Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science: Advancing Health Equity in South Los Angeles

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is a private, historically Black graduate institution in Willowbrook, South Los Angeles, founded in 1966 in response to the Watts Rebellion to address severe healthcare inequities in underserved communities.

As the only historically Black medical college west of the Mississippi, CDU is driven by a public mission centered on social justice and health equity, training diverse health professionals who are likely to serve marginalized populations. Its distinctive “CDU Advantage” curriculum emphasizes research on health disparities, community-based experiential learning, health policy, and global and social justice perspectives. Organized into the College of Medicine, the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing, and the College of Science and Health, CDU offers programs ranging from its independent MD program and nursing degrees to public health, physician assistant, and biomedical sciences.

Research initiatives such as the Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence and Drew CARES are deeply embedded in the community, while student life, service learning, and clinical partnerships reinforce CDU’s role as both an academic institution and a vital engine for community healing and transformation.

The Pulse of Willowbrook: Inside Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

A Private University with a Public Mission

In the landscape of American medical education, few institutions possess a soul as distinct as Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). Located in the Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, just north of Compton and Watts, CDU is more than a university—it is a direct response to a historical cry for justice and a modern engine for health equity.

As a Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI) and a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, CDU stands alone as the only historically Black medical college west of the Mississippi River. Its mandate is clear: to cultivate diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations.

A History Forged in Fire

The story of CDU begins in the aftermath of the Watts Riots (Watts Rebellion) of 1965. The McCone Commission, established to investigate the causes of the unrest, identified a critical lack of access to healthcare as a primary grievance of the South Los Angeles community.

In 1966, the institution was incorporated as the Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School to bridge this gap. It was named after Dr. Charles R. Drew, the brilliant African-American physician, surgeon, and researcher whose pioneering work in blood banking saved thousands of lives during World War II. Dr. Drew’s legacy of excellence and service became the blueprint for the university’s culture.

For over five decades, CDU has evolved from a postgraduate training center into a fully engaged university, transforming the healthcare landscape of South Los Angeles by training the providers who are most likely to return and serve.

The “CDU Advantage”: A Curriculum for Change

What sets a CDU graduate apart is the “CDU Advantage,” a distinct curriculum designed to produce not just clinicians, but “physician-activists” and community leaders. Unlike traditional medical curricula, the CDU educational experience is built on five specific pillars:

1. Research: A focus on translational research that addresses real-world health disparities.
2. Social Justice: Instilling the understanding that healthcare is a human right.
3. International Exposure: Preparing students to understand global health crises.
4. Experiential Education: Learning directly within the community clinics and neighborhoods.
5. Health Policy: Equipping students with the tools to advocate for legislative change.

This model ensures that a CDU alum understands the social determinants of health—the economic and environmental conditions that affect a patient’s well-being—just as well as they understand anatomy or pharmacology.

Academic Colleges and Programs

The university is organized into three colleges, each offering a pathway to impactful careers in healthcare.

1. College of Medicine (COM)

The College of Medicine is the heart of the university’s clinical training.

• The CDU MD Program: In a historic milestone, CDU launched its own independent, 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in 2023. This new program is designed to train “physician change agents” who will lead the fight against health disparities.
• CDU/UCLA Partnership: The university continues its longstanding and prestigious medical education partnership with UCLA, a program that has successfully trained hundreds of physicians committed to working in underserved areas.
• Graduate Medical Education: The college sponsors residency and fellowship programs in critical areas such as Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Public Health, directly increasing the number of specialists available to the local population.

2. Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing (MMDCON)

Named after the former California Lieutenant Governor, this college addresses the severe nursing shortage with a focus on “care with dignity.”

• Programs: Offerings range from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
• Specialties: Graduate tracks include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), directly addressing the mental health crisis in urban communities.

3. College of Science and Health (COSH)

This college offers a diverse array of allied health programs, acting as a pipeline for students entering the medical field.

• Offerings: Degrees include the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Urban Health Disparities, a Physician Assistant (PA) Master’s program, and undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Radiologic Technology.

Research with a Purpose

Research at CDU is not conducted in an ivory tower; it is deeply embedded in the community it serves. The university is a recognized leader in studying and solving health issues that disproportionately affect communities of color. Key research institutes include:

• Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence: A critical initiative addressing the alarming mortality rates among Black mothers in the U.S.
• Drew CARES: A dedicated research and treatment network focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
• Urban Health Institute: A hub for research that seeks to understand and dismantle the root causes of health disparities in urban settings.
• CDU/UCLA Cancer Center Partnership: A collaboration focused on reducing cancer burdens in minority populations.

Student Life and Community Impact

The campus atmosphere at CDU is intimate, supportive, and incredibly diverse.

• Demographics: Over 80% of the student body identifies as coming from communities of color, creating a culturally rich environment where students feel seen and understood.
• Support: With small class sizes, students receive personalized mentorship from faculty who are often leaders in their respective fields.
• Traditions: Events like the White Coat Ceremony signify the transition into clinical healthcare, while the student-led Student Government (CDUSG) advocates for the needs of the student body across all three colleges.

