Newsom approves UC medical school for Kern County

Once the project has enough funding, the University of California will start building a medical school in Kern County.

A University of California medical school is coming to Kern County. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2357 into law, requiring the UC to build a medical school campus in Kern County. 

The big picture: AB 2357 was authored by Asm. Jasmeet Bains (D–Delano) with the goal of securing a better healthcare future for Kern County. 

  • Along with the requirement to build a medical school, the bill – known as The Grow Our Own Bill – also directs the California State Treasury to open an endowment in January 2025 that will allow multiple sources to contribute to the school’s funding. 
  • The UC will build the school once funding thresholds are met. 

Why it matters: The Central Valley faces one of the toughest healthcare challenges in the state, with a severe shortage of doctors hurting the region. 

  • According to the California Health Care Foundation, the Valley had 47 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents in 2021. 
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends a ratio of 60 to 80 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents. 
  • California’s overall average is 60 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents. 

What they’re saying: Bains, who is a family doctor, called the bill a dream come true for the Valley. 

  • “With a new medical school, Kern County can be a hub of medical innovation and economic activity, improve healthcare access, create good-paying jobs in the healthcare sector and the businesses that support the healthcare sector, and diversify our local economy,” Bains said. “This project is a win-win-win for our community.” 
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