Photo by Ben Hensley | The California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Clovis.
published on July 21, 2026 – 3:36 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
California Health Sciences University welcomed 162 medical students to its College of Osteopathic Medicine this week, marking the school’s seventh entering class as it continues its effort to train physicians who will practice in the Central Valley.
The Class of 2030 includes students from across California and beyond, with about 36% of incoming students coming from the Central Valley and about 90% from California. University leaders said they hope many will complete their residencies in the state and ultimately practice in the region.
The new class brings the medical school’s total enrollment to more than 640 students and means CHSU has now matriculated more than 1,000 medical students since opening in 2020.
“With our seventh cohort starting their medical school journey this week, we are proud to have matriculated over 1,000 medical students since we launched in 2020,” John Graneto, dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, said in a statement.
The incoming class also reflects the diversity of California, with students collectively speaking 34 languages and 34% reporting Spanish proficiency.
Among them is 24-year-old Andrew Simon, a first-generation Assyrian American from Modesto, who said his experiences translating for his grandfather during medical appointments inspired him to pursue medicine.
“I think what CHSU really wants to see in students is that you want to come back and serve the Central Valley,” Simon said. “There is such a great need.”
More than 3,700 applicants applied for the fall 2026 class, with fewer than 5% earning a spot after a holistic admissions process that considered academics, MCAT scores, recommendations, personal statements and interviews.