As the nation marks the birthday of pioneering physician and scientist Charles R. Drew, M.D., this month, Howard University and WHUT-TV invite viewers to reflect on the achievements of a man whose work transformed modern medicine and continues to inspire generations.

Drew, born June 3, 1904, revolutionized medicine through groundbreaking research on the collection, preservation, and distribution of blood plasma, laying the foundation for modern blood banking and helping save countless lives during World War II and beyond. His presence remains deeply rooted at Howard University, where he helped shape the institution’s tradition of medical excellence.

To commemorate this enduring impact, WHUT will premiere a special edition of “The Journey” titled “Genius Unbroken: Carrying Forward the Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew” on Friday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Wayne A. I. Frederick (B.S. ’92, M.D. ’94, MBA ’11), interim president, president emeritus, and Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery, the program explores Drew’s scientific achievements and features a thoughtful conversation with his daughter, Charlene Drew Jarvis, Ph.D. (M.S. ’64).

As the current Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery, Frederick said that Drew’s influence continues to be felt across Howard, where he became chair of the university’s Department of Surgery in 1941 and helped train a generation of Black physicians during a pivotal era in American medicine.

“Howard University is honored to serve as a steward of Dr. Drew’s contributions through our faculty, students, medical programs, and commitment to excellence,” Frederick said. “We’ve inherited that legacy.”

“Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew,” was written with acclaimed medical historian Craig A. Miller, M.D. The book offers a comprehensive portrait of Dr. Drew’s life and scientific achievements.

Jarvis is a Ph.D.-trained neuroscientist and former Washington, D.C., councilmember. The new book offers a deeply personal portrait of her father. Jarvis recalls a demanding but devoted father who expected excellence and used every moment to teach. Though she was only eight when he died, she says his lessons on achievement, citizenship, and integrity stayed with her throughout her life.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Edward E. Cornwell III, chair emeritus and professor of surgery at Howard University. Cornwell reflects on Drew’s impact on generations of physicians and surgeons, noting that much of that legacy was preserved and passed down by the late Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall Jr., one of Howard’s most distinguished surgeons and educators, who spent decades teaching medical students about Drew’s life and contributions.

Throughout the conversation, Frederick, Jarvis, and Cornwell examine the challenges and opportunities facing medicine today, particularly the need to inspire and prepare future generations of Black physicians.

During the conversation, Jarvis emphasized the importance of early inspiration and strong academic preparation, particularly in mathematics, as key factors in developing the next generation of physicians and medical researchers.

More than seven decades after his death, Drew’s story continues to resonate as a testament to courage, intellect, and service. As Howard and the nation commemorate his birthday, The Journey offers viewers an opportunity to revisit the life of a pioneering physician whose influence continues to shape medicine and medical education today.

Viewers can watch the special edition of “The Journey" on Dr. Charles R. Drew beginning Friday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m., with additional broadcasts on Saturday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 17, at 11:30 p.m.; Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m.; and Thursday, July 2, at 10:30 a.m.