The Chuck Lorre Allied Health School at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University awarded degrees to its first graduates. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University awarded professional certificates to the first graduates of the Chuck Lorre Allied Health School at a commencement ceremony on June 10. The students are among 40 graduates who will be awarded certificates, doctoral degrees or master’s degrees as part of the university’s 14th graduating class.

The allied health school prepares students – particularly those from Southern California’s underserved communities and Cedars-Sinai employees – for health care careers.

Jessica Chung, 29, is among five students who graduated from the allied health program, established with a $30 million gift from the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. She is completing the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program, which prepares students with innovative skills, clinical practices and procedural techniques needed for a career in a hospital laboratory.

“The training experience has been challenging but highly rewarding,” Chung said. “Working as a clinical laboratory technician inspired me to grow professionally and make a greater difference in patient care.”

Chung, who holds a bachelor of science degree in molecular, cell and developmental biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, praised the instruction she received throughout the program.

“My Cedars-Sinai instructors generously shared their knowledge and gave me a deeper appreciation for how every part of the laboratory works together to support patients,” Chung said. “I look forward to developing my skills further and mentoring new specialists entering the field.”

The graduating class also includes students receiving a doctorate in biomedical and translational sciences, master of science in health systems and master of science in magnetic resonance in medicine degrees. The graduate programs combine scientific and translational medicine curricula with dedicated mentorship from scientists and clinicians.

Dr. Peter L. Slavin, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System, served as a commencement speaker.

“This year’s ceremony marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of our health sciences university,” Slavin said. “With this graduating class and the ones that follow, our university will expand its contribution to biomedical science, clinical care, practitioner advancement and a rich variety of healthcare careers.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University was established in 2024 to prepare generations of academic scientists, physician leaders and allied health professionals for the future of healthcare and biomedical science.

The first graduates from the Chuck Lorre Allied Health School include clinical laboratory scientists Chung and Melissa Amy Casillas, and pharmacy technicians Mehdi Allahbakhsh, Fariba Fazeli and Jayson Flores.

For information, visit cedars-sinai.org.