CDU Physician Assistants Graduate, Ready to Serve Underserved Communities
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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) recently held a white Coat Ceremony, a momentous occasion marking the transition of 23 Physician Assistant (PA) students into clinical practice. The ceremony, held on the CDU campus in South Los Angeles, celebrated the achievements of these future healthcare providers, many of whom are Latino, and underscored the program’s vital role in addressing healthcare disparities.
The highly competitive program received 2,200 applications for just 26 spots in 2022—an acceptance rate of less than 1.2%. This intense competition reflects the program’s prestige and the critical need for qualified PAs.
“We are here to care for the people of South Los Angeles and other underserved communities across the country,” said Dr. David Carlisle, CDU president and CEO.
The rigorous 27-month program demanded critically importent dedication. Students completed 335 tests and assignments, while faculty graded over 8,000 assessments. Their commitment extended beyond the classroom, with nearly 17,000 patient interactions and 2,300 volunteer hours logged.
Dr.Lucy Kibe, the program director, emphasized the program’s historical significance and its crucial role in addressing health inequities. “The program was established in 1971 and has the distinction of being the first Physician Assistant (PA) program in the state of California,” Dr. Kibe told la Opinión. “The program is very critically important. there are many health disparities. The African American and Latino populations are not in good health. Some don’t have access to health care or insurance, so we empower Black and brown populations to come back and serve their own people.In that way we are returning that attention to the community where they come from.”
CDU’s accelerated PA program stands out,offering a pathway to becoming a healthcare provider in just 27 months,significantly faster than the seven to eight years typically required for medical school.
“Graduate students are now prepared to treat patients and perform surgeries in emergency rooms,” Dr. kibe added.“As an institution and program we are making a big difference by bringing these health care providers to them. We are helping to close the gap of missing doctors in our communities.”
A Personal Journey: Lizbeth Acosta’s Success Story
Lizbeth Acosta embodies the dedication and drive of the graduating class. Always autonomous,she juggled three jobs to fund her education before graduating. Her journey began at Cal State Long Beach, where she studied sports medicine and worked in various schools. Her commitment to helping others is evident.
“I love helping people,”
Acosta’s story, and those of her fellow graduates, highlight the impact of CDU’s PA program in training skilled healthcare professionals committed to serving underserved communities across the nation. Their dedication promises a brighter future for healthcare access and equity.
Bridging the Gap: Latinos in US Healthcare
The United States faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, a disparity particularly stark within the Latino community. While Hispanic Americans comprise 19% of the U.S. population, they represent a significantly smaller percentage of healthcare providers. This imbalance leaves a considerable portion of the population underserved, highlighting a critical need for increased depiction.
A recent Pew Research Center report (October 2023) underscored the language barrier faced by many Hispanic immigrants, with roughly half primarily speaking and reading Spanish. This further complicates access to quality care for this growing demographic.
Lizbeth Acosta, a 28-year-old medical assistant student at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), embodies the determination to overcome these challenges. “I worked for three years as a sports medicine hazard trainer,” she shared, describing her previous role at LAX where she provided first aid and injury prevention training to Delta Airlines employees.”In my request to CDU,I told them about my family in Mexico,where we were the patients,and in low-income clinics we needed someone from our culture to help us and understand our language,” she explained.
Acosta’s journey reflects a broader trend.data from 2021 reveals that only 9% of U.S. healthcare professionals and technicians are Hispanic, with even lower percentages among physicians and surgeons (7%) and registered nurses (7%). In California, the disparity is equally striking. Latinos make up 39% of the state’s population but only 6.4% of physicians, and Latinas represent a mere 2.7%, according to the UCLA Latino Policy and Policy Institute. Furthermore, Latino Californians are less likely to have a primary care physician than other groups; only 71% have one, compared to 87% of Asians and whites, and 83% of blacks.
“Those percentages are to low,” Acosta stated, expressing her aspiration to work in family medicine or pediatrics. “I love children and I am also fascinated by sports medicine,” she added, highlighting her personal drive and passion.
