Charles Drew University Opens New Medical Education Hub, Expanding Healthcare Training in South Los Angeles

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) reached a major milestone on July 11, 2026, with the ribbon-cutting for its new Health Professions Education Building, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train the next generation of physicians and healthcare professionals while strengthening the healthcare workforce in South Los Angeles.

The four-story, 60,000-square-foot building, located on CDU's campus in Willowbrook, serves as the new home of the university's College of Medicine and provides advanced learning space for students across CDU's three colleges. The facility includes adaptive, technology-enabled classrooms, anatomy laboratories, clinical simulation centers, and collaborative learning spaces designed to support interdisciplinary education. CO Architects designed the building, and Turner Construction served as general contractor.

The project represents a significant investment in California's physician workforce at a time when healthcare systems continue to face growing workforce shortages, particularly in historically underserved communities.

Advancing Health Equity Through Medical Education

Founded in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts Uprising, Charles Drew University has long focused on preparing healthcare professionals committed to serving medically underserved populations. University leaders say the new facility builds on that mission by creating an educational environment designed to train physicians who reflect and serve the communities around them.

"Today is a testament to what is possible when a community invests in its own future," said CDU President and CEO David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "For 60 years, CDU has stood alongside the people of South Los Angeles, preparing healthcare professionals committed to serving the patients who need them most."

The ribbon-cutting followed the university's White Coat Ceremony for its newest cohort of medical students — 60 incoming students, the fourth cohort to join CDU's four-year M.D. program. With this class, total enrollment in the program has reached approximately 240 students, marking an important expansion of physician training capacity in Los Angeles County.

Economic and Community Impact

Beyond its educational mission, the Health Professions Education Building is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Watts-Willowbrook community.

Funded in part through a $50 million investment from the State of California, the building and CDU's four-year medical degree program together are projected to create 749 local jobs and generate more than $86.8 million in annual direct and indirect economic impact.

Construction began in 2024 and included a topping-off ceremony in 2025 and completion of major interior and infrastructure work earlier in 2026, culminating in the building's opening as CDU celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Strengthening the Physician Pipeline

California continues to face physician shortages, particularly in primary care and underserved communities. Investments in medical education infrastructure like CDU's new facility play an important role in expanding the physician pipeline while creating opportunities for students committed to practicing in communities with the greatest need.

For Los Angeles County, where health disparities remain significant across many neighborhoods, expanding local medical education capacity represents an important step toward improving long-term access to care and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves.

As healthcare organizations across the region work to recruit and retain physicians, CDU's investment reinforces the connection between medical education, workforce development, and health equity.

Learn more: For additional information about the Health Professions Education Building and Charles Drew University's College of Medicine, visit the university's website.