桃子视频 (桃子视频) has been awarded a $5.5 million grant from , one of California’s most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans, and the , the philanthropic arm of (NYSE: CNC).

With a shared commitment to expand and strengthen California鈥檚 physician workforce, the grant will support 桃子视频鈥檚 efforts to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in the medical profession. 桃子视频鈥檚 initiatives, such as the Postbaccalaureate Leadership Program, 4-Year Medical Degree Program, Internal Medicine Residency, and Graduate Medical Education programs, aim to recruit, retain, and support students on their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.

鈥淭his generous gift highlights the shared commitment of 桃子视频, the Centene Foundation, and Health Net to fostering culturally appropriate care and addressing the critical need for a healthcare workforce that understands the community it serves,鈥� said Dr. David M. Carlisle, president and CEO of 桃子视频.

With these funds, 桃子视频 will provide full-ride scholarships to medical students to ease the financial burden of tuition and fees, offer salary support for Internal Medicine residents serving South Los Angeles communities, and enhance wrap-around support services to address academic and personal challenges faced by students and residents. The grant will also support faculty development to mentor students through matriculation and establish emergency financial funds for students in need. Additionally, the university will expand MCAT preparation programs to better prepare students for medical school admissions.

“This grant will not only support students on their path to becoming physicians but also help ensure California鈥檚 healthcare workforce has a better understanding of the communities it serves 鈥� ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for all,鈥� said Dorothy Seleski, senior vice president of Medi-Cal at Health Net. 鈥淎t Health Net, we are committed to breaking down barriers to healthcare access by investing in the next generation of medical professionals.”

By empowering future physicians through scholarships, training, and mentorship, this grant will have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape, particularly in underserved and under resourced communities like South Los Angeles.

This distinguished event will feature keynote remarks from The Honorable Xavier Becerra, Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, along with an expert panel discussing health disparities and equity in healthcare.

Scheduled for聽Thursday, February 27, 2025, at聽The Colburn School in Los Angeles, the President鈥檚 Breakfast serves as a vital platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to address the pressing issues surrounding health equity, particularly in underserved communities.

鈥淲e are honored to have as our presenting sponsor for this year鈥檚 President鈥檚 Breakfast,鈥� said Dr. David M. Carlisle, 桃子视频 President and CEO. 鈥淭heir commitment to advancing health equity aligns perfectly with 桃子视频鈥檚 mission of cultivating diverse health professional leaders and addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.鈥�

L.A. Care, the largest publicly operated health plan in the United States, is a longtime advocate for and partner in improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. Their sponsorship underscores a shared dedication to fostering meaningful discussions and actionable solutions in the fight against health inequities.

The agreement, signed on September 4, underscores the institutions’ shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and equity in a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

The MOU establishes a collaborative framework to facilitate seamless transfer pathways for SMC students into 桃子视频鈥檚 undergraduate and certificate programs, including Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Computed Tomography Certificate, Mammography Certificate, and Sonography Certificate.

Under this partnership, students transferring from SMC to 桃子视频 will have access to robust academic support, hands-on learning experiences, and an array of opportunities tailored to prepare them for impactful careers in healthcare, public health, and related fields.

“This partnership reflects 桃子视频鈥檚 dedication to supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals,” said Dr. Jose A. Torres-Ruiz, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By combining resources and expertise, we aim to empower a new generation of healthcare professionals to address health disparities and serve under-resourced communities.”

The agreement is effective now and will remain active for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of renewal. Both institutions will honor academic plans for students already enrolled, even in the event of termination. The partnership ensures that students benefit from a streamlined transfer process and a high-quality educational experience aligned with the institutions鈥� respective missions.

Students who complete 桃子视频’s Biomedical Sciences Program will benefit from guaranteed application interviews for CUSP’s Doctor of Pharmacy degree and will have a higher chance of admission based on GPA and completion of prerequisites. Accepted students from 桃子视频 will also benefit from scholarships (based on full-time status) for their entire study in CUSP’s PharmD program. 

Beyond PharmD admission benefits, 桃子视频 and CUSP will collaborate in teaching and research activities, offering professional development to faculty and students for a more synergistic approach to caring for Southern California’s aging communities. This partnership will create opportunities for exchange and collaboration, welcoming faculty, staff, and healthcare professionals to participate in shared service initiatives and professional development opportunities. 

“This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to expand pathways for Chapman University students into impactful healthcare careers,鈥� said Rennolds Ostrom, CUSP Dean. “In partnering with Charles Drew University, we are strengthening our commitment to academic excellence and professional advancement for our students.”

