Welcome Charles Drew University PA Program and Faculty

Hello PALH Members,

It is with great honor that I would like to welcome our newest PA School Membership Cohort with 8 Faculty and 52 PA Students from two separate Classes 2024 and 2025.

Charles Drew University PA Program.

The CDU PA program was established in 1971 and holds the distinction of being the first PA program in the state of California. Threaded throughout the 2-year curriculum are social medicine modules that stimulate awareness, critical thinking, and action related to the social determinants of health.  Each student completes at least one clinical rotation in a medically under-served or health profession shortage area.  Outside of the formal curriculum, students are required to participate in service-learning experiences around the LA area.

Commitment to Diversity

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has the distinction of being:

• Recognized by the Department of Education under Title III Part B as a Historically Black Graduate Institution.
• The University is a charter member of the Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of Hispanic people through research initiatives, training opportunities, and academic development.

It is imperative that we continue to strive to support greater diversity within our PA profession so that we can more adequately care for our communities and provide a balanced, equitable and inclusive environment that our patients deserve.

Welcome again and we hope to engage more PA schools that value the importance of our mission and vision as we also support the PA program and provide a way for our students to engage and grow together.

For more information about this PA Program visit our Main Page and look for their logo or find their website under our Affiliation Resources Tab.

Adelante!

Paola Gonzalez, MPAS, PA-C
PALH President.