Resource Library >> Social Mission Case Study

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Domains: Commitment to Community, Equitable Expansion of the Health Workforce

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has built its reputation on a simple yet powerful belief: healthcare should reflect and serve the communities that need it most. The university’s medical program cultivates physicians who understand what it means to care for patients facing real barriers to healthcare access. Students work directly in community health centers and clinics where many patients rely on Medicaid or have no insurance. Here, future doctors learn that treating a patient means understanding them holistically. This hands-on approach to social determinants of health and healthcare policy gives students the tools to advocate for systemic change, not just individual patient care. The impact of this approach was recognized nationally in 2020 when CDU received the Macy Award for Institutional Excellence in Social Mission, praised for developing “students into change agents who are poised to be champions of health equity.”

What makes CDU distinctive is how deeply its mission extends beyond the medical school walls into southern California’s communities. The university’s science pipeline programs work with young people early on, helping them see healthcare careers as achievable goals rather than distant dreams. When community members need care, they can turn to CDU’s partnerships with organizations like APLA Health and the OASIS Clinic, which provide essential services tailored to underserved populations. The university’s research efforts, exemplified by Drew C.A.R.E.S., address the health questions that matter most to the communities CDU serves, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into real improvements in people’s lives. Through this comprehensive approach—nurturing future healthcare leaders, providing direct care, and conducting meaningful research—CDU has become more than an educational institution; it’s a vital community partner ensuring that quality healthcare reaches everyone, regardless of their zip code or insurance status.

 

Explore more:

 

 

Champion Spotlight

The Social Mission Alliance features Social Mission Champions on our social media accounts and blog. The series highlights the important work done by those who are advancing health equity and addressing the health disparities of the society in which it exists. If you’d like to be considered for a Social Mission Champion feature, complete the form below.