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Representatives from Kern Medical, Bakersfield College, California Health Science University\u2019s College of Osteopathic Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences announce the Aspiring Medical Professionals (AMP) Pathway. (Photo courtesy of Bakersfield College)<\/p>\n
Western University of Health Sciences\u2019\u00a0College of Health Sciences\u00a0(CHS)\u00a0is partnering with\u00a0Bakersfield College\u00a0(BC)\u00a0to\u00a0create a pathway for BC\u00a0graduates to enter\u00a0CHS\u2019s\u00a0Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The agreement is part of Bakersfield College\u2019s Aspiring Medical Professionals (AMP) Pathway in partnership with WesternU and California Health Science\u00a0University\u2019s College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU COM).\u00a0Leaders from all three institutions announced the launch of the AMP Pathway at a news conference today, March 27,\u00a02026,\u00a0at Bakersfield College.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0The program is designed to address critical regional health\u00a0care needs and expand access to education by creating a streamlined path from Bakersfield College to medical school and\/or other graduate medical programs. Local clinical training and residency opportunities will be supported through partnerships with Kern Medical and Adventist Health.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Students will begin the AMP pathway at Bakersfield College, completing the bachelor\u2019s degree in research laboratory technology (RTEC), then have the choice of pursuing the\u00a0MSMS\u00a0program\u00a0at WesternU or the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at CHSU-COM, followed by clinical training and\u00a0residencies\u00a0in Kern County.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur students are driven to make a difference in their communities, and this pathway gives them a clear and achievable route into the medical profession,\u201d said Dr. Stacy Pfluger, Interim President of Bakersfield College. \u201cThrough strong partnerships and intentional design, we are reducing barriers and creating opportunities for students to pursue careers in health\u00a0care here at home.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAt Western University of Health Sciences, our commitment to humanism calls us to expand pathways for students who are dedicated to serving their communities with compassion, integrity, and purpose,\u201d said WesternU CHS Dean Gail Evans Grayson, EdD. \u201cThe MSMS program reflects this mission by creating opportunities for aspiring health professionals to pursue their goals while addressing the health needs of the communities they call home. Through our partnership with Bakersfield College and the RTEC-MSMS linkage, we are proud to support students in the Central Valley as they develop into future leaders and advocates for health equity, access, and community-centered\u00a0care.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKern Medical, in partnership with Western University of Health Sciences, is excited to announce our long-term vision of providing a pathway for local students interested in a career in health\u00a0care to become doctors and receive part of their medical school training in Kern County,\u201d said Dr. Glenn Goldis, Chief Medical Officer for Kern Medical. \u201cWith a goal of serving our community upon completion of their residency, we aspire to remove barriers to receiving a medical education while at the same time offer community-based services that facilitate better access to patient care.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Aspiring Medical Professionals (AMP) Pathway is designed to respond to one of Kern County\u2019s most pressing challenges: a shortage of local physicians and health\u00a0care professionals. By creating a locally rooted pathway into medical careers, Bakersfield College and its partners aim to expand access to education and strengthen the health\u00a0care workforce across\u00a0the Central\u00a0Valley.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n