UCI School of Medicine Recognizes Black History Month

The first observance of Black History Month took place at Kent State University in 1970, six years before it became a nationally recognized celebration. It is very fitting that such a significant aspect of modern American culture was conceived at a public research university, undoubtedly cultivated by the institution’s unique synergy of intellectual thought, community outreach and diverse life experiences.

As the only public medical school in Orange County, the UCI School of Medicine aims to promote academic excellence and health equity for the betterment of African, Black and Caribbean communities.

We invite you to read more about important people in history and at UCI who embody the spirit of Black History Month. 

Charles R. Drew, MD

One name that is instantly synonymous with Black history and medicine is Charles R. Drew, MD. Dr. Drew developed groundbreaking methods of long-term blood storage and transfusions that saved countless lives during World War II, paving the way for the creation of “bloodmobiles” and numerous other modern-day healthcare practices and procedures.

DR. Drew Profile

Candice Taylor Lucas, MD, MPH

During Black History Month, we want to highlight our groundbreaking Program in Medical Education Leadership Education to Advance Diversity: African, Black and Caribbean (PRIME LEAD-ABC) and the ongoing impact its co-director Candice Taylor Lucas, MD, MPH, has etched in the UCI community.

DR. Taylor Lucas Profile

Yannick Fotio, PharmD, PhD

One shining example is Yannick Fotio, PharmD, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow working in Dr. Piomelli’s lab in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology.

DR. Fotio Profile 

Cassandra Smith and Helen Leka

Cassandra Smith and Helen Leka are both second-year medical student scholars in our groundbreaking Program in Medical Education Leadership Education to Advance Diversity: African, Black and Caribbean (PRIME LEAD-ABC). 

Cassandra Smith & Helen Leka Profiles

At the School of Medicine, we will continue to build upon the vision for Black History Month by creating and bolstering educational environments, clinical care and research efforts that strive to achieve health equity for African, Black and Caribbean communities. We aim to be an institution where all people can thrive, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for our entire community, including students, faculty, staff and the patients we serve.

These efforts are an integral part of our mission to: Discover. Teach. Heal.