Congressman Diane E. Watson - Representing California's 33rd Congressional District
For Immediate Release
November 2, 2006
Contact: Bert Hammond
(202) 225-7084

Lois Hill Hale
(323) 965-1422
 
 
 

Rep. Watson Dismayed at Planned Closure of
King/Drew Medical Residency Program

Watson sees move as further deterioration of services to the King/Drew community.

 
 

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Diane E. Watson issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is planning to close its long-standing residency program of 34 years:

“The King/Drew Medical complex grew out of the ashes of one of the nation’s worst civil disturbances over four decades ago.  It has provided valuable and critical health and medical services to one of county’s least served neighborhoods.  Today, the magnificent dream of King-Drew has been shattered by decades-long neglect.

“The announcement that the Drew School of Medicine is taking the first steps toward closing its residency program is a devastating development that will have far-reaching consequences.  The closing will set back Drew’s campaign to rebuild its reputation and undermine its ability to retain key faculty.  The closing of the residency program will also impact the King/Drew magnet high school program.

“I am deeply saddened and pained by this latest of many unhappy developments at the King/Drew medical complex.  Nonetheless, I remain committed to the vision and goals of King/Drew and will do everything in my  power to ensure that King/Drew maintains a vibrant presence in a neighborhood whose quality of life is being undermined by the further diminishment of this historic institution.”

 

 

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