Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science: Pioneering Health Education

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is a private, nonprofit, community-founded, student-centered University committed to cultivating diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations. Located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, CDU has been serving the community since 1966.

History and Mission

Founded in the wake of the Watts Rebellion, CDU was established to address the lack of adequate medical facilities and services in the area. Named after Dr. Charles R. Drew, a pioneering African-American surgeon and researcher in blood banking, the university has maintained its commitment to serving underserved communities and promoting diversity in healthcare professions.

Academic Programs

CDU offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in health sciences:

College of Science and Health

College of Medicine

Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing

Programs include:

• Medicine (MD Program)
• Nursing (BSN, MSN, DNP)
• Biomedical Sciences
• Public Health
• Radiologic Technology
• Urban Health Disparities

Student Body and Campus Life

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science boasts a diverse and committed student population, reflecting its mission to serve underrepresented communities in healthcare.

Student Demographics

As of the most recent data available:

• Total enrollment: Approximately 900 students
• Undergraduate students: 60%
• Graduate and professional students: 40%

The student body is notably diverse:

Gender distribution:

• Female: 75%
• Male: 25%

Age range:

• Traditional college-age (18-22): 30%
• Non-traditional (23 and older): 70%

This diverse student body contributes to a rich learning environment, fostering cross-cultural understanding and diverse perspectives in healthcare education.

Student Organizations and Activities

Despite its focus on health sciences, CDU offers a variety of student organizations and activities:

1. Student Government Association (SGA):
   • Represents student interests to the administration
   • Organizes events and activities to enhance campus life
2. Professional Organizations:
   • Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
   • Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
   • American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
3. Interest-based Groups:
   • CDU LGBTQ+ Alliance
   • Women in STEM
   • Black Student Union
4. Community Service Organizations:
   • CDU Cares (volunteer group)
   • Health Ambassadors (community health education)
5. Academic and Research Groups:
   • Journal Club
   • Research Symposium Committee
6. Wellness and Recreation:
   • Yoga and Meditation Club
   • Intramural Sports Teams

Campus Events and Traditions

• Annual Research Symposium: Showcases student and faculty research projects
• Cultural Celebrations: Events honoring diverse heritages (e.g., Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month)
• Health Fairs: Student-organized community health screenings and education events
• White Coat Ceremony: Welcoming new medical and nursing students
• Commencement: Graduation ceremony celebrating student achievements

Student Services

CDU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success:

Academic Support

• Learning Resource Center:
  • Tutoring services for various subjects
  • Writing assistance and workshops
  • Study skills development programs
• Library and Information Resources:
  • Extensive medical and scientific databases
  • Research assistance from librarians
  • Study spaces and computer labs
• Office of Academic Support and Retention:
  • Academic advising
  • Mentoring programs
  • Early alert system for at-risk students

Career Services

• Career Development Office:
  • Resume and CV writing workshops
  • Interview preparation
  • Career fairs and networking events
  • Internship and residency placement assistance
• Alumni Mentorship Program:
  • Connecting current students with successful alumni in various healthcare fields

Student Health and Wellness

• Student Health Center:
  • Primary care services
  • Immunizations and health screenings
  • Mental health counseling
• Fitness Center:
  • On-campus gym with modern equipment
  • Group fitness classes
• Wellness Programs:
  • Stress management workshops
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Mindfulness and meditation sessions

Financial Support

Financial Aid Office:

• • Assistance with FAFSA applications
  • Scholarship information and application support
  • Financial literacy workshops

Work-Study Programs:

• • On-campus employment opportunities

Housing and Transportation

Off-Campus Housing Assistance:

• • Resources for finding affordable housing in the area
  • Roommate matching services

Transportation Services:

• • Shuttle service to nearby metro stations
  • Discounted public transit passes

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

• Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
  • Cultural competency training
  • Diversity workshops and speaker series
  • Support for underrepresented student groups
• International Student Services:
  • Visa and immigration assistance
  • Cultural adjustment support

Technology Support

• IT Help Desk:
  • Technical support for student devices and university systems
  • Software training workshops
• Online Learning Support:
  • Assistance with learning management systems
  • Resources for successful online and hybrid learning

Conclusion

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offers a unique and supportive environment for students pursuing careers in healthcare. With its diverse student body, commitment to serving underrepresented communities, and comprehensive student services, CDU provides an enriching educational experience that prepares students to become compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals dedicated to addressing health disparities.