California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU COM) was founded in 2016, and its first class entered in July 2020. It is a private osteopathic medical school in Clovis, California, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The Valley is one of the most medically underserved regions in the United States.
It has a largely Hispanic agricultural workforce, severe air quality problems, and wide health gaps. CHSU COM was founded to train physicians who will close the Valley's critical shortage of primary care providers.
What makes California Health Sciences University COM (DO) 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.
California Health Sciences University COM (DO) 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.
California Health Sciences University COM (DO) research strengths
California Health Sciences University COM (DO) is strong in these research areas:
- Agricultural health
- Environmental medicine (air quality)
- Hispanic health disparities
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine
- Rural primary care
How the California Health Sciences University COM (DO) interview runs
Format: Traditional faculty interview
CHSU COM's admissions policy says the interview is conducted in person or remotely, by one or more CHSU-COM interviewers. Interviews 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.
California Health Sciences University COM (DO) intake
Approximately 182 students per year (2024-25 first-year matriculants).
Where California Health Sciences University COM (DO) is
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine was founded in 2016 and is based in Clovis, CA.
Programmes offered:
- Primary Care
- Agricultural Health
- Community Health
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Family Medicine