鈥淭his partnership reflects 桃子视频鈥檚 mission to cultivate diverse health professionals committed to addressing healthcare inequities,鈥� said Dr. Jos茅 A. Torres-Ruiz, 桃子视频 Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. 鈥淏y collaborating with Chapman University School of Pharmacy, we are providing our students with enhanced opportunities to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to underserved communities.鈥�

The partnership goes into effect immediately, with the PharmD Class of 2028 to be the first cohort to welcome 桃子视频 students with the scholarship and admissions benefit this collaboration brings. 

The event kicked off with remarks by Dr. Delia Santana, Vice Provost of Clinical Affiliations Academic Services, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz, Provost and EVP Academic Affairs.

College of Nursing (CON) students Denise Cuaya and Victor Oppong and COSH Physician Assistant students Nicole Turkson and Keiyana Morris shared testimonials regarding their experiences in the field. Each student pointed out the invaluable experiences and hands-on training they received during their clinical rotations

鈥淚 can honestly say it was extraordinary,鈥� shared Morris. 鈥淎t the beginning I was very terrified, like a lot of students are stepping out of the classroom and into the clinical field. My initial fear eventually faded and I began applying everything I learned during my education. The hands-on training that I received at each rotation was extremely useful for my career as a future PA.鈥�

Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Dean of the College of Medicine (COM), Dr. Gail Washington, CON Dean, and Dr. Monica Ferrini, COSH Dean, were also present to provide remarks. Each expressed gratitude for the support and partnerships that make the colleges鈥� programs possible.

鈥淵our support helps us, and it helps our students in developing their skills, it helps in enabling them to develop their leadership abilities, and it helps enculturate them into who they should be – caring leaders of our communities, of our underrepresented and marginalized communities – for us to stand strong as to who we are and who we are becoming,鈥� said Dr. Washington.

The celebratory event provided an opportunity not only for the university to recognize the partners but for the 桃子视频 community to showcase the indelible impact their partnerships have been and are to the University. At the conclusion of the event, attendees were able to participate in an optional tour of our state of the art simulation.

桃子视频鈥檚 clinical partners include: Prime Health Care, Central Neighborhood Health Foundation, Common Spirit, Kaiser Permanente, PIH Health, Kedren Health, Aids Project Los Angeles, Alta Med, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, Watts Health, LA County, Veterans Hospital, and University of Southern California.

These students – Derrick Agbemenu, Eric Arauza, Priscilla Covarrubias, Naomi Dillard, and Anaissa Medina – all hail from across California. They will begin their 桃子视频 journey this summer in the second cohort of 桃子视频鈥檚 historic MD Program as part of the Class of 2028.

The first cohort of Sutter Health scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic achievements, personal and professional accomplishments, and commitment to community service, making them invaluable additions to 桃子视频鈥檚 Class of 2028.

鈥淲e鈥檝e intentionally selected five students who have a passion for serving their communities and the world around them,鈥� said Leon Clark, vice president and chief academic affairs officer at Sutter Health. 鈥淲hile our goal is to help alleviate some of the financial burdens of pursuing a medical degree, our teams will also be here to support these students on a personal level. We are ready to coach and mentor these students, whether one-on-one or inside real-world clinic settings, to help them experience their education in a new light.鈥�

The Sutter Health Scholars Program, one of the largest in 桃子视频鈥檚 history, is designed to increase the number of diverse health care professionals by widening pathways for underrepresented, aspiring physicians in California. Sutter鈥檚 $7.5 million initial investment will provide five full-tuition scholarships across five cohorts, totaling 25 scholarships. 

鈥淯nderstanding the root cause of inequities 鈥� and taking practical steps to address them 鈥� is how we can make meaningful changes to our health care system,鈥� said Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Dean of the 桃子视频 College of Medicine. 鈥淲e are grateful to our partners at Sutter Health for providing resources to a new pool of diverse, aspiring health care professionals and look forward to seeing how these bright individuals go on to improve community health throughout California.鈥�

桃子视频 opened its nationally accredited medical school in 2023, making it one of only four Historically Black Medical Schools in America. The incoming class is responding to Los Angeles County鈥檚, the state鈥檚, and the nation鈥檚 need for physician workforce diversity and increased healthcare access in underserved and under-resourced communities.

With a strong focus on social justice and health equity, 桃子视频 students often return to practice and provide care in underserved communities after graduation.

