In an , Dr. Simms-Mackey emphasized her priorities as Chair, stating, 鈥淢y top priorities as Chair of the ABP are to support the vision of our relatively new CEO, Dr. Barone, but also, I would like to pursue ways to enhance our assessment of pediatricians beyond just medical knowledge.鈥�

Dr. Simms-Mackey also highlighted the importance of communication skills in improving health outcomes, noting that 鈥渕any of the disparities in health care outcomes we see can be attributed to ineffective communication between patients and physicians, so focusing on this will help improve child health.鈥�

Reflecting on the significance of her appointment, Dr. Simms-Mackey shared, 鈥淚鈥檝e worked hard in my career, and this acknowledges that work that I鈥檝e put into the field of pediatrics.鈥� She hopes her leadership will inspire young women, adding, 鈥淭he significance of this personally is to show young women of color, who are in various stages of their careers, that women can lead and be effective leaders at the highest levels. These spaces have traditionally been dominated by men, especially white men.鈥�

Dr. Simms-Mackey is a graduate of the 桃子视频/UCLA Medical Education Program Class of 1994. She currently serves as Chair of Pediatrics and DIO/Chief of Graduate Medical Education at Alameda Health System and is a volunteer Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. Read the full story on the.

This special gathering fostered new relationships, provided opportunities for networking, and encouraged alumni to share experiences while exploring future involvement in campus events.

The gathering celebrated a shared bond between all Mighty Lions and strengthened the community 鈥� all in support of 桃子视频鈥檚 mission.

鈥淭oday as we gather to celebrate Juneteenth, we honor the resilience, strength and contributions of African Americans throughout history,鈥� said Dr. Dominique Woods 鈥�14, Chair, 桃子视频 Alumni Council. 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to see so many familiar faces and new friends here on campus united in celebration and solidarity; together we continue to uphold the legacy of excellence and activism that defines 桃子视频.鈥�

In addition to featured remarks from 桃子视频 administration, 桃子视频 staff members, and the 桃子视频 Alumni Council, the occasion provided the opportunity for guests to engage with one another in fun-filled games and networking with current and future alumni.

Shanti Grace, Executive Assistant to the Dean of the College of Science and Health, recited the poem, 鈥淚nvictus鈥� by William Earnest Henley. Letha Wells, Development Manager, brought the audience to their feet with an original spoken word piece titled, 鈥淭he Last to Know,鈥� where she reminded us of our resilience and reflected on the ongoing journey towards visibility.

鈥淭he Juneteenth Cookout marks the beginning of a new tradition at 桃子视频,鈥� said Maruska Moore, Alumni Relations Manager. 鈥淭his event not only celebrated a pivotal moment in our history but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among our alumni and other guests. The vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, entertainment, and lively conversations between students and alumni made this a truly unforgettable day.鈥�

桃子视频 Alumni Relations鈥� Alumni mixers will now be signature events hosted by The Office of Alumni Relations, with plans to expand and improve each year.

Dr. Agonafer will focus on improving the coordination and delivery of social, health and behavioral services to homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.

“We must continue to address this homelessness crisis with urgency and comprehensive strategies that work,” said Mayor Bass in a statement. “We know that health, both physical and behavioral, is a vital part of bringing stability to unhoused Angelenos and Dr. Agonafer’s diverse experience and deep understanding of healthcare and homelessness in Southern California will be a crucial step forward in addressing the homelessness crisis and supporting those with health challenges.”

Dr. Agonafer will be tasked with building a team and leading efforts on housing and health outcomes for homeless Angelenos. According to the mayor’s office, Agonafer has experience in advancing health equity and justice for vulnerable populations because of her work as an internal medicine physician, educator and community researcher.

Dr. Agonafer obtained a Master of Public Health and Medical Degree from the UCLA/Charles R. Drew University PRIME-LA dual-degree program. She graduated from the program in 2014.