Service Learning

True to its mission, the community is the classroom. CDU students participate in outreach programs like the Saturday Science Academy II, which inspires local K-12 students to pursue STEM careers, effectively building a “pipeline” of future doctors and scientists from the neighborhood. Clinical students often rotate through the Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center, located immediately adjacent to the campus, providing essential care to local residents.

Conclusion

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a beacon of hope and a powerhouse of intellect in South Los Angeles. It proves that when you combine academic excellence with a heart for social justice, you do more than just graduate students—you heal communities.

For prospective students, researchers, and donors who wish to be part of this transformative mission, more information is available at the official website: https://www.cdrewu.edu/

FAQs about CDU

What is Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is a private health sciences university in South Los Angeles dedicated to advancing health equity and social justice through education, research, and community service.

Where is Charles R. Drew University located?
CDU is located in the Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles, near Compton and Watts, adjacent to the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Campus.

When was Charles R. Drew University founded?
The university was founded in 1966 following recommendations from the McCone Commission after the Watts Rebellion to address healthcare inequities in South Los Angeles.

Why is Charles R. Drew University historically significant?
CDU is the only historically Black medical college west of the Mississippi River and was established to directly respond to systemic healthcare disparities.

Who was Charles R. Drew?
Dr. Charles R. Drew was a pioneering African American physician and scientist whose groundbreaking work in blood banking saved countless lives during World War II.

What is the mission of Charles R. Drew University?
The mission of CDU is to cultivate diverse health professional leaders committed to social justice, health equity, and service to underserved communities.

What makes CDU different from other medical universities?
CDU emphasizes community-based education, social determinants of health, health policy, and training clinicians who are committed to serving marginalized populations.

What is the “CDU Advantage”?
The CDU Advantage is a curriculum framework focused on research, social justice, experiential learning, global health exposure, and health policy advocacy.

Does CDU offer a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program?
Yes, CDU launched its independent four-year MD program in 2023 to train physician change agents focused on health equity.

Does CDU still partner with UCLA?
Yes, CDU maintains a longstanding and respected medical education partnership with UCLA that has trained hundreds of physicians.

What colleges are part of Charles R. Drew University?
CDU consists of the College of Medicine, the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing, and the College of Science and Health.

What programs are offered in the College of Medicine?
The College of Medicine offers the MD program, residency and fellowship programs, and joint programs with UCLA.

What nursing programs does CDU offer?
CDU offers nursing degrees ranging from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

What advanced nursing specialties are available at CDU?
Graduate nursing specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks.

What programs are offered in the College of Science and Health?
Programs include Public Health, Physician Assistant studies, Biomedical Sciences, Radiologic Technology, and other allied health degrees.

Does CDU offer a Master of Public Health (MPH)?
Yes, CDU offers an MPH with a focus on Urban Health Disparities.

What research areas does CDU focus on?
CDU research focuses on health disparities, Black maternal health, HIV/AIDS, cancer disparities, and urban health issues.

What is the Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence?
It is a CDU-led initiative dedicated to addressing the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women.

What is Drew CARES?
Drew CARES is a CDU research and clinical network focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and community outreach.

How does CDU support underserved communities?
CDU integrates service learning, community clinics, outreach programs, and policy advocacy directly into its academic training.

What is the relationship between CDU and Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center?
CDU students train and provide care at the Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center, which serves the surrounding community.

What is student life like at Charles R. Drew University?
Student life at CDU is close-knit, diverse, and supportive, with small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship.

What is the student demographic at CDU?
More than 80% of CDU students come from communities of color, creating a culturally affirming learning environment.

Does CDU offer student leadership opportunities?
Yes, students participate in organizations such as the Charles R. Drew University Student Government.

What is the White Coat Ceremony at CDU?
The White Coat Ceremony marks students’ transition into clinical training and symbolizes their commitment to ethical healthcare.

How does CDU support future healthcare professionals from the community?
Programs like Saturday Science Academy II inspire local K–12 students to pursue STEM and healthcare careers.

Is CDU accredited?
Yes, Charles R. Drew University and its programs are fully accredited by relevant regional and professional accrediting bodies.

Who should consider applying to Charles R. Drew University?
Students passionate about medicine, nursing, public health, social justice, and serving underserved populations are ideal candidates.

Does CDU prepare students for leadership roles?
Yes, CDU emphasizes leadership development, advocacy, and policy engagement alongside clinical training.

What career paths do CDU graduates pursue?
Graduates work as physicians, nurses, researchers, public health professionals, policy advocates, and community leaders.

Does CDU emphasize health policy education?
Yes, health policy is a core component of the curriculum to equip graduates to influence systemic change.

Is Charles R. Drew University research-intensive?
Yes, CDU conducts impactful, community-driven research aimed at reducing health inequities.

How can someone learn more about Charles R. Drew University?
More information is available on the official website at cdrewu.edu.