(Editor’s note: HeLa cells are the world’s first immortal human cells, taken from Lacks before her death from cervical cancer in 1951. Here is the first installment — hope you enjoy it! Our hope is to train transformative leaders who will be providers of culturally competent care for diverse and underserved populations, committed to the reduction of healthcare disparities. The PA program at CDU is designed to create a diverse group of highly qualified, well-rounded, community-oriented, and compassionate PAs who distinguish themselves through providing excellence in patient care as members of the health care team. Our program is unequivocally aligned with the university vision; in which we strive to improve the health status of underserved communities through innovative teaching, research, and service activities. Update on PAEA End of Rotation “General Surgery” Blueprint, Orange Book Webinar: Frequently Asked Q&As, Application Deadlines Near for LBGT PA Caucus PA Student Leader Fellowships, Student Exam Box: The Comprehensive Assessment Solution. The first PA program we’ll be featuring is Charles R. Drew University (CDU) in Los Angeles. To help them share their ideas and successes, we’re starting a new Q&A PA Program Profile series. She has a background in communications and joined PAEA in 2016. If you could give developing programs one piece of advice, what would it be? Our program serves as a beacon of hope for the world in search of equal access to health and wellness without barriers. Among the panelists was Sylvia Drew Ivie, JD, daughter of Dr. Charles R. Drew. More than 2,700 applicants applied for the inaugural class and only 24 outstanding students were selected for the 27-month program, which began in August. Together, the group discussed the intersection of race, poverty, and scientific ethics surrounding one of the most important medical discoveries of the last century. CDU offers a 27-month program leading to a Master of Health Sciences. ©2017 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. The Master of Health Sciences-Physician Assistant program was established in 2016. How does your program work to encourage and strengthen inclusiveness and diversity both in its admissions process and in the curriculum? The first PA program we’ll be featuring is Charles R. Drew University (CDU) in Los Angeles. They have since become invaluable for medical research.) More than 2,700 applicants applied for the inaugural class and only 24 outstanding students were selected for the 27-month program, which began in August. Founding Program Director Katayoun Moini, MHS, PA-C, was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Speaking of re-establishing the program, I hear your kick-off was quite an event! PAEA Assessment: Core Tasks and Objectives, End of Rotation: Scoring and Interpretation, End of Curriculum: Scoring and Interpretation, PAEA Releases PACKRAT® 25th Anniversary Faculty Guide, New Jump Start Workshops Fulfill Expectations, Murray Selected to Lead PAEA Opioid Response Project, CASPA – The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants, © 2020 Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), 655 K Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001-2385. Get to know one of the newest PA master’s programs in the first installment of a new Networker article series. Our goal is to provide students with a learning environment that is student-centered, engaging and innovative in its teaching approach, training students to be life-long self-directed learners. Our goal is to prepare students with the knowledge and interpersonal communication skills necessary to practice with professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to patient advocacy within the healthcare system and community. In 2011 Charles R. Drew University completed the teach-out phase of the bachelor’s degree physician assistant program. Our program will provide students with the skills necessary to become exemplary medical providers. Our global community deserves excellent medical providers, and although there will be times when it might be easier to be less than excellent, we can never compromise — as this will ultimately affect the care we will provide to our patients. CDU brings its reputation of innovation, creativity, and excellence to full effect for the benefit of its patients, students, and the community they will ultimately serve. Here is the first installment — hope you enjoy it!