takes a village to build and support a community.”

On the facilities front, Vice President Carl McLaney highlighted the CDU Board of Trustees’ significant financial commitment, including the $75M Health Professions Education Building (HPEB). He outlined the long-term campus vision plan, which includes enhancing student life and building infrastructure to match CDU’s academic ambitions.

Senior Vice President Angela Minniefield spoke about the University’s fundraising strategy, noting that the Strategic Plan guides development efforts in partnership with senior leadership and the Board. She stressed the importance of raising CDU’s profile nationally and locally, describing the “foot in the door” approach as essential for building sustainable, long-term support.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 3, Number 2

In her message, Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith outlined preparations for CDU’s new four-year medical school, organized along three strategic tracks:

• Infrastructure and Curriculum Development – Led by Senior Associate Dean Ron Edelstein, EdD.

• Facilities Development – Construction of the new Health Professions Education Building (HPEB) and renovation of the Cobb Building, led by VP Carl McLaney, MPA, to ensure classes begin on time in Fall 2023.

• MD Program Fundraising – Led by Senior VP Angela Minniefield, MPA.

Dean Prothrow-Stith noted strong enthusiasm at all levels, saying, “We are fulfilling the dream set in motion with the founding of this University.”

Philanthropic momentum is strong, with MacKenzie Scott contributing a landmark $20 million gift to CDU as part of her broader commitment to historically Black colleges and universities, totaling over half a billion dollars nationwide.

The article “Transforming Healthcare in South Los Angeles through the Development of a 4-Year Medical School” by Paul Umbach, Principal at Tripp Umbach, illustrated the social and economic impact of the project:

• $208.8M projected impact on California’s economy.

• $179M on Los Angeles County.

• $143.6M on SPA 6 (Source: Tripp Umbach).

Community impact will include:

• Collaborative learning across disciplines.

• Addressing health issues in underserved Los Angeles communities.

• Improving culturally competent care delivery.

• Strengthening regional health systems through research and education.

• Providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 3, Number 1

The annual Drs. Ruth and Ludlow Creary Leadership Lecture featured Dr. Patrice Harris, the first African American woman elected President of the American Medical Association. Her presentation, “Strengthening the Healthcare Safety Net in Los Angeles,” addressed critical challenges and opportunities in expanding access to care for underserved communities.

Community Sports Medicine Initiative – Led by Dr. Lisa Barkley, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine, this program focuses on sports medicine training for future specialists while providing care for students in South Los Angeles schools. Dr. Barkley emphasizes a hands-on approach: delivering real healthcare in real community settings.

Special Feature – “Voices from the Front Line” – This section highlighted the ongoing battle against COVID-19, sharing insights from a diverse group of healthcare professionals and community leaders, including:

• Dr. Roberto Vargas – Associate Dean

• Drs. Sheila Young, Jimmy Hara, and Jerry Abraham

• Prof. Cynthia Davis

• Rev. Dawnesha Beaver

• Drs. Hector Flores and Tracey Veal

• Members of the COVID-19 Community Support Team

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 2, Number 4

This edition was filled with major milestones and celebrations for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Leadership Thanks and Funding Announcements – Dean Prothrow-Stith expressed deep gratitude to Governor Gavin Newsom for a $50 million appropriation toward the construction of the Health Professions Education Building (HPEB), and to L.A. Care for their $5 million contribution to the same project.

37th Annual Commencement Highlights – Honorees included The Hon. Michael Bloomfield, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, and The Hon. Holly Mitchell, recognized for their financial support and advocacy for CDU and the new medical school.

Unveiling the 2021–2026 University Strategic Plan – Five interconnected themes were announced:

• Transforming CDU into a midsize, residential, undergraduate-graduate research institution.

• Promoting the University mission through the CDU Advantage and strategic engagement.

• Securing and deploying resources to match the pace of transformational growth.

• Strengthening internal processes for productivity and efficiency.

• Enhancing the institutional climate.

6th Annual President’s Breakfast – Featured Dr. Angela Davis, celebrated for her lifelong social justice advocacy aligning closely with CDU’s mission and values.

Faculty and Research Spotlights –

• Dr. Arthur Fleming shared insights into the early years of the King/Drew complex and the founding of the Department of Surgery.

• Dr. Lola Ogunyemi, Director of the Center for Biomedical Informatics, shared her journey to becoming a national leader in her field.

Medical Student Research Thesis Colloquium – Under the guidance of Dr. Shahrzad Bazargan, students explored health disparities through mentored research projects culminating in formal thesis submissions.

Film Review – Black Men in White Coats – Produced by men’s health advocate Dr. Dale Okorodudu, this documentary highlights the alarming shortage of African American male physicians and the proven benefits of patient care from providers who share cultural and community identity.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 2, Number 3

This issue captures the continuing challenges and triumphs of the COVID-19 era at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Kedren Health’s Pandemic Leadership – The tireless work of Dr. Jerry Abraham was a central focus, highlighting his pivotal role in ensuring South Los Angeles residents received equitable access to COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution. The Kedren campus became a critical hub for pandemic response efforts.

World AIDS Day Tribute – The issue honored Dr. Wilbert Jordan, a legendary figure in CDU’s history, for his monumental contributions to HIV/AIDS care and research. It also celebrated the appointment of Dr. LaShonda Spencer as the new Director of Drew C.A.R.E.S.

