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About the Department

The Department of Clinical Sciences at California Northstate University College of Medicine plays a vital role in bridging foundational science with clinical application. Comprised of dedicated physician faculty and staff, the department integrates clinical medicine and supportive sciences into the pre-clerkship curriculum, ensuring students are exposed to real-world clinical perspectives from the earliest stages of their medical education.

Our faculty provide mentorship and guidance through clinical curriculum design, student research opportunities, interest group support, and career advising – empowering students to explore and pursue careers in a wide range of clinical fields.

In close collaboration with the Department of Basic Sciences and the Department of Clinical Medicine, the Department of Clinical Sciences helps prepare students to confidently transition into their clinical clerkships and residency training with the knowledge, professionalism, and skills essential for success in patient care.

From the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Clinical Sciences at California Northstate University College of Medicine.

Our department is committed to integrating clinical knowledge and practice into the early years of medical education, helping students build a strong foundation for their future in patient care. We are proud to support our students through mentorship, innovative curriculum design, and opportunities that foster both academic and professional growth.

Thank you for visiting. We invite you to explore our programs, meet our dedicated faculty, and learn more about how we prepare tomorrow’s physicians for success in clinical practice and beyond.

Warm Regards,

Thamir Essayyad, MD

Chair, Department of Clinical Science
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine


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Thamir Essayyad, MD

Clinical Science Faculty

Edward Chang

John Chuck, MD

Chief Wellness Officer
Professor of Family Medicine

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Christine Deere

Yinka Davies, MD, MS

Associate Professor of Gastroenterology

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Debra Karling, MD

Debra Karling, MD

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine & Rheumatology

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Floyd Culler, MD

Floyd Culler, MD

Professor of Pediatrics, Endocrinology and Clinical Skills

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Rajendra Ramsamooj, MD

Rajendra Ramsamooj, MD

Assistant Dean of Curriculum
Professor of Pathology, Surgical Pathology and Clinical Skills

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Adedeji Okikiade, MD, PhD

Adedeji Okikiade, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Pathology
Course Director for Hematology
Co-course Director for Cardiovascular Course

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Debra Karling, MD

Debra Karling, MD

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine & Rheumatology

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Floyd Culler, MD

Floyd Culler, MD

Professor of Pediatrics, Endocrinology and Clinical Skills

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Rajendra Ramsamooj, MD

Rajendra Ramsamooj, MD

Assistant Dean of Curriculum
Professor of Pathology, Surgical Pathology and Clinical Skills

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Adedeji Okikiade, MD, PhD

Adedeji Okikiade, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Pathology
Course Director for Hematology
Co-course Director for Cardiovascular Course

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Guy diSibio, MD, PhD

Guy diSibio, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Pathology, Hematopathology, Surgical Pathology,
Molecular Genetics & Clinical Skills

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Amy Nuismer, MD

Amy Nuismer, MD

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Co-course Director: Masters Colloquium

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Sarah Preiss-Farzanegan, MD, FAAPMR

Sarah Preiss-Farzanegan, MD, FAAPMR

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Medical Skills Co-Course Director

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Mark Glatt, DO, FACP

Mark Glatt, DO, FACP

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

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Dana Weisshaar, MD, FACC

Dana Weisshaar, MD, FACC

Professor of Medicine and Cardiology

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For-Shing Lui, MD, MRCP, FRCP

For-Shing Lui, MD, MRCP, FRCP

Professor of Clinical Neurology

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Albin Leong, MD, ATSF

Albin Leong, MD, ATSF

Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Pulmonology

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Susan A. Stevens, MD

Susan A. Stevens, MD

Associate Professor of Endocrinology and Medical Skills
Co-course Director for Endocrinology Course

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Wala B. Fadol, MD

Wala B. Fadol, MD

Assistant Professor of Medical Skills

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David S. Pai, MD, FASN

David S. Pai, MD, FASN

Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Skills
Course Director for Renal System

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Carol Lynne Conrad-Forrest, MD

Carol Lynne Conrad-Forrest, MD

Assistant Professor
Reproductive Systems Course Director

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John Fitz-Gibbon, MD

John Fitz-Gibbon, MD

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine

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Tim Grennan, MD

Tim Grennan, MD

Professor of Internal Medicine

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Dermet Fong, MD

Dermet Fong, MD

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine & Medical Skills

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Mark Levy, MD

Mark Levy, MD

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

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Martin Rubin, MD

Martin Rubin, MD

Associate Professor of Psychiatry

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John Lutch, MD

John Lutch, MD

Associate Professor of Pulmonary Medicine

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Mark Sheffield, MD, PhD

Mark Sheffield, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Physiology, Endocrinology, and Clinical Skills

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Evan Bloom, MD

Evan Bloom, MD

Assistant Professor of Medical Skills

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Howard Capon, MD

Howard Capon, MD

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

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