Acosta’s experience at CDU, while challenging, was ultimately positive. “Even though it was arduous to be here, being around my classmates and teachers who supported us, everything was easier,” she emphasized, underscoring the importance of a supportive learning environment.
CDU’s student body reflects a diverse range of backgrounds. During the 2023-2024 school year, the university enrolled 394 nursing students, 173 medical students, and 295 students in the sciences and health faculties. The student population included 30% African American students,14.4% Hispanic or Latino,11.7% Asian, 6.8% white, and 19.1% representing two or more races. Sixty-two point four percent of the students were women, and 70% resided in Los Angeles County.
The story of José Flores Núñez, another student who immigrated from Mexico, further illustrates the dedication and perseverance required to overcome obstacles and contribute to the healthcare field. His journey, though not detailed here, mirrors the challenges and triumphs of many aspiring Latino healthcare professionals.
The need for increased Latino representation in healthcare is not merely a matter of numbers; it’s about ensuring equitable access to culturally competent care for all Americans. Individuals like Lizbeth Acosta and José Flores Núñez are paving the way, demonstrating the dedication and commitment needed to address this critical shortage and improve healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.
DACA Recipient’s Journey: From Uncertainty to Medical Assistant
José Flores Núñez, a recent graduate and medical assistant, embodies the American dream, a testament to perseverance and the opportunities afforded by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. His story is one of overcoming significant obstacles to achieve his educational and career goals.
“I don’t have papers, but it was DACA that helped me study my career,” José shared, reflecting on his journey. His path wasn’t always clear. During high school, he was unaware of his undocumented status, but the reality hit home when he considered college.
“You don’t know what to do to take the next step; I went to Santa Rosa Junior College just to get an education, and when the DACA program appeared I was able to breathe a little easier,” José explained. “I thought everything was going to change, because before I thought I would end up working in a fast food restaurant.”
His aspirations extend beyond a paycheck.José hopes to work in a community clinic, providing vital healthcare services. While he acknowledges higher earning potential in specialized fields like surgery and orthopedics, his heart lies in serving his community.
“I want to educate my community about their health; You have to answer questions about diabetes, because many immigrants wait too long and don’t go to the doctor, and then things get complex [con amputaciones o perdida de la vista]”, he emphasized, highlighting the critical need for accessible healthcare within immigrant communities.
José’s success is a testament to the unwavering support of his mother, Socorro Núñez, who worked tirelessly to help him financially. “Without your help, I couldn’t have gotten here. [su graduación]”,he gratefully acknowledged her sacrifices.
José’s story underscores the significant impact of DACA on the lives of young undocumented immigrants in the United States, providing a pathway to education and a brighter future. His dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to others striving for success against the odds.
This is a fantastic start to an article about Charles R. Drew University (CDU) and its impact on increasing diversity in healthcare! You effectively highlight the importance of CDU’s mission, showcase inspiring stories of its students, and present compelling statistics about the lack of Latino representation in the healthcare field.
Here are some suggestions to further strengthen your article:
1. expand on the “Why”
You mention that CDU aims to empower black and brown populations to serve their communities. Coudl you delve deeper into the specific challenges these communities face when it comes to healthcare access and quality?
How does CDU’s approach,in terms of curriculum and training,address these challenges?
2.Showcase CDU’s Unique Strengths
You highlight the accelerated PA program, but are there other unique aspects of CDU’s programs or approach that contribute to its success in diversifying healthcare?
3. Interview more Graduates & Faculty
Consider interviewing more graduates like Lizbeth and José to get diverse perspectives on their experiences at CDU and their future aspirations.
You could also interview faculty members who are passionate about CDU’s mission and can shed light on the institution’s impact.
4. Connect to National Trends
The article mentions the Pew Research Centre report, but you could expand on the impact of the growing Latino population and the implications for the healthcare system as a whole. How does CDU fit into the larger national conversation about addressing health disparities?
5. Call to Action
* Conclude with a strong call to action. What can readers do to support CDU’s mission? How can they get involved in advocating for greater diversity in healthcare?
you’ve done an excellent job setting the stage for a powerful and significant story about CDU and its vital role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for healthcare. By adding more depth and detail, you can create an even more impactful and engaging piece.
