California Health Sciences University (CHSU) in Clovis is welcoming 160 new medical students, adding to the existing healthcare workforce in the region. This influx of students shines a light on the healthcare provider deficit in California, and CHSU hopes that the majority of its students will complete their residencies locally and ultimately serve the diverse patient populations in the area.
The new cohort, known as the Class of 2027, is the fourth group of students to join CHSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. This brings the total number of medical students at the university to more than 500. The campus is abuzz with excitement as all four cohorts of medical students come together for the first time.
Dr. John Graneto, the Dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, The campus has never been livelier now that we have all four cohorts of medical students at CHSU.
The college takes pride in its commitment to diversity, with students representing various patient populations. Approximately 25% of the students come from the Central Valley, and over 90% are from California. Furthermore, the students collectively speak 40 different languages, with about one-third being fluent in Spanish. Recognizing the importance of effective communication with Spanish-speaking patients, CHSU requires its medical students to take medical Spanish courses.
The rigorous admission process for the Fall 2023 intake involved reviewing more than 3,200 applications, with approximately 800 candidates then being interviewed. The majority of the students have completed their undergraduate studies at renowned institutions such as UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Merced, UC Berkeley, Fresno State, and Stanislaus State.
Looking ahead, members of the CHSU Class of 2024 are eagerly anticipating their medical residencies, which they will be notified about next spring. Dr. Graneto emphasizes the significance of their graduation, stating, Our inaugural class of students will graduate this May before beginning residencies to make an immediate impact on the healthcare provider deficit in the Central Valley.
As the first class of CHSU-educated physicians prepares to enter the workforce, the region can expect a steady stream of new healthcare professionals each year. This will undoubtedly address the pressing challenge of the healthcare provider shortage, ensuring better access to quality medical care for the community.
The arrival of 160 new medical students at CHSU signifies a positive step in bridging the healthcare gap in California. With their diverse backgrounds and dedication to their craft, these future physicians are ready to contribute to the well-being of the Central Valley and beyond. California Health Sciences University is proud to nurture and empower the next generation of healthcare providers.
