Historically Black medical schools: providing critical health care, training and research

Ebony, Sept, 2003

The school enjoys a unique relationship with UCLA, where Drew students spend their first two years enrolled in basic sciences. The next two years at Drew are clinical, including service at what has become the King-Drew Medical Center, a Los Angeles County facility.

"They take care of a diverse patient population that is highly underserved, but also most appreciative of the care that they receive," notes Dr. Charles Francis, president of Drew University of Medicine. "I think that part of what students learn is that it's actually more fulfilling for many of us to care for patients who really need our services."

In addition to the fulfillment, service is a requirement for the school that has a 59 percent Black, 5 percent White and 23 percent Hispanic enrollment. In fact, in addition to meeting the UCLA requirements for admission to the medical program, one of the prerequisites for the 24 students admitted to Drew each year is demonstrated experience in community service, particularly in underserved areas.

"So we get a very high-quality student," he says, "who is committed to our mission."