Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Expanding Medical Education to Advance Health Equity in South Los Angeles
The Challenge
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU)—a community-rooted institution with decades of leadership in health equity, social justice, and pipeline development—faced a pivotal moment in expanding its impact on South Los Angeles. With persistent physician shortages and a continued need for diverse primary-care providers, CDU sought to evaluate the feasibility of launching an independent four-year allopathic medical degree program. Building on more than 25 years of partnership with UCLA and a national reputation for advancing opportunity in underserved communities, the university needed a data-driven assessment to determine whether an independently accredited medical school could strengthen its mission and meet regional workforce needs.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach has served as a trusted advisor to CDU for over a decade, most recently developing a comprehensive Business Plan that included a feasibility study, financial model, and economic impact assessment for the proposed independent College of Medicine. The analysis examined program size, governance, clinical partnerships, and long-term funding sustainability while aligning with accreditation standards and community health goals.
The Impact
Tripp Umbach’s recommendations outlined an achievable pathway for CDU to expand medical education and increase its impact on healthcare delivery and workforce development across the region. The study demonstrated how the new four-year medical program would strengthen access to care, bolster the regional economy, and continue CDU’s legacy of advancing health equity. Tripp Umbach remains a strategic partner in supporting CDU’s ongoing accreditation process with the LCME.