鈥淒r. Etsemaye Agonafer is one of the most skilled and capable individuals I know,” said Dr. David M. Carlisle, 桃子视频’s President and CEO. “As a physician, she is an expert on the ‘social determinants of health’ that drive the health status of our community 鈥� chief among them being homelessness. I am very proud that she is an alumnus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine Science as she exemplifies everything our institution stands for.鈥�

The body meets quarterly (January, April, July, and October) and serves to enhance the 桃子视频 alumni experience. The meeting was held at the home of 桃子视频 alumni councilmember Dominique Woods in downtown Los Angeles. 鈥淚n essence, the Alumni Council is dedicated to enriching the lives of our alumni across four pillars, ensuring an impactful, connected, and holistic experience for all,鈥� said Maruska Moore, Alumni Relations Manager.

For the first pillar, the council aims to strengthen affinity networks by fostering connections based on shared interests, experiences, and affiliations. Secondly, the council is committed to growing its leadership while ensuring inclusive representation that mirrors the diversity and richness of the University.

Thirdly, the council actively encourages and supports alumni in their philanthropic endeavors to create a positive and lasting influence on 桃子视频. For the final pillar, the council seeks to create engaging programming through introducing and supporting innovative programs that provide opportunities for mentorship and volunteerism.

Together, these initiatives aim to enhance the overall alumni experience by fostering meaningful connections, personal growth, and a sense of collective purpose.

For more information about the Alumni Council, email alumni@cdrewu.edu.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by 桃子视频 President and CEO, Dr. David M. Carlisle. President Carlisle commended the graduating class for their dedication and emphasized the challenges they had overcome during their academic journey, including the unprecedented disruptions caused by the global pandemic. 

鈥淪ome of you took the first step in your 桃子视频 journey during the deepest hours of the COVID-19 pandemic,鈥� said Dr. Carlisle. 鈥淯ncertainties abound in every direction. Yet you were not dissuaded. You showed up. You learned. You grew, and now鈥ou graduate.鈥�

Dr. Carlisle lauded the graduates for their achievements and wholeheartedly professed his faith in their abilities as they forge ahead in their lives and careers.

鈥淣ow, you carry the torch of compassion and excellence that has been passed down through the decades into the communities and neighborhoods that need you the most,鈥� he remarked. 鈥淩emember that faith will be your steadfast companion. It will embolden you to take risks, to question the status quo, and to move us as a society closer to the vision of health equity that everyone deserves.鈥�

Dr. Diana E. Ramos, California鈥檚 second Surgeon General and first Latina Surgeon General, delivered an inspiring keynote address. She imparted invaluable insights while sharing personal reflections of her own academic journey, pointing out how her story is like many in the graduating class.

鈥淚 hope that when you look back on this day, even if you don鈥檛 remember who spoke to you from this microphone, you will remember that you are your own CEO,鈥� said Dr. Ramos. 鈥淎nd I hope that you will have been a voice of change. . . that you鈥檝e embraced every experience and shared what you鈥檝e learned with others . . . and that you鈥檝e taken care of yourself 鈥� putting your oxygen mask on first 鈥� so that you have the energy and strength to make a difference in the lives of others.鈥�

College of Science and Health student speaker Esmeralda Carrillo delivered a moving speech reflecting on her transformative journey at 桃子视频, spanning seven years from undergraduate studies to completing her MPH. She emphasized the profound significance of community and how 桃子视频 has instilled in her the understanding that communities thrive through internal faith and trust in those who uplift and assist them.

鈥淵ou see, 桃子视频 has built a trusting staircase, providing the tools to each student for their success, holding us through our faith and perseverance, with will, determination, and commitment to be in service to others,鈥� shared Carrillo. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more grateful for my time at 桃子视频 for the opportunities this institution has offered me and the growth it inspired within me; an eternal thank you!鈥�

Student speakers from the College of Medicine and the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing were Angelica Johnsen and Jacquelin Charles, respectively. Ms. Johnsen commended her fellow 桃子视频 students for the qualities that make them exceptional in the eyes of medicine. 