“We know that more diverse representation is needed in cancer care and research,鈥� said John Carpten, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair and Morgan & Helen Chu Director’s Chair of the Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope. 鈥淲e also know that there is important work to be done to close health equity gaps for people of color in the areas of early detection, clinical trials enrollment, treatment outcomes and more. That鈥檚 why we are honored to join together with Charles R. Drew University. Through this partnership, we hope to fuel a robust pipeline of diverse talent for the future, while engaging and building trust with underserved, historically excluded communities.鈥�

Gaps in racial and ethnic diversity in the medical field are a well-recognized issue in the U.S., particularly in medical specialties like oncology. The partnership provides for a range of collaborations that will facilitate a pathway for medical students to pursue careers in specialized medical practice and research in the fields of oncology and diabetes, as well as access to participate in joint research projects and clinical innovation opportunities.

City of Hope National Medical Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated academic medical center in Los Angeles, will offer clinical and research summer internship tracks for students, along with didactic curriculum in health equity, diversity, equity and inclusion, and other training topics in health care. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in mentorship and coaching opportunities with City of Hope faculty. Additionally, City of Hope experts will teach a four-week class on hematology/oncology as part of 桃子视频鈥檚 new M.D. program.

“This partnership between City of Hope and 桃子视频 represents a significant step towards fostering innovative research and educational opportunities that will benefit both our institutions.鈥� said David M. Carlisle, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of 桃子视频. 鈥淏y working together, we aim to address health disparities and promote diversity in specialized medical fields, ultimately improving health care outcomes for the communities we serve. This partnership will pave the way for groundbreaking research and provide our students with unparalleled training and mentorship opportunities.”

Other potential partnership collaborations include academic exchange programs; training programs in areas such as genetic counseling and radiology; translational research workshops; research projects in cancer, diabetes, metabolic disorders, HIV, autoimmune-related diseases, nursing and precision medicine; and the opportunity to perform clinical trials of novel therapeutics from collaborative projects.

City of Hope plans to use the 桃子视频 partnership as a model for other exchange and training programs with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions in communities across their national network of cancer centers.

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About City of Hope
City of Hope’s mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913,听聽has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for聽, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training and innovation initiatives. City of Hope鈥檚 growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope鈥檚 affiliated group of organizations includes聽听补苍诲听. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on聽Facebook,听,听,听听补苍诲听.

About 桃子视频
Founded in 1966,听桃子视频聽(桃子视频) in South Los Angeles 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. 桃子视频 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs, along with certificate programs across a range of health and medical professions. 桃子视频 is also a leader in health disparities research. 桃子视频 is one of the most diverse universities nationally in terms of student and faculty diversity. The University has earned designation as a minority-serving institution by the U.S. Office for Civil Rights and is recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) under Title III B as a Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI). One of only four Historically Black Medical Schools, 桃子视频 is also a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

颁辞苍迟补肠迟听
Jonathan Zaleski
JonathanZaleski@cdrewu.edu

The funding is twofold: it will bolster the core operating capabilities of the College of Medicine (COM) and support the construction of the Health Professions Education Building (HPEB). This 60,000 gross square feet state-of-the-art facility is a cornerstone in the development of the University鈥檚 new, independent medical degree program, reinforcing 桃子视频鈥檚 commitment to educational excellence and healthcare innovation. 

David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, President of 桃子视频, expressed his gratitude: “We are immensely thankful to The California Endowment for this transformative grant that propels 桃子视频 forward in our ambitious ‘桃子视频 Rising’ campaign. This funding not only reflects our shared commitment to health equity and educational excellence but also catalyzes critical advancements in our mission to serve underserved communities. As we embark on this journey together, we reaffirm our dedication to cultivating a diverse and compassionate healthcare workforce that embodies the spirit of community and service.” 

The mission of The California Endowment 鈥� to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare for underserved communities and achieve health and racial equity across California鈥� resonates deeply with the values and objectives of 桃子视频. Since its founding in 1966, 桃子视频 has been a pivotal force in addressing healthcare access and now confronts the evolving challenges in the Watts-Willowbrook area, also known as Service Planning Area 6 (SPA 6). This region faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, a challenge compounded by broader social determinants of health.聽

“We are proud to partner with 桃子视频 in their mission to expand access to quality healthcare and advance health equity in underserved communities,鈥� said Dr. Robert K Ross, President/CEO, The California Endowment. 鈥淭his grant reflects our commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address the root causes of health disparities. By investing in 桃子视频’s College of Medicine and the Health Professions Education Building, we are investing in the future of healthcare, building a diverse health workforce pipeline and ensuring that all Californians have the opportunity to lead healthy lives.” 