Accreditation Insights – During a Friday Noon Lecture Series, Dr. Barbara Barzansky, LCME Co-Secretary, provided key perspectives on the planning, development, and execution steps that lead to preliminary accreditation for medical schools.

Honoring Dr. Fred Parrott – A long-standing CDU benefactor, Dr. Parrott received special recognition for his extraordinary commitment of time, expertise, and financial support, underscoring the power of visionary individuals to sustain and advance CDU’s mission.

Additional Features –

• Coverage of the 39th Annual Association of Black Women Physicians Gala Benefit.

• A review of former CDU Chief and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher’s influential book, My Quest for Health Equity.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 2, Number 2

This issue highlights Charles R. Drew University’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued commitment to addressing public health challenges.

COVID-19 Response & SDOH Impact – Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith reported that CDU’s vaccine and testing efforts had already delivered 94,000 COVID-19 tests and counting. She also underscored the critical relationship between COVID-19 and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), framing it as a pressing national health issue.

State of the University – Virtual Delivery – Due to pandemic restrictions, President David Carlisle delivered the 2020 State of the University address virtually. His speech reflected unwavering passion for CDU’s mission, celebrated the University’s achievements, and recognized substantial funding support from sources including the HRSA grant, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, and L.A. Care.

The CDU Advantage – Provost Steve Michael provided an insightful analysis, describing the CDU Advantage as unique, innovative, and groundbreaking. Drawing lessons from healthcare providers, he emphasized that all patients should be treated equally, regardless of social status or ability to pay. He noted that many CDU-trained professionals come from underserved communities and carry forward a commitment to doing well by doing good.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 2, Number 1

Nicknamed “The COVID Edition”, this issue of The Sharpest Scalpel reflected on two defining moments of 2020: the global pandemic and the George Floyd tragedy. In her Dean’s Message, Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith described both as world-changing events, underscoring CDU’s mission to prepare future health professionals to advocate for justice and improve community well-being. A powerful pictorial captured the on-campus demonstration for social justice, where students, faculty, and administrators stood united under the message “Silence is Violence.”

The University’s widely praised COVID-19 testing site was featured as a model for best practices across Los Angeles County and Southern California, highlighting CDU’s leadership in public health outreach during the height of the crisis.

This edition also covered the 2020 College of Medicine full faculty meeting, which included updates on the LCME accreditation process and plans for the new Health Professions Education Building (HPEB)—a dedicated facility for medical students, faculty, and program administrators. The issue recognized Dr. Glenda Lindsey for her key role in shaping the medical school curriculum and featured Dr. J. Eugene Grigsby, Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, who described the DAC’s role in guiding the medical school’s development.

The Department of Family Medicine was awarded a 5-year, $2M HRSA grant to expand access to integrated care in South Los Angeles and provide advanced training for CDU faculty, resident physicians, and physician assistants through a collaborative treatment model.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 1, Number 4

This edition spotlighted the joint CDU/UCLA Medical Education Program through an interview with Dr. Kelsey Martin, Dean of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, who reflected on the strong 40-year partnership between the two institutions. It also profiled Dr. Richard Seidman, Chief Medical Officer at L.A. Care and a distinguished alumnus of the joint program.

A pictorial feature highlighted Project Santa Claus, led by COM Associate Dean Dr. Daphne Calmes and her team, showcasing CDU’s commitment to community engagement. The Black College Expo was also covered, connecting HBCUs with prospective students and offering on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships.

The University’s active residency programs in Family Medicine and Psychiatry were explored through interviews with Dr. Lisa Barkley and Dr. Gul Ebrahim. The issue also recognized the work of the Community Faculty Program, represented by Dr. David Martins and Prof. Aziza Lucas Vornado, continuing the legacy of the late Dr. Loretta Jones. Prof. Cynthia Davis was acknowledged for her decades of innovative community-based research.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 1, Number 3

In this issue, President David Carlisle delivered his annual State of the University address, sharing a hopeful message that celebrated CDU’s progress while acknowledging the challenges still ahead. He recognized and thanked elected officials whose efforts secured a $7.5 million gift for the University, presenting CDC Champion medals to State Senators Holly Mitchell and Steven Bradford, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas for their ongoing support.

The Dean’s Message from Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith recounted her travels to historic cultural sites in Greece and Turkey with her husband. Highlights from the season included the return of Jazz at Drew, featuring performances by the Ohio Players and Will Downing, as well as the Stovall Foundation serving as Gold Sponsor for the 2019 Homecoming Gala. The issue also featured an interview with Dr. Eleby Washington, Chair of the Department of Surgery and President of the COM Faculty Executive Board (FEB).

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 1, Number 2

The inaugural edition featured a Dean’s Message from Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, who expressed gratitude to President David Carlisle and CDU’s senior leadership for their role in advancing the University’s mission. She congratulated 28 new physician residents preparing to address the healthcare needs of South Los Angeles and celebrated the revival of the College of Medicine’s residency programs.

This issue also covered Dr. Denese Shervington’s testimony before the U.S. Congress Oversight Committee on the long-term effects of childhood trauma in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. In addition, readers received a progress update from the four-year medical school planning committee, underscoring CDU’s commitment to expanding medical education opportunities in underserved communities.

Read the full issue here: Sharpest Scalpel – Volume 1, Number 1