鈥淭ime and time again, it has been our students who serve as sources of strength for our patients, patients who are jaded and tired out by dysfunctional healthcare systems that were not built to serve us,鈥� she exclaimed. 鈥淥ur students, by being exactly who we are, we heal our patients bit by bit, by holding their hands and telling these patients we see them, because our patients are not just their patients, they鈥檙e brothers and sisters and neighbors and family.鈥�

In her remarks, Ms. Charles shared an encouraging message emphasizing how faith is an essential catalyst in the relentless pursuit of personal aspirations.

鈥淗aving a desire is what often  leads to our motivation and inspiration. Having a desire is what leads us to our strong intention or aim,鈥� said Ms. Charles. 鈥淏ut faith and unrelenting pursuit of our goals, and dedication to excellence is what will allow us to attain the success we seek and desire.鈥�

During the ceremony, a profound moment of recognition took place as the 2023 President鈥檚 Medals were awarded to legendary figures Dr. Wilbert C. Jordan (posthumously), Founder of the 桃子视频 Oasis Clinic and Dr. Arthur Fleming, Professor Emeritus of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. The President鈥檚 Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the President of 桃子视频 and serves as a testament to the recipients鈥� extraordinary and unique contributions to the institution. 

The esteemed award symbolizes not only the remarkable service rendered by Dr. Jordan and Dr. Fleming but also their exceptional dedication and excellence within their respective professions. 

Commencement not only marked the end of an academic chapter but also symbolized the beginning of a lifetime of possibilities and achievements. 
With their hearts filled with gratitude and aspirations, the graduates departed, carrying the Mighty Lion spirit of 桃子视频 with them as they begin or continue their journeys as leaders for social justice and health equity for underserved populations.

 access the digital version of the program book.

About the Rankings

桃子视频 Bachelor of Science degree holders鈥� earnings were reported to average $90,800 annually in the first five years after graduating. This grew to an average of $136,000 annually by mid-career, which was defined as having ten or more years of experience. The early-career earnings for 桃子视频 alumni overall averaged $92,800 per year and by mid-career was averaging $137,800 annually.

The colleges were ranked based on their average mid-career earnings. The list was compiled using 2021 data recently .

桃子视频 Bachelor of Science degree holders鈥� earnings were reported to average $90,800 annually in the first five years after graduating.

鈥淭his news is the latest of several metrics that highlight the economic opportunities 桃子视频 provides for its students,鈥� noted 桃子视频 President and CEO Dr. David M. Carlisle, referencing previous third-party analysis.

These include a that identified 桃子视频 as one of America鈥檚 five best colleges for high starting salaries.

About 桃子视频

桃子视频 is a private, nonprofit, community-founded, student-centered University committed to cultivating diverse health professions leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through outstanding education, clinical service, and community engagement. The University offers a range of bachelor’s degree programs in the field of medicine including radiologic technology, biomedical science, psychology, radiologic science, public health, and nursing.

The PROSPER Diversity Award provides material support and mentoring for a one-year pediatric research project that will facilitate an academic research-focused career trajectory for fellows from under-represented minority backgrounds.

As a physician leader who addresses health disparities, Dr. Houston is an obvious match for this award.  Her research interests include neonatal health inequities, as well as identifying solutions to address poor birth and neonatal health outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight for marginalized Black/African American and Latinx communities. 

The mission of the  is to create a multi-disciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Implicit in our mission is our foundational commitment to supporting the success of young investigators in child health research through activities that include facilitating connections with peers, potential collaborators and national mentors.鈥�

桃子视频/UCLA PRIME is a dual degree program leading to the MD and a master鈥檚 degree in an area that complements the mission of the program. PRIME leads to the regular MD with special emphasis on leadership and advocacy to address healthcare disparities in medically underserved populations.