桃子视频’s dedication to training healthcare professionals who serve underrepresented and disadvantaged populations is mirrored in The California Endowment鈥檚 goals. These include supporting community-based organizations, advancing innovative healthcare solutions, and amplifying marginalized voices in healthcare decision-making. 

The grant from The California Endowment will significantly enhance 桃子视频’s educational initiatives. Notably, the College of Medicine鈥檚 establishment of a 4-year MD (Medical Degree) program positions 桃子视频 as one of only four MD-granting programs at a Historically Black learning institution in the United States. This achievement underscores 桃子视频鈥檚 ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare education and accessibility in communities that need it most. 

This landmark contribution from The California Endowment underscores a pivotal moment in the University鈥檚 journey toward healthcare equity and educational excellence. United in this cause, the University and The California Endowment hope to inspire further interest in philanthropic support to match this unique investment and transformative journey.

As such, the University warmly invites individual philanthropists and other philanthropic partners to consider contributing toward the HPEB or the College of Medicine. Your gift will support the University鈥檚 58-year history of educating and training doctors and other healthcare workers who are ready and willing to serve and uplift communities in South LA and beyond while fulfilling their dreams.聽

Please contact Angela Minniefield, Senior Vice President, Advancement and Operations and COO for more information.聽

Resilience is woven into the fabric of 桃子视频, dating back to its establishment in 1966. From the ashes of the Watts Riots, 桃子视频 arose as a beacon of hope, initially addressing healthcare access challenges and now confronting the evolving healthcare needs that continue to plague the Watts-Willowbrook area. Today, this region, also known as Service Planning Area 6 (SPA 6), is grappling with a pronounced shortage of healthcare professionals, a situation exacerbated by broader social determinants of health. Recognizing these challenges, the W.M. Keck Foundation is committed to 桃子视频鈥檚 dismantling of the barriers that disproportionately burden the communities the university serves. 

鈥淭his transformative gift extends beyond the mere construction of a new building. It emphasizes 桃子视频鈥檚 enduring commitment to revolutionizing healthcare by nurturing a diverse generation of healthcare leaders,鈥� remarked 桃子视频鈥檚 President and CEO, David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD. The designation of the Watts-Willowbrook area as a Health Professional Shortage Area underscores a pressing need for healthcare professionals equipped to address complex health issues that also bear the burden of cultural and community contexts. In direct response, the forthcoming facility represents a significant leap towards bridging this gap. Specifically, the building will play a pivotal role in addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in SPA 6 by providing first-in-class training in its classrooms, laboratories, and state-of-the-art simulation facilities that will feature virtual and augmented reality technology. 

Beyond addressing immediate needs, the health professions education building is a cornerstone in 桃子视频鈥檚 strategy for sustained growth and increased impact. The ambitious facility design will support over 240 medical students and hundreds of other 桃子视频 students annually. The facility will accommodate the University鈥檚 current rapid expansion and anticipates future needs. Through this initiative, 桃子视频 reaffirms its commitment to spearhead efforts to alleviate health disparities, aligning with the strategic goals of both the University and the W.M. Keck Foundation. 

This meaningful contribution from the W.M. Keck Foundation underscores a pivotal moment in the University鈥檚 role in achieving health equity for the South Los Angeles community.  In a written statement Joe Day and Steve Keck, Co-CEOs, commented: 鈥淎s long term partners with 桃子视频, we are grateful to this outstanding Historically Black University for its continuing commitment to training medical professionals from diverse backgrounds.  We believe that the medical degree program鈥檚 future graduates can have a significant impact on improving access to high quality health care for this historically underinvested community.鈥�   

桃子视频 warmly invites philanthropic partners to consider contributing toward the health professions education building or the College of Medicine. Your gift will support 桃子视频鈥檚 58-year history to educate and train doctors and other healthcare workers who are ready and willing to serve and uplift communities in South LA and beyond while fulfilling their dream.  Please contact Angela Minniefield, Senior Vice President, Advancement and Operations and COO for more information.    

* * * * * * * * 

About 桃子视频 

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. 桃子视频 is also a leader in health disparities research with a focus on education, training, and treatment for cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic, COVID, and HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1966 in the heart of South Los Angeles, 桃子视频 offers a range of undergraduate degree, graduate degree, doctorate, and certificate programs including nursing, medicine, biomedical science, public health, computed tomography, physician assistant, and psychology. Learn more about 桃子视频 at . 

