LOS ANGELES — Television producer and writer Chuck Lorre has created some of the most recognizable roles in entertainment. He is turning his attention toward creating some of the most important roles in medicine.
The Chuck Lorre Foundation has made a $30 million donation for the creation of a new school at Cedars-Sinai for those seeking to grow their health care career opportunities.
The Chuck Lorre School of Allied Health will provide training for emerging health care professionals in six areas that are chronically understaffed. Students will be able to pursue education and training in respiratory therapy, pharmacy technician, clinical laboratory science, MRI technology, radiologic technology or echo/cardio technology, areas identified as the most in-demand staffing needs in hospital settings.
“We are honored that Chuck Lorre and his foundation have chosen to continually invest in Cedars-Sinai’s flourishing programs,” said Arthur J. Ochoa, JD, senior vice president of Advancement and chief advancement officer for Cedars-Sinai. “The foundation’s forward thinking will help develop future generations of Cedars-Sinai caliber professionals.”
Within three years, those in the initial class of approximately 50 students are expected to start professional careers at Cedars-Sinai and become certified in their chosen fields. The goal is to double enrollment to more than 100 students in the program in seven years.
The programs will run from six months to two years, with in-person and online courses and students receiving paid positions while training. Tuition support is available for those eligible for financial aid.
“Choosing to collaborate with Cedars-Sinai, one of health care’s most respected institutions, was not a tough call for me,” said Lorre, whose many TV hits include “Two and a Half Men,” “The Kominsky Method,” “Mom” and “The Big Bang Theory.”
“When the opportunity presented itself to provide training and certificates for underserved individuals in our community, which in some instances would double their salaries, I was all in. Partnering with Cedars-Sinai to create the school of allied health will allow us to see long-term impacts in our communities.”
