Who We Are
A Private University with a Public Mission
Charles R. Drew University is a private, nonprofit, community-founded, student-centered institution of medicine and science committed to cultivating diverse health professions leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations.
CDU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, and certificate programs, across a range of health and medical professions.
We are one of the most diverse universities in the nation in terms of both student and faculty diversity. CDU is proud to be one of only four Historically Black Medical Colleges, a Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI), the only federally-designated Historically Black learning institution west of Texas, and a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
At CDU, we envision a world without health disparities. We are actively investing in tomorrow’s healthcare leaders for the good of underserved communities across the nation.
Mission Driven, Community Focused
Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles and was founded in the wake of the 1966 Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for under-represented students.
CDU offers the only historically Black Doctor of Medicine program west of the Mississippi, and is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods.
President and Leadership
David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD
University President
Dr. Carlisle is a published author in health policy, quality of care, medical education diversity and eliminating health disparities. A board-certified Internal Medicine specialist, his clinical work has always revolved around caring for the underserved.
The 小黄鸭视频 Advantage
Breaking New Ground
Learn more about CDU Rising, our comprehensive fundraising campaign to help fuel our mission and propel our vision. Included in this campaign is the construction of a new Health Professions Education building.
