Charles R. Drew University and WesternU announce launch of linkage program for future podiatric physicians
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) and Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Podiatric Medicine (WesternU CPM) have launched a linkage program that creates an early-admission pathway for CDU students pursuing careers in podiatric medicine. The formal agreement marks the beginning of a partnership that provides CDU pre-health students with direct access to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree at one of the nation’s leading health sciences universities.
“This linkage program stands out among our growing number of academic partnerships,” said Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz, CDU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It is a commitment to walk alongside our students as they pursue advanced health careers. We are proud to work with WesternU to expand access to podiatric medical education and foster broader representation within the health care workforce of the future.”
Unlike traditional transfer or articulation agreements, the partnership is designed to support CDU students well before they matriculate—through early advising, academic preparation, and targeted programming that enhances readiness and confidence for a successful transition into podiatric medical school. The goal is to not only streamline the admission process, but also to improve representation and readiness within the field of podiatric medicine.
“We are proud to launch this linkage program with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science,” said Dr. Jonathan Labovitz, Dean of WesternU’s College of Podiatric Medicine. “This partnership with another university that achieves academic excellence reflects our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for well-deserving students with a desire to care for others. This new pathway provides students with more than just early acceptance into podiatric medicine and surgery. We are committed to supporting students before they matriculate—through advising and programming to ensure students are confident and prepared as they continue their journey to becoming a podiatric physician.”
This agreement adds a specialized dimension to CDU’s expanding portfolio of academic partnerships, which already includes recent MOUs with UC Riverside, Santa Monica College, Los Angeles Mission College, and Chapman University’s School of Pharmacy. Collectively, these efforts reflect CDU’s mission to cultivate diverse health professionals dedicated to social justice, health equity, and service to underserved communities.
