California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU COM), founded in 2016 with its inaugural class entering in July 2020, is a private osteopathic medical school in Clovis, California — in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The San Joaquin Valley is one of the most medically underserved regions in the United States, with a predominantly Hispanic agricultural workforce, severe air quality issues, and significant health disparities. CHSU COM was founded to train physicians who will address the Valley's critical shortage of primary care providers.
What makes it different
Applications via AACOMAS. CHSU COM's location in the San Joaquin Valley gives students unique exposure to agricultural health — pesticide exposure, musculoskeletal injuries among farmworkers, and occupational health challenges not seen in most training environments. The Valley's severe air quality issues also create distinctive respiratory medicine training opportunities.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout. The curriculum incorporates agricultural health, environmental medicine, and health equity themes distinctive to the San Joaquin Valley context. Years 3–4 clinical rotations at Valley-based community health centers, rural clinics, and affiliated hospital systems.
Research strengths
California Health Sciences University COM (DO) has notable research strength in Agricultural health, Environmental medicine (air quality), Hispanic health disparities, Osteopathic manipulative medicine, Rural primary care.
Interview
California Health Sciences University COM (DO) interviews via Traditional faculty interview. CHSU COM conducts traditional faculty interviews at its Clovis, California campus in the San Joaquin Valley. Interviews are typically 30–45 minutes and focus on commitment to underserved communities in California's agricultural heartland, osteopathic philosophy, and alignment with CHSU's health equity mission. The San Joaquin Valley is one of the most medically underserved regions in California, and interviewers probe genuine understanding of this regional context. Post-interview decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Intake
Approximately 182 students per year (2024-25 first-year matriculants).
At a glance
Founded in 2016, based in Clovis, CA. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Agricultural Health, Community Health, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Family Medicine.
