Dexter M. Frederick, MD

Loma Linda University School of Medicine has selected Dexter M. Frederick, MD, as the associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion, effective August 1, 2023.

Frederick will play a key role in developing and implementing diversity and inclusivity initiatives that align with the School of Medicine’s strategic plan. His background and experience will also be instrumental in expanding the school’s pathway programs to help increase diversity in science and medicine.

“Dr. Frederick has a passion for fostering positive change and will strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion in healthcare and medical education,” said Tamara Thomas, MD, dean of Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Prior to relocating to Loma Linda, Frederick spent 17 years as a physician at the James A. Haley Veteran Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where he provided primary care services to veterans.

Frederick is a community leader who has achieved significant outcomes for disadvantaged students and underserved individuals through his commitment to excellence and his passion for achieving health equity. 

He is the Founder and CEO of the Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T) Organization; a community-based initiative whose mission is to identify, inspire, and educate underrepresented youth interested in pursuing health careers. Over the past two decades, the B.E.S.T. Organization has developed medical pathway programs that provide mentorship, guidance, and support for students of color.   

“I am honored to return to a place that has taught me how to deliver compassionate, whole person care, and how to display servant leadership,” Dr. Frederick said. “I am excited about bringing my unique collaborative skills and talents to Loma Linda University School of Medicine while creating opportunities to uplift communities in the surrounding region.”

Frederick is a recipient of numerous honors and distinctions for his work and author of the book, “Flatlining: Reviving the Heartbeat of Diversity in Medicine,” which sheds light on the lack of representation of medical professionals of color.

He is an active member of the External Advisory Committee for the top-ranked Moffitt Cancer Center and is a newly appointed Board Member of the nationally acclaimed W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute, which seeks to provide innovative research and knowledge dissemination for the reduction and elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities.

“My experiences with students have shown me that when students are valued, they are empowered to make impactful contributions to society,” Dr. Frederick added.

Frederick was born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He earned his undergraduate degree in respiratory care at Washington Adventist University, formerly Columbia Union College, and his Doctor of Medicine degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1997. He completed an internal medicine and pediatrics residency in 2001 at Loma Linda University Health and was subsequently appointed as chief resident in the Department of Pediatrics. He is a double board-certified internal medicine and pediatrics physician, a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He holds a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from the School of International and Labor Relations at Cornell University.   

This position was recently approved by the Loma Linda University Health Board of Trustees.