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.”