About the W. M. Keck Foundation 

The W.鈥疢.鈥疜eck Foundation was established in 1954 in Los Angeles by William Myron Keck, founder of The Superior Oil Company.鈥� One of the nation鈥檚 largest philanthropic organizations, the W.鈥疢.鈥疜eck Foundation supports outstanding science, engineering, and medical research.鈥� The Foundation also supports undergraduate education and maintains a Southern California Grant Program that provides support for the Los Angeles nonprofit community, with a special emphasis on organizations that strengthen the resiliency of children, youth and families living in under-resourced communities.鈥� For more information, visit  

鈥淣early all scientific disciplines are rapidly evolving, but none so quickly or with such great influence on people鈥檚 lives as neuroscience 鈥� from the impact of urban noise on mental health to the proliferation of neurotechnology that can read and write our brain activity,鈥� said Caroline Montojo, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Dana Foundation. 鈥淭he Dana Center Initiative is about bringing new talent into the field while facilitating exchange with the public; where do we want neuroscience to take us, how far is too far, and where can it most benefit our lives?鈥�

鈥淭ogether with our partners, we seek to align the aims of researchers and the communities they serve by centering consideration of societal needs throughout the research and development process,鈥� Montojo said.

Community Partnered Neuroscience

The first Dana Center Initiative grant is launching at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with 桃子视频 (桃子视频), the only federally designated Historically Black institution west of Texas and home to one of four Historically Black Medical Schools in the country. Under a five-year matched funds partnership totaling $9.8 million, the universities and the Dana Foundation will bring together scholars from neuroscience, social sciences, education, policy, and the humanities to work with local clinician-scholars, community partners, and organizations in South Los Angeles to reimagine the relationship between neuroscience and the public. The Center will be an incubator for community-partnered research collaborations and training multidisciplinary neuro-society experts.

鈥淔or neuroscience to serve society, it must reflect the experiences of those whose needs and expertise have been historically underrepresented,鈥� said Helena Hansen, M.D., Ph.D., professor and interim chair of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, interim director of the UCLA Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, co-principal investigator of the Center.

鈥淚n partnership with the Dana Foundation, the UCLA-桃子视频 Dana Center will explore what it means to practice neuroscience in and with community,鈥� added Denese Shervington, M.D., M.P.H., professor and department chair of psychiatry at 桃子视频, a UCLA Health Sciences clinical professor of psychiatry, co-principal investigator of the Center. 鈥淲e hope to foster new types of experts in the field, including neuroscientists who are able to lead community participatory research and social and clinical scholars able to navigate methods of neuroscience.鈥�

Developing the NeuroSTEM Workforce

The Dana Foundation is also partnering with Loyola University Chicago under a two-year program grant totaling $1 million. Together, they will establish a student-focused, interdisciplinary 鈥渢rain the trainers鈥� approach to neuro education within the Chicagoland community. The program aims to create a pipeline to neuroscience careers by developing STEM interest among middle and high school students. It will also provide community micro-grants and host challenges in arts, business, and journalism to explore linkages between neuroscience and the community.

鈥淭he Dana Program for Neuroscience and Society aspires to invigorate neuroscience education as well as broaden connections between neuroscience and a variety of non-STEM fields,鈥� said M. William Rochlin, Ph.D., associate professor and director of molecular/cellular neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, director of the Program. 鈥淔undamental to both endeavors is coupling the science to its societal impacts and ethical ramifications. By introducing these linkages early in the educational ecosystem, neuroscience will become more inviting, more inclusive, and more integrated with society to create lasting changes.鈥�

Building the Future of Neuroscience and Society

Additional Dana Center Initiative for Neuroscience & Society grants are expected to be announced over the coming months and years as part of a sustained, long-term investment in the Dana Center Initiative.

鈥淲e evaluated more than 40 universities with which to launch the Dana Center Initiative,鈥� said Khara Ramos, Ph.D., vice president of Neuroscience & Society at the Dana Foundation. 鈥淲e congratulate the leadership of our partners at UCLA, 桃子视频, and Loyola University Chicago in bringing forward bold new ideas to make neuroscience more accessible and responsive. We look forward to further investment in the Dana Center Initiative to create positive impact at a community level and to give aspiring neuroscience and society scholars and practitioners the training and support to lead the field in the future.鈥�

鈥淭he Dana Center Initiative changes the paradigm of how neuroscience research happens, and we hope it can become a model for all scientific disciplines,鈥� said Steven E. Hyman, M.D., chairman of the board at the Dana Foundation. 鈥淭hrough initiatives like this one, science can more actively reflect the people it serves.